Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings
A comforting and flavorful soup with tamale-inspired dumplings. Packed with veggies, beans, and corn, this dish is a perfect balance of spice and warmth. #easyrecipes
Ingredients
- 2 tbspolive oil
- 1 mediumonion
diced
- 3garlic cloves
minced
- 1red bell pepper
diced
- 1green bell pepper
diced
- 1 candiced tomatoes
with juices
- 1 canblack beans
drained and rinsed
- 1 cfrozen corn
- 4 cchicken broth
or vegetable broth for vegetarian
- 1 tspchili powder
- 1 tspground cumin
- ½ tspsmoked paprika
- ½ tsporegano
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cmasa harina
- ½ tspbaking powder
- ¼ tspsalt
- ⅓ cchicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbspmelted butter
or oil for dairy-free
- optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheese
cheddar or monterey jack
- fresh cilantro
- diced avocado
- crumbled queso fresco
- lime wedges
Directions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
- 2
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, corn, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 3
While the soup simmers, prepare the tamale dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Add the broth and melted butter, mixing until a soft dough forms. If desired, fold in shredded cheese for added flavor.
- 4
Using your hands, roll the dough into small, bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Set them aside on a plate.
- 5
Gently drop the dumplings into the simmering soup one at a time. Cover the pot and let the soup cook for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the dumplings are firm and cooked through.
- 6
Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous portion of dumplings. Garnish with cilantro, diced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
About this Recipe
Warm Up with Cozy Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings
When the craving for something truly comforting and uniquely flavorful strikes, look no further than this incredible Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings. This isn't just any soup; it's a hearty, soul-warming bowl packed with the vibrant flavors you love from Mexican cuisine, elevated by delightful, masa harina-based homemade dumplings that truly capture the essence of a tamale.
This easy soup recipe transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece. Imagine tender bell peppers, sweet corn, rich black beans, and diced tomatoes simmering in a savory broth, perfectly seasoned with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. It’s a harmonious blend that creates a depth of flavor in every spoonful.
But the real star of this vegetarian soup are the tamale dumplings. Light, fluffy, and infused with the distinct taste of masa, they cook directly in the broth, soaking up all the delicious liquid. These aren't your average dumplings; they're a nod to traditional tamales, providing a satisfying, authentic texture that makes this dish truly special. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy the flavors of tamales in a convenient, spoonable format.
Tips for the Perfect Bowl
- Spice it Up: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the soup for an extra kick.
- Vary Your Veggies: While bell peppers and corn are fantastic, feel free to toss in zucchini, carrots, or even sweet potatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
- Garnish Generously: Don't skip the fresh toppings! Diced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice truly brighten the Mexican soup experience and add layers of texture and taste. This comfort food is perfect for a cozy evening.