Chicken Soup for the Soul With Rice and Dumplings

Cookgirl's Note:

It's that time of year again to make a big pot of chicken soup. Body-warming, delicious and filling, this recipe is a cinch to pull together. Use leftover cooked chicken or turkey for an easy meal.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 35 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced thinly
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 5 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups cooked chicken
• 3/4 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup par-boiled rice (read *NOTE)
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh oregano, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Dumplings

• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup flour

Directions:

1. *NOTE: I have used leftover cooked rice for this soup recipe. Add the cooked rice right before adding the dumpling batter to the pot. Do not add the cooked rice at the onset or it will turn to mush.
2. In a large soup pot, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter until hot and saute the mushrooms, celery and carrots until tender.
3. Stir in the chicken stock, chicken meat, green peas, par-boiled rice, thyme, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the dumplings. In small bowl beat together the eggs, 1/4 cup melted butter or margarine, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir in the flour.
5. Once the soup has come to a boil, drop the dumplings batter from a small greased or buttered spoon to make 16 mounds on top of the soup. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, about 10 minutes or until dumplings are cooked and "light".
6. Adjust seasoning before serving. Say a blessing and open wide.