Short Rib Cornmeal Dumpling Soup Recipe

If you are craving a comforting, hearty bowl of pure deliciousness, look no further than this Short Rib Cornmeal Dumpling Soup. Imagine tender, fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs slowly simmered to perfection in a rich broth, accompanied by vibrant carrots, fragrant herbs, and magically fluffy cornmeal dumplings nestled throughout. This soup is a true celebration of textures and bold flavors—each spoonful bursting with warmth and satisfaction that feels like a big, cozy hug. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or sharing with loved ones, the Short Rib Cornmeal Dumpling Soup is guaranteed to become your new favorite go-to recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to achieving a soup that tastes both luxurious and approachable. Each item plays a crucial role—from the robust beef short ribs that bring depth, to the fresh herbs that add brightness, and the cornmeal which gives the dumplings their unique texture and rustic charm.

• 4 pounds Beef Short Ribs: The star protein providing rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor once slow-cooked.
• Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: For searing the ribs and building a flavorful base.
• 2 tablespoons Butter: Adds a velvety finish to the vegetables and dumpling dough.
• 1 whole Onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and complexity to the broth.
• 3 large Carrots, sliced on bias: Adds subtle sweetness and a pop of color.
• 3 whole Garlic Cloves, minced: Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth.
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Thyme or 2 teaspoons Dried Thyme: A fragrant herb that brightens and complements the beef.
• 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste: Adds depth and a slight tang to the broth.
• 1 cup Red Wine: Deglazes the pot and enriches the soup’s flavor profile.
• 6 cups Beef Stock: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
• 1 whole Bay Leaf: Imparts subtle herbal notes during simmering.
• 1/2 cup Frozen Green Peas: For a touch of bright greenery and sweetness.
• 1/2 cup Yellow Cornmeal: The key ingredient that gives dumplings their unique, slightly gritty texture.
• 1/2 cup Flour: Helps bind the dumplings for the perfect consistency.
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder: Provides lift so dumplings puff up nice and fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda: A little trick to keep dumplings tender.
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper: For seasoning the dumpling dough.
• 2 tablespoons Butter, cubed: Cold butter cut into dumpling dough adds richness and flakiness.
• 1/2 cup Milk: Moistens and binds the dumplings beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley, chopped: Mixed in the dumplings and as garnish to add freshness and color.

How to Make Short Rib Cornmeal Dumpling Soup

Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs

Start by heating olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season your short ribs liberally with kosher salt and black pepper, then sear them on all sides—about 1-2 minutes per side—to lock in their juices and develop a gorgeous brown crust. Once seared, set the ribs aside and carefully pour out the oil, lowering your heat to medium to prepare for the next step.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables and Build Flavor

Next, melt butter in the pot and add chopped onions and carrots. These veggies sauté until slightly tender, about 3 to 5 minutes, releasing sweet aromatics that lay the foundation for your broth. Stir in minced garlic, thyme, and tomato paste; cook everything together until fragrant, only about 30 seconds. This step builds incredible, layered depth for your soup.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up the deeply flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom—this is gold for your soup’s taste. Then, add 2 cups of beef stock and a bay leaf, bringing everything to a rolling boil. Return the short ribs to the pot, cover it, and reduce the heat to maintain a medium-low simmer for 3 whole hours. This slow cooking melts the meat’s connective tissue, making it fall-apart tender and infusing the broth with rich beefy goodness.

Step 4: Shred Short Ribs and Extend the Broth

Carefully remove the short ribs and place them on a cutting board. Discard the bones, allow the meat to cool slightly, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. Add the remaining 4 cups of beef stock to the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes to concentrate flavors further.

Step 5: Complete the Soup Base

Remove and discard the bay leaf, then stir the shredded short ribs and frozen green peas into the broth. Give the soup a taste and season with a pinch of kosher salt or pepper as needed. This comes together quickly now and smells absolutely divine.

Step 6: Make and Cook the Cornmeal Dumplings

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Cut the cold cubed butter into the dry mixture using a fork until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk and chopped parsley until just combined to form a soft dough. Using a large spoon, drop dumpling dough into the simmering soup about 1/2 inch apart. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook gently for 20 minutes until they’re just dry to the touch but wonderfully tender inside.

How to Serve Short Rib Cornmeal Dumpling Soup

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh chopped parsley on top brightens the rich soup beautifully. If you want a little extra indulgence, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of sharp grated aged cheddar can add a lovely tangy contrast that complements the beef and dumplings.

Side Dishes

This soup stands well on its own, but pairing it with rustic crusty bread or buttery garlic rolls makes for an irresistible combo. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette also adds refreshing crunch, balancing the heartiness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, ladle the soup into shallow wide bowls so the tender dumplings are showcased front and center. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a touch of chili oil over the top for added fragrance and a subtle kick. Individual ramekins can make it feel elegant for dinner guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Short Rib Cornmeal Dumpling Soup can be transferred into airtight containers and refrigerated for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture of the dumplings, store the soup separately from the dumplings if possible, adding them just before reheating.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the soup broth and shredded short ribs (without dumplings) in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. The cornmeal dumplings can become a bit soggy after freezing, so it’s best to make fresh dumplings when reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup base on the stove over low heat to avoid toughening the meat. If preparing fresh dumplings, add dumpling batter to the simmering soup and cover until cooked through, just like the original cooking method. This way, every bowl feels freshly made and comforting.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef instead of short ribs?

While short ribs give the richest, most tender texture, chuck roast or brisket can be used as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time so the meat reaches that perfect fall-apart tenderness.

Is cornmeal necessary in the dumplings?

The cornmeal is what gives these dumplings their signature slightly gritty bite and rustic flavor. You could substitute with all-purpose flour, but you will miss that unique texture and golden color.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After searing the ribs and sautéing the vegetables on the stovetop, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender. Add dumplings during the last 30 minutes.

How thick should the dumpling batter be?

The dough should be thick enough to hold its shape when dropped into the soup but soft enough to cook through quickly—similar in consistency to a thick muffin batter.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Yes! Feel free to add celery, parsnips, or potatoes during the simmering stage to personalize the soup. Just make sure to adjust cooking time so all veggies become tender.

Final Thoughts

This Short Rib Cornmeal Dumpling Soup is a heartwarming, soul-soothing dish that shines with every thoughtfully selected ingredient and lovingly gentle cooking technique. It’s perfect for those days when you want to treat yourself to something truly special without fuss. Trust me, once you try this cozy bowl of goodness, it will become a requested staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, cozy up, and let this recipe fill your home with irresistible aromas and your belly with happiness.

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