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Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings

A comforting bowl of Tamale Soup with fluffy tamale dumplings, bringing together savory spices and delicious flavors in one delightful dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Soups
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Soup
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (red or green)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with green chilies
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tamale Dumplings
  • 1 cup masa harina (corn flour)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth (plus more, as needed)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
Cooking the Soup
  1. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Let the soup simmer for 15 minutes.
Preparing the Dumplings
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Slowly add the vegetable broth and oil, mixing until you form a soft dough. If the dough appears dry, add a little more broth until the desired consistency is reached.
Cooking the Dumplings
  1. Using your hands, form small balls of dough (about 1 inch in diameter).
  2. Carefully drop them into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes. The dumplings will puff up, turning fluffy and soft.
Finishing Touches
  1. Once the dumplings are cooked through, gently stir the soup, and adjust seasoning as necessary.
  2. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, avocado, or lime wedges.

Notes

To elevate your soup, consider using favorite vegetables like zucchini or carrots. Ensure dumplings are cooked light and fluffy. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.