If you’re looking to warm your soul with something unbelievably comforting and downright delicious, this Red Curry Dumpling Soup is the answer. Imagine a bowl brimming with velvety coconut milk, aromatic red curry, and delicate dumplings — it’s a dish that takes comfort food to a whole new level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: Each spoonful is a delectable symphony of rich red curry and creamy coconut milk.
- Simplicity Meets Gourmet: Easy to prepare yet sophisticated enough to impress at a dinner party.
- Customizable: Adapt it to your taste or dietary needs with various protein and vegetable options.
- Soothing and Comforting: Perfect for chilly evenings when you need a food hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Red Curry Dumpling Soup are straightforward yet essential to building the depth of flavor in this dish. Each one, from the earthy mushrooms to the vibrant bok choy, plays a key role.
- Scallions: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For sautéing and developing those initial layers of flavor.
- Cremini Mushrooms: They bring an earthy depth and meaty texture to the soup.
- Baby Bok Choy: Offers a fresh, crunchy contrast to the soft dumplings.
- Garlic: Enhances every other flavor with its pungency and warmth.
- Red Curry Paste: The soul of the soup; it’s spicy, aromatic, and essential.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Acts as the base, tying all the flavors together.
- Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness that balances the spice.
- Frozen Dumplings: The hearty star of this soup, making it filling and satisfying.
- Kosher Salt and Fresh Lime Juice: Essential for seasoning and brightening the soup.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative with this Red Curry Dumpling Soup. It’s wonderfully versatile and easy to adapt to whatever you have on hand or whatever dietary needs you’re considering.
- Add Protein: Include shrimp or shredded chicken to make it even more hearty.
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap in tofu or more mushrooms to keep it plant-based.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red curry paste or add fresh chilies for extra heat.
How to Make Red Curry Dumpling Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in your saucepan, then sauté the scallion whites and pale greens until softened. Adding mushrooms next, let them brown slightly to enhance their earthy flavor. Toss in the bok choy and garlic last, letting the garlic release its magic aroma.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Stir in the red curry paste, ensuring it coats all your veggies. Pour in your broth and coconut milk, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once simmering, let it meld together for a good 20 minutes to intensify the flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Dumplings
With your soup base ready, add the frozen dumplings and let them cook until they’re heated through and tender — about 10 minutes. The gentle simmer will also allow the dumplings to soak in the beautiful flavors.
Step 4: Final Touches
Once off the heat, finish with salt, lime juice, and adjust the seasoning as needed. The lime brightens everything up, making the flavors pop with vibrancy. Scoop into bowls and garnish with sliced dark scallions and cilantro for a fresh finish.
Pro Tips for Making Red Curry Dumpling Soup
- Elevate the Spice: To deepen the curry flavor, toast the curry paste with a bit of oil before adding other ingredients.
- Dumpling Texture: Ensure your dumplings are fully submerged in the broth to cook evenly and absorb flavor.
- Fresh Lime Importance: Fresh lime juice is crucial; it cuts through the soup’s richness and adds a bright, tangy finish.
- Use Quality Coconut Milk: The creaminess of the soup hinges on good-quality coconut milk, so don’t skimp here.
How to Serve Red Curry Dumpling Soup
Garnishes
Top your soup with slivers of dark scallion greens and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. They don’t just add visual appeal but also a burst of fresh flavor that complements the rich broth beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with crusty bread or steamed jasmine rice to make the meal more substantial. A side of mango salad or summer rolls can also provide a refreshing balance to the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in deep bowls adorned with a small leaf of Thai basil or a slice of fresh chili on top. For an elegant touch, use large, flat soup plates and arrange the dumplings neatly, pouring the broth in at the table for a dramatic effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will deepen and become even more delicious with time, but keep an eye on the dumplings’ texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup without dumplings for up to three months. Prepare the base, and when ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, reheat, and add freshly cooked dumplings before serving.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade dumplings?
Absolutely! Homemade dumplings add a personal touch and can be customized with your favorite fillings.
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Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use vegetable-based dumplings.
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How can I make the soup less spicy?
Reduce the amount of red curry paste or add additional coconut milk to balance the spice level.
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Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, additional vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or carrots can enhance the soup’s nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Red Curry Dumpling Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re enjoying it alone on a cozy night or serving it at your next gathering, it’s bound to warm hearts and bring smiles. Go ahead, grab your ingredients, and let this enchanting soup grace your table.
Print
Red Curry Dumpling Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-inspired
Description
A flavorful and comforting Red Curry Dumpling Soup that combines the richness of coconut milk, aromatic red curry paste, and tender dumplings in a savory broth, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 scallions, sliced (separating whites/pale greens and dark greens)
- 3 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups baby bok choy, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Broth and Coconut Milk
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk
Dumplings and Seasonings
- 16 oz frozen dumplings (approximately 13-15 dumplings)
- 1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
- 2 tsp fresh lime juice, or to taste
Extras and Garnish
- Optional: fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Thinly slice the scallions, separating the whites and pale greens from the dark greens for garnish later.
- Cook the base: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the scallion whites and pale greens, cooking until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Then add chopped bok choy and minced garlic, cooking for another 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Flavor the broth: Mix in the red curry paste, stirring well to coat the vegetables.
- Add liquids: Pour in the broth and coconut milk, increase heat to bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add dumplings: Turn the heat up to medium-low, add the frozen dumplings, cover, and cook for an additional 10 minutes until dumplings are heated through.
- Finish the soup: Remove from heat, stir in salt and lime juice, and taste, adjusting seasonings if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with dark green scallions and cilantro, if desired, and enjoy hot.
Notes
- Ensure the dumplings are fully cooked to avoid any raw dough taste.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red curry paste.
- Garnish with additional lime juice or cilantro to enhance freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
