Warm up your soul with this classic Chicken and Dumpling Soup, a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days and cozy evenings. This recipe offers a delightful blend of tender chicken, soft, pillowy dumplings, and a rich, savory broth, all infused with the soothing flavors of herbs and vegetables. Whether you’re seeking comfort after a long day or just craving a taste of home, this chicken and dumpling soup promises to deliver warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful, making it a timeless favorite for both family dinners and solitary indulgences.

Ingredients For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups carrots, chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped, including some leaves
• 8 cups chicken broth, fat free, reduced sodium
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, coarsely chopped

Ingredients for the Dumplings:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup skim milk
• 1 egg, large

Directions:

1. Heat oil in Dutch oven or soup kettle over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté carrot, onion and celery for 5 minutes; stir in broth, chicken, peppercorns, thyme, and bay leaves.
3. Reduce heat to low; simmer, partially covered for 20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix dumpling ingredients until well blended.
5. Drop small spoonsful of dumpling dough into simmering soup.
6. Cover soup and allow dumplings to cook for about 20 minutes (they will rise to the top of the soup as they cook).
7. Stir in spinach.
8. Remove bay leaves before serving soup.