Yesterday morning my four-year-old woke up feeling under the weather. She was complaining of a sore throat and headache. I knew it was a day for comfort food, and what could be better than vegan chicken and dumplings? It’s warm and creamy but also packed with veggies, making it the perfect meal for a sick day.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love that this recipe is so comforting. The creamy broth and tender soy curls make for a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for chilly nights or when you need a pick-me-up.

It’s also great for picky eaters, or families with picky people who have a tough time with vegetables. This dish is full of veggies, but most picky eaters will eat them down happily when blended in with the creamy goodness.

How to Make It

To make vegan chicken and dumplings with soy curls, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Stew:

• Carrots
• Celery
• Onion
• Potato
• Soy curls
• Raw cashews, almond flour, or slivered almonds

For the Dumplings:

• White or wheat flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Non-dairy milk

Instructions:

1. Prepare dumplings and set aside.
2. Bring six cups of water to a boil.
3. Add in vegetables, soy curls, and seasonings.
4. Cook until veggies are beginning to soften, about 10 minutes.
5. Drop dumplings into vegetables & broth by 1 tablespoon spoonfuls and simmer.
6. Blend nuts of choice with water.
7. After dumplings have simmered 5 minutes, pour nut slurry into chicken & dumplings. Continue to boil on low another 5 minutes while stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
8. Remove from heat and serve!

How to Store It

If you have any leftovers, you can store vegan chicken and dumplings with soy curls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply heat up a portion in the microwave in 30 second increments or on the stovetop until heated through.

Variations

There are many variations of vegan chicken and dumplings that you can try, depending on your personal preferences. For example, you can add different vegetables to the recipe, such as mushrooms, peas, or green beans. You can also swap out the soy curls for another vegan protein source, such as seitan or tofu. Additionally, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to add different flavors to the dish, such as rosemary or paprika.

Another variation that you can try is to make gluten-free dumplings. Simply swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend, such as almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix.

If you want to make the recipe even healthier, you can use vegetable puree instead of vegan cream to thicken the broth. Simply puree some cooked vegetables, such as cauliflower or squash, and stir them into the broth until the desired consistency is reached.

What Goes Well With It

Vegan chicken and dumplings with soy curls is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but you can also serve it with some side dishes to round out the meal. Some ideas include:

• A side salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing contrast to the creamy and savory dumplings.
• Garlic bread: Crusty bread slathered with garlic butter is the perfect accompaniment to sop up the delicious broth.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or broccoli add some extra nutrition and flavor to the meal.
• Fruit dessert: A light and refreshing dessert, such as sliced fruit with coconut whipped cream or a fruit sorbet, is a nice way to end the meal. Check out my delicious fruit crisp!

If you love these vegan chicken & dumplings, you’ll also want to try my other comfort food favorites: Plant-Based Mashed Potatoes (Oil-Free Option) and Oil-Free Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

Vegan chicken and dumplings is a delicious and healthy dish to add to your list of family favorites. If you’re looking for a satisfying and nutritious meal your family will love, you’ll want to be sure to give this dish a try.