SOUTHWEST BEEF AND DUMPLINGS SOUP

This is a hearty and complete meal.  The soup is made with ground beef, tomatoes, corn, garlic, and chili powder.  The dumplings are made with corn meal.  Corn, beef, and chili—that’s a southwestern dish.

For the soup

1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
3 cups canned or frozen corn, drained
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
2 15-ounce cans of beef broth
1/2 tablespoon basil
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon rosemary
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Crumble the ground beef and stir in the onion and garlic.  Brown over medium heat and then drain the fat.
2. Add the corn, tomatoes, and beef broth.  Add the spices: basil, chili powder, thyme, rosemary, and salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil and then simmer for 20 minutes.

For the dumplings

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup corn meal
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

1 large egg
2/3 cup milk
1 cup drained corn
1/2 cup grated cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, corn meal, baking powder, and salt together.
2. In another, bowl whisk the egg and milk together. Add the cheese, corn, and parsley to the egg mixture.
3. Make a well in the dry ingredients.  Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir just until moistened.
4. Drop the dough by tablespoons into simmering soup. Cover the soup with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting lid. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into a dumpling.  It will come out clean if done.