When the chill of autumn seeps into the air and comfort becomes a craving, few dishes evoke warmth and nostalgia quite like classic chicken and dumplings.But what if you’re seeking that same hearty hug of a meal without the meat? enter Cozy Vegan “Chicken” & Dumplings with Savory Soy Curls-a plant-based twist on the beloved comfort food that’s as soul-soothing as it is indeed satisfying. Crafted from tender soy curls that soak up rich, herb-infused broth, this recipe reimagines tradition through a compassionate lens, delivering all the creamy, dreamy goodness without compromise. Prepare too curl up with a bowlful of this nourishing, flavorful feast that proves cozy and cruelty-free can go hand in hand.
Coaxing Comfort from Plant-Based Ingredients
Cozy vegan ”chicken” & dumplings with savory soy curls is a celebration of texture and savory depth, transforming humble plant-based staples into a soulwarming feast. The journey begins with soy curls-a wonderfully chewy, absorbent ingredient derived from whole soybeans-perfectly mimicking the tender bite of customary chicken without compromise. These curls soak up a rich, herbal broth that elevates your dumplings to new heights of comfort food bliss, effortlessly satisfying cravings for warmth and heartiness.
Prep and cook Time
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 40 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
Yield
Serves 6 generous portions
Difficulty Level
Medium – perfect for home cooks ready to impress with plant-based mastery.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried soy curls
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp crushed black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)
- 3 tbsp vegan butter, melted
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- rehydrate the soy curls. Place dried soy curls in a large bowl and cover with 4 cups of warm water. Let soak for 10 minutes until plump. Drain well and gently squeeze to remove excess liquid.Set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics. In a large heavy-bottom pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté until vegetables become tender and fragrant, about 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Toast the soy curls. Add the drained soy curls to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until edges start to brown slightly, enhancing their savory depth.
- Create the broth. Pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, bay leaf, dried thyme, sage, smoked paprika, crushed black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir gently, then bring to a simmer. Cover and let it cook on low for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prepare the dumpling dough. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the plant-based milk and melted vegan butter until just combined to form a slightly sticky dough. Avoid overmixing to keep dumplings tender.
- Add dumplings to the simmering pot. Spoon dumpling dough by heaping tablespoons directly into the simmering broth. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 15 minutes without peeking to ensure proper rising and fluffiness.
- Final touches. Remove bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish the pot or individual bowls with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness.
- Serve hot. Use a ladle to scoop up an inviting combination of steaming broth, tender soy curls, and pillowy dumplings for each soulwarming bite.
Tips for Success
- Maximize soy curl flavor: After rehydrating, briefly marinate soy curls in soy sauce, smoked paprika, and a splash of liquid smoke for an extra umami punch.
- Broth depth: For a silkier broth, stir in a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or miso paste after simmering.
- Dumpling variations: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the dough for extra aroma.
- Make ahead: Prepare soy curls and broth a day before; store separately in the fridge. Combine and cook dumplings when ready to serve.
- Gluten-free option: Swap all-purpose flour with a trusted gluten-free blend, adjusting liquid as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This dish shines when served in deep bowls to capture every luscious drop of the broth alongside soft dumplings and savory soy curls. Highlight the earthy flavors with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a handful of fresh parsley or chives.Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy lemon vinaigrette or crusty sourdough bread to sop up the last comforting spoonfuls. For an indulgent twist, add a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds on top.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
For more hearty vegan recipes that unlock plant-based comfort, explore our Vegan Hearty Stews collection. Learn more about soy curls and their nutritious benefits at the Soyfoods Association.
Q&A
Q: What exactly are soy curls, and why are they perfect for vegan ”chicken” & dumplings?
A: Soy curls are a fantastic plant-based protein made from whole soybeans, carefully cooked, shaped, and dried to create a chewy, meaty texture. When rehydrated, they mimic the fibrous nature of shredded chicken beautifully, soaking up flavors in stews, soups, and, of course, classic “chicken” & dumplings. Their versatility and hearty bite make them a star ingredient that brings coziness and protein to this vegan comfort dish.
Q: How do soy curls absorb flavor in the soup? Should I prepare them a certain way before adding?
A: To maximize flavor absorption, it’s best to soak soy curls in warm vegetable broth or your chosen savory liquid for about 10 minutes before tossing them into the pot. This pre-soak infuses them with depth and richness, allowing every bite of your “chicken” & dumplings to be infused with that signature umami warmth.
Q: Are the dumplings in this recipe vegan,and how can they stay fluffy without eggs?
A: Absolutely! These dumplings rely on simple pantry staples-flour,baking powder,plant-based milk,and a pinch of salt-to achieve a tender,fluffy texture. Baking powder gives just enough lift, while the plant milk keeps them moist and light. The result is cozy pillow-like dumplings that soak up the flavorful broth without any eggs involved.
Q: Can this “chicken” & dumplings recipe be adapted for a gluten-free diet?
A: Definitely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour in the dumplings for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly to get a similar dough consistency, but the savory heartiness of the soy curls and the aromatic broth will remain just as delightful.
Q: What kind of vegetables best complement this cozy, plant-based stew?
A: Traditional root vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions are ideal-they build the savory backbone of the broth and add natural sweetness that balances the dish perfectly.You can also toss in some tender mushrooms or leafy greens like kale or spinach toward the end for extra depth and nutrition.
Q: How can I deepen the flavor of the broth without using chicken stock?
A: Creating a rich, savory broth is all about layering umami. Use a robust vegetable stock as your base, then add ingredients like nutritional yeast, soy sauce or tamari, garlic, fresh herbs like thyme or sage, and a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for extra warmth. These elements create a satisfying depth that makes the broth truly comforting.
Q: Is this dish suitable for meal prep, and how should I store leftovers?
A: Yes! This “chicken” & dumplings stew actually tastes better after a day or two as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftover soup and dumplings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of plant milk or broth if it thickens too much.
Q: Any tips for serving that elevate the coziness factor?
A: Serve steaming bowls with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and brightness. A crusty slice of vegan bread or a simple side salad can round out the meal beautifully, turning this humble stew into a heartwarming feast perfect for chilly nights.
Q: Can kids enjoy this vegan “chicken” & dumplings easily?
A: Totally! The familiar flavors and comforting textures make it an excellent way to introduce plant-based eating to picky eaters. The soy curls have a mild taste and chewiness that kids usually love, and the dumplings add playful fun to every bite.
Q: What makes this version of “chicken” & dumplings stand out from others?
A: It’s the marriage of classic comfort food nostalgia with a wholly plant-based approach, starring soy curls for an authentic “chicken” experience without animal products.This recipe honors tradition while embracing modern vegan innovation-a truly cozy hug in a bowl.
The Conclusion
As the steam rises from this bowl of cozy vegan “chicken” and dumplings, it’s clear that comfort food need not come at the expense of compassion or flavor.With savory soy curls standing in beautifully for traditional chicken, every bite delivers hearty satisfaction wrapped in tender dumplings and rich, soul-soothing broth. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply exploring plant-based possibilities, this dish invites you to rediscover a classic through a compassionate, creative lens-proving that warmth, tradition, and innovation can all simmer harmoniously in one pot. So next time the weather turns chilly or comfort calls your name, let these savory soy curls and pillowy dumplings remind you that kindness tastes just as good as it feels.
