Soup is the ultimate comfort food, especially during winter. It not only keeps the body warm but is also light, nourishing, and soothing for colds and flu. While lentil, vegetable, chicken, and mutton soups are common in the cold season, there is one unique winter dish that many people haven’t tried yet — Nepali-style potato dumpling soup. Made with simple ingredients, this soup is creamy, comforting, and perfect for chilly evenings.

If you’re looking for something different yet easy to prepare, this potato dumpling soup deserves a place in your winter menu.

Ingredients for potato dumplings
Potatoes – 3 medium-sized
Salt – as per taste
Oil – a little, for greasing hands

Ingredients for the soup
Oil – 1 tablespoon
Dried red chillies – 4 to 5
Garlic cloves – 5 to 6
Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
Onion – 1, finely chopped
Tomato – 1, finely chopped
Turmeric powder – 1/4 teaspoon
Salt – to taste
Water – 3 to 3 1/2 cups
Green onion rings – for garnish
Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish

How to make Nepali-style potato dumpling soup

First, wash the potatoes thoroughly and boil them until soft. You can peel them before boiling or after, as per your preference. Mash the hot boiled potatoes well until smooth and slightly sticky. This may take around 8–10 minutes. Add a little salt and mix well.

Next, crush the dried red chillies, garlic cloves, and black pepper using a mortar and pestle. The mixture should be coarse, not a fine paste.

Heat oil in a pan and sauté the crushed chilli-garlic-pepper mixture until aromatic. Add chopped onion and tomato and cook until soft. Now add turmeric, salt, and water, and let the soup come to a boil.

While the soup is simmering, grease your hands lightly with oil and shape the mashed potatoes into small, smooth balls.

Once the soup starts boiling vigorously, gently add the potato dumplings to the pan. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the dumplings to soften and absorb the flavours of the soup. If you prefer a thicker soup, you may add a little cornstarch mixed with water, though this step is optional.

Turn off the heat and serve the soup hot, garnished with finely chopped green onions and fresh coriander leaves.