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Lisa’s Tomato Dumplings: A Comforting and Flavorful Delight
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the spot like Lisa’s Tomato Dumplings. This recipe combines the rich, savory flavors of tomatoes with the soft, pillowy texture of homemade dumplings, creating a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special meal to impress your friends, Lisa’s Tomato Dumplings offer the best of both worlds: a rich, flavorful sauce and tender dumplings that soak up all the goodness.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make Lisa’s Tomato Dumplings, share some tips for getting the perfect dumplings, and explain why this dish should become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Lisa’s Tomato Dumplings
Tomato-based dishes are a classic favorite for many, and this recipe takes that classic comfort food to a whole new level. Here’s why you’ll love this dish:
- Rich Tomato Flavor: The base of this dish is a simple yet flavorful tomato sauce made from fresh or canned tomatoes. This rich sauce is bursting with tangy sweetness and pairs perfectly with the dumplings.
- Soft, Pillowy Dumplings: The dumplings are tender and fluffy, absorbing all the savory goodness of the tomato sauce. The soft texture of the dumplings balances out the acidity and richness of the tomato sauce.
- Quick and Easy: Despite how indulgent it tastes, Lisa’s Tomato Dumplings come together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight meal for those busy nights when you want something comforting but don’t have a lot of time to spare.
- Customizable: This recipe is highly versatile. You can add extra herbs and spices to the sauce, throw in some vegetables, or even top it with grated cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients for Lisa’s Tomato Dumplings
To make Lisa’s Tomato Dumplings, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. The key to this dish is using fresh ingredients for the sauce and ensuring that the dumplings are soft and light. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup water (or vegetable broth for extra flavor)
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based milk for a dairy-free version)
- 1 egg (optional, for extra richness)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Lisa’s Tomato Dumplings
Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the crushed tomatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, make sure to chop them finely before adding them to the pot.
- Season the sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir in a teaspoon of sugar (optional) to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Add water or vegetable broth to thin the sauce slightly and bring it to a simmer. Let the sauce cook on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together and the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 2: Make the Dumplings
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Cut the softened butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
