Calabrian Chili Tomato Dumpling Soup Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a comforting, yet vibrant dish that fuses heat, spice, and heartiness, you’ve come to the right place. This Calabrian Chili Tomato Dumpling Soup recipe is a bold twist on traditional soups, bursting with Italian flavors, a touch of heat, and tender dumplings that make it a meal you’ll crave again and again.

Calabria, a region located in the southern tip of Italy, is famous for its rich culinary heritage and, most notably, its spicy Calabrian chilis. These chilis are a perfect blend of heat and flavor, making them an essential ingredient for creating a soup that’s full of depth and warmth. Paired with a rich tomato broth and homemade dumplings, this soup is not only satisfying but incredibly flavorful.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply cozy up with a comforting bowl after a long day, this soup is sure to become a go-to in your recipe arsenal. Let’s dive right in and take a look at what you’ll need to make this fiery yet satisfying soup!

Calabrian Chili Tomato Dumpling Soup Recipe

A hearty, spicy, and flavorful soup made from rich tomato broth, fiery Calabrian chilis, and fluffy homemade dumplings. This recipe brings together the perfect balance of spice, savory goodness, and comfort.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this flavorful soup:

For The Soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the garlic and onions. You’ll want a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for maximum flavor.
• 1 medium onion, chopped – The sweetness of the onion balances the spice in the soup.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds that aromatic base.
• 1-2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste or whole chilis (adjust for heat preference) – The star of the show. Use this to infuse the broth with heat and flavor.
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes – You need this for the rich, tangy base of your broth.
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth – The liquid for the soup. You can also use bone broth for added richness.
• 1 teaspoon sugar – Balances the acidity from the tomatoes.
• Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning.
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano – A little herbaceous flavor goes a long way in this soup.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar – Adds a deep, slightly tangy finish to the broth.
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish) – For a fresh, aromatic touch at the end.

For The Dumplings

• 1 cup all-purpose flour – The base of the dumpling dough.
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder – For a light, fluffy texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – To enhance the flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano – To tie in with the Italian flavors of the soup.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds depth and umami.
• 1/4 cup milk – To bind the ingredients and make the dough moist.
• 1 egg – Helps to hold the dumpling mixture together.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter – Adds richness to the dumplings.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare The Soup Base

• In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of Calabrian chili paste (depending on your heat preference). Let it cook for 2 minutes to release the oils and flavors.
• Pour in the crushed tomatoes, followed by the broth. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a simmer.
• Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and sugar. Add the balsamic vinegar for a touch of tang.
• Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Make The Dumplings

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, oregano, and Parmesan.
• In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk and melted butter.
• Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. If the dough feels too wet, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a splash of milk.
• Once the soup has simmered and is ready, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. The dumplings should float on top, so you’ll want some space between them.
• Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are fluffy and fully cooked through.

Serve And Garnish

• Once the dumplings are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each one gets a few dumplings.
• Garnish with freshly chopped basil for added fragrance and a pop of color.

Ingredient Insights

• Calabrian Chilis: These chilis are more than just spicy; they bring a deep, smoky flavor with hints of fruitiness. Their heat level can vary, so it’s essential to adjust the quantity to suit your taste. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just a small amount and taste test as you go.
• Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes serve as the backbone of this soup’s flavor. They’re tangy, rich, and add that comforting, hearty base you expect from a tomato-based soup. The addition of sugar balances out the acidity, resulting in a well-rounded flavor.
• Dumplings: These fluffy little pillows of goodness are made with simple pantry staples, yet they provide such a satisfying texture against the brothy soup. The Parmesan cheese gives the dumplings an extra layer of flavor that complements the spices in the broth.

Expert Tips

• Adjust the Heat: If you’re worried about the soup being too spicy, start with less Calabrian chili paste. You can always add more after tasting.
• Dumpling Texture: The key to light and fluffy dumplings is not to overwork the dough. Mix just until combined to avoid a dense texture.
• Broth Variations: For a richer, more savory broth, consider using bone broth instead of regular chicken or vegetable broth.
• Add Veggies: If you like your soups loaded with veggies, feel free to add some chopped spinach, kale, or zucchini to the broth. These will cook quickly and add color and nutrition.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the soup base and dumplings separately in advance. Reheat the broth and cook the dumplings fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

• Meat Option: Add ground sausage or chicken for a heartier version of this soup. Brown the meat first before adding the onion and garlic for extra depth of flavor.
• Spicy Tomato Soup: If you’re a fan of classic tomato soup, simply leave out the dumplings and enjoy a spicier, more robust version of a traditional tomato soup.
• Vegan Version: Replace the Parmesan in the dumplings with a vegan alternative, and use vegetable broth for the soup. You can also swap the butter for olive oil in the dumpling mixture.

Final Words

This Calabrian Chili Tomato Dumpling Soup is a perfect blend of spicy, savory, and comforting, offering a unique twist on classic soup recipes. The combination of tangy tomatoes, hearty broth, and soft dumplings creates a dish that’s filling, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re in need of something cozy for a chilly evening or want to spice up your usual soup routine, this recipe hits all the right notes.