Cozy Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings

Introduction

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of warm, flavorful soup. One of my family’s favorite go-to recipes during the colder months is this Cozy Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings. The rich, creamy coconut milk pairs perfectly with the aromatic curry spices, while the dumplings add a satisfying, fluffy texture that makes every spoonful feel like a warm hug. What I love most about this dish is its versatility—whether you’re craving something hearty for dinner or a satisfying lunch, this soup hits the spot. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be tailored to suit your dietary preferences.

My kids devour this soup every time I make it. The bright flavors from the lime and soy sauce, the sweetness from the roasted sweet potatoes, and the earthiness from the spinach create a bowl that feels both indulgent and nourishing. And, of course, the dumplings—oh, the dumplings! They’re pillowy soft and soak up the flavorful broth perfectly. Even my picky eaters can’t get enough of them! This recipe has truly become a staple in our home, and I can’t wait for you to try it too.

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Why You’ll Love This Cozy Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings

There are so many reasons to love this dish! First off, it combines the comfort of a classic soup with the exciting flavors of curry, coconut, and a hint of sweetness from the sweet potatoes. The dumplings are the cherry on top, providing a satisfying, soft bite that enhances the soup’s creaminess. Here are a few reasons why this recipe will quickly become your go-to meal:

• Creamy & Flavorful: The coconut milk provides a silky texture, while the curry paste and spices bring a depth of flavor that makes each spoonful irresistible.
• Customizable: Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, this soup works for all diets. You can easily swap out the vegetable broth for chicken broth or use a non-dairy coconut milk if you prefer.
• Hearty & Filling: Thanks to the sweet potatoes, spinach, and dumplings, this soup is full of nourishing ingredients that will keep you full and satisfied.
• One-pot meal: This is a one-pot wonder that’s as easy to make as it is to clean up. The soup and dumplings cook in the same pot, saving you time and effort.

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Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup baby spinach (or kale)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or butter, melted
• 1/3 cup coconut milk (or regular milk)

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced green onions
• Red chili flakes for heat
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Soup Base

• Heat the coconut oil (or vegetable oil) in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, red curry paste, turmeric, cumin, and paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their fragrance.
• Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and coconut milk, stirring to combine.
• Add the diced sweet potato and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
• Stir in the red bell pepper, baby spinach (or kale), soy sauce, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Make the Dumplings

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Add the melted coconut oil (or butter) and coconut milk (or regular milk), stirring until a sticky dough forms. The dough should be soft but not too runny.

3. Add Dumplings to the Soup

• Using a spoon, drop small dollops of the dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round—this is a rustic dish, after all!
• Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 8-10 minutes, or until they are puffed and cooked through.

4. Serve

• Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a few dumplings.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or chili flakes for heat. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of the recipe)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 6g
  Cholesterol: 10mg
  Calcium: 60mg
  Iron: 3mg

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Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

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How to Serve

• As a Main Course: This soup is hearty enough to be served as a main meal. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete dinner.
• For Meal Prep: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better as they sit! You can reheat it on the stove and add fresh dumplings if you like.
• For a Light Snack: Serve a smaller portion with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro for a light, refreshing treat.

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Additional Tips

1. Add Heat: If you like your food spicy, feel free to increase the amount of red curry paste or add fresh chopped chilies to the soup.
2. Vegan Dumplings: To make the dumplings completely vegan, use a dairy-free milk alternative (like almond milk) and coconut oil for the fat.
3. Greens: If you don’t have spinach, feel free to use kale, chard, or any other leafy green you have on hand.
4. Protein Boost: Add some cooked chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to make the soup even more filling.
5. Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, add more coconut milk or blend part of the soup before adding the dumplings.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup base and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add the dumplings and reheat before serving.

2. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, the soup can be frozen without the dumplings. Simply let the soup cool completely, transfer it to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Add freshly made dumplings when reheating.

3. Can I use different vegetables in the soup?
Absolutely! You can swap the sweet potato with carrots, butternut squash, or any root vegetable. You can also add broccoli, zucchini, or green beans.

4. Can I use gluten-free flour for the dumplings?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure the dumplings are light and fluffy by adjusting the dough consistency with a little more liquid if necessary.

5. Is the recipe spicy?
The curry paste adds a bit of heat, but it’s not overly spicy. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of curry paste or skip it altogether.

6. Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk, but the coconut milk adds a creamy texture and a subtle flavor that enhances the soup.

7. Can I add protein to the soup?
Yes, cooked chicken, tofu, or chickpeas would be a great addition to make this soup more filling.

8. Can I make this soup in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can add all of the soup ingredients (except the dumplings) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the dumplings in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

9. Can I use other greens besides spinach?
Yes, kale, collard greens, or Swiss chard would work beautifully in this soup.

10. Can I make the dumplings without baking powder?
If you don’t have baking powder, you can try using self-raising flour, or omit the leavening agent and make a denser dumpling.

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Conclusion

This Cozy Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings is the perfect meal for any occasion when you need something comforting and delicious. The creamy coconut milk, rich curry spices, and soft, fluffy dumplings come together in a way that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it to family on a cold evening or preparing a hearty lunch, this recipe is sure to impress. And with its flexibility to be customized to your tastes and dietary needs, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!

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