Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings Recipe
If there’s one comforting, flavor-packed dish I could happily eat on repeat, it’s the Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings Recipe! This soup is a soothing hug in a bowl, brimming with creamy coconut, vibrant curry spices, and fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings. Every spoonful celebrates bold Asian-inspired flavors balanced by the irresistible pillowy texture of homemade dumplings, making it the ultimate cozy meal for both weeknights and special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings Recipe is that it uses easy-to-find ingredients while delivering restaurant-worthy complexity. Each component brings something special, from the aromatic foundation to the creamy broth and tender dumplings.
- Coconut oil: Lends a subtle coconut aroma and richness to the soup base.
- Onion: Sautéed for sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Essential for its aromatic punch; always use fresh for best results.
- Fresh ginger: Adds brightness and gentle heat—peel before grating for the smoothest texture.
- Red curry paste: The backbone of flavor—adjust the amount for your desired spice level.
- Ground turmeric: Gives beautiful golden color and earthy undertones.
- Ground coriander: Provides subtle citrusy notes that lift the soup’s warmth.
- Vegetable broth: Forms the soup’s savory body—homemade or store-bought both work.
- Full-fat coconut milk: The hero for decadent creaminess and tropical aroma.
- Soy sauce: Deepens the umami; substitute tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Lime juice: Brightens the broth and cuts through richness with zesty acidity.
- Brown sugar: A little sweetness to balance the spices and coconut.
- Carrots: Bring gentle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Snow peas or green beans: Add snappy texture and a pop of green.
- Red bell pepper: For crunch, color, and a subtle sweetness.
- Fresh cilantro: The go-to garnish that adds a fresh, herbal finishing touch.
- All-purpose flour (for dumplings): Gives the dumplings their soft, fluffy texture.
- Baking powder (for dumplings): Ensures the dumplings puff up beautifully as they cook.
- Salt (for dumplings): Heightens the flavors in the dumplings and soup.
- Scallions (for dumplings): Bring a subtle oniony bite and color to the dumplings.
- Coconut milk (for dumplings): The secret to ultra-tender, fragrant dumplings.
How to Make Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and gently sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for another minute until your kitchen fills with that unmistakable, inviting fragrance that signals a delicious soup is on the way.
Step 2: Toast the Spices
Add the red curry paste, ground turmeric, and ground coriander straight into the pot. Let these toast in the oil and onion mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This not only releases their deep, complex flavors but also infuses the soup with vibrant color and aroma. This simple step transforms your broth into something truly crave-worthy.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, using your spoon to scrape up any flavor-packed bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Now, stir in the coconut milk, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, and brown sugar. Give everything a good mix, and you’ll notice the soup becoming creamy with an irresistible sweet-salty-tangy balance—the heart of this Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings Recipe.
Step 4: Simmer the Vegetables
Add the sliced carrots, snow peas or green beans, and chopped red bell pepper to the simmering broth. Let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re tender but still vibrant. This short simmer preserves their fresh textures and keeps the soup looking bright and inviting.
Step 5: Make the Dumplings
While the vegetables are simmering, it’s time for the dumplings! In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the chopped scallions, then pour in the coconut milk. Mix just until a thick, sticky dough forms; don’t overwork it, or the dumplings could turn out dense.
Step 6: Cook the Dumplings
Using a spoon, drop small mounds of dumpling dough directly into the bubbling soup. They’ll expand as they cook! Cover the pot and let the dumplings simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes. They should puff up and become delightfully light and fluffy, absorbing a bit of the soup’s flavor as they steam to perfection.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the piping-hot soup and dumplings into bowls, then crown each serving with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Every spoonful bursts with creamy curry broth and fluffy bites of herby dumpling—pure comfort!
How to Serve Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnish can elevate each bowl of this Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings Recipe from cozy to absolutely stunning. A shower of freshly chopped cilantro adds a pop of green and a cooling freshness. If you like extra heat, toss on some thinly sliced fresh chilies or a pinch of chili flakes. A squeeze of extra lime can brighten the flavors even more!
Side Dishes
While this soup shines on its own, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad, steamed jasmine rice, or a simple cucumber salad to round out the meal. These easy sides complement the curry flavors and let the dumplings truly stand out.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress at a dinner party, try serving the soup in wide, shallow bowls with the dumplings arranged in the center and a swirl of coconut milk or chili oil on top. Plating the garnishes in small bowls lets everyone customize their bowl of Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings Recipe exactly how they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge. Transfer cooled soup and dumplings to an airtight container and store for up to three days. The flavors mingle even more overnight, so the soup may taste even better the next day!
Freezing
If you want to freeze the soup, keep in mind that the texture of the dumplings may change after thawing—they can become a bit softer. For best results, freeze the soup without the dumplings, then make fresh dumplings when ready to serve. Store the broth in freezer-safe containers for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until hot all the way through. If reheating with dumplings, do so gently so they don’t fall apart. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring between each round to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free too. The texture might be a touch different, but the dumplings will still be fluffy and delicious.
Is there a way to make this soup higher in protein?
Definitely! You can add cubed tofu, seared tempeh, or shredded cooked chicken (if you’re not strictly vegetarian) right before adding the dumplings. These ingredients soak up the flavorful broth beautifully and make the Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings Recipe even more satisfying.
How spicy is this soup?
With one tablespoon of red curry paste, the soup is moderately spicy, but not overwhelming. For extra heat, add more curry paste or toss in some sliced fresh chilies. Prefer a milder version? Simply reduce the amount of curry paste.
Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat?
Yes, you can use light coconut milk if you prefer a lighter soup, though the broth will be a bit less creamy. Full-fat coconut milk provides the most luxurious texture, but both versions are totally tasty!
What vegetables can I substitute in this soup?
Feel free to use what you have on hand! Mushrooms, baby corn, spinach, broccoli florets, or snap peas all work beautifully in the Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings Recipe. Just adjust simmering times so everything is perfectly tender.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s every bit as nourishing as it is flavor-packed, you owe it to yourself to try the Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings Recipe. The combination of silky, aromatic broth and tender dumplings is truly soul-satisfying. I hope this becomes one of your new go-to comfort foods—happy cooking!
Print
Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the richness of coconut milk with the aromatic spices of red curry, turmeric, and coriander. The addition of fresh vegetables and fluffy coconut dumplings makes this soup a satisfying meal on its own.
Ingredients
Main Soup:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup snow peas or green beans
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
For the dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
Instructions
- Main Soup: In a large pot, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until soft. Stir in red curry paste, turmeric, and coriander. Pour in broth, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Add carrots, bell pepper, and snow peas; simmer until tender.
- For the dumplings: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in scallions, then add coconut milk to form a dough. Drop spoonfuls into the soup, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with cilantro.
Notes
- For extra heat, add chili flakes or sliced fresh chili.
- Substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Add tofu or shredded chicken for additional protein if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
