here in the midwest, this time of year is known as a lot of things but to some people, it’s known affectionately and unofficially as “soup season”.
soup is honestly one of my most loved meals. they’re just so comforting and hearty and really do warm the soul on cold, blustery days, especially if you’re able to have them with warm from the oven homemade bread.
for the challenge, i thought i’d share a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart. i have long since believed that my grandmother was magic and this recipe and the way it makes me feel does nothing to convince me otherwise.
Grammy’s Chicken Dumpling Soup
What you’ll need:
one(1) medium onion, diced
for protection, remembering loved ones, breaking down barriers
three (3) large carrots, diced
for prosperity, abundance, and wellbeing
three (3) stalks celery, diced
three (3) medium potatoes, diced
to ground you and remind you to keep your feet firmly planted
two (2) cans chicken noodle soup
one (1) carton chicken stock
one (1) tbsp thyme
for protection
one (1) tbsp marjoram
for good luck and happiness
one (1) tbsp sage
for cleansing of negativity
two (2) bay leaves
for health, luck, and joy
three (3) chicken bouillon cubes
two (2) eggs
two (2) cups flour
one (1) cup milk
salt and pepper to taste
and now, we cook.
start by melting some butter in the bottom of your soup kettle and adding the diced veggies and spices, cooking them until they’re slightly tender. once this is done, add in the chicken noodle soup, potatoes (not pictured bc we didn’t have any), and bouillon cubes and simmer until your heart says it’s enough.
from here, you’ll want to add the chicken stock and allow the flavors to continue to incorporate while you mix up the dumplings.
in a bowl, mix together the flour, eggs, milk, and a little salt and pepper. DO NOT OVER MIX.
bring your soup to a steady boil and heat the head of a tablespoon in the broth. once heated, scoop a bit of dumpling batter onto the spoon (again, measuring with your heart) and drop it into the broth, shaking the spoon a bit to dislodge.
continue to drop all dumplings into the broth until done and then cover and let simmer for twenty minutes. DO NOT REMOVE LID.
after twenty minutes, remove the lid and give the soup a good stir. ladle into soup bowls, tear of a chunk of bread and enjoy!
this soup is such a good way to end the day. it’s cozy, comforting, and most importantly, delicious.
i always like to send up a little “hi grammy” as i tuck in. perhaps you can use this time to remember someone you care for who is no longer around as well!
be well, be kind, be good.
xx
... 