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Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings


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  • Author: Recipes Tasteful
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

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

Scale

For the Soup:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tamale Dumplings:

  • 1 cup masa harina
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (or oil for dairy-free)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)

Optional Toppings:

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Diced avocado
  • Crumbled queso fresco
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  • Sauté the Vegetables: 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.
  • Build the Base: 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.
  • Make the Dumpling Dough: 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.
  • Shape the Dumplings: Using your hands, roll the dough into small, bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Set them aside on a plate.
  • Cook the Dumplings: 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.
  • Serve: 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.

Notes

  • You can adjust the spiciness of the soup by adding more chili powder or using a spicy variety of salsa.
  • For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the cheese if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg