Dolly Parton’s Hearty Soup Recipes for Every Season

Winter Warm-Up: Dolly’s Chicken and Dumplings Soup

When the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Chicken and Dumplings to lift your spirits. This classic southern comfort food is a staple in Dolly’s kitchen and is perfect for those chilly winter nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the chicken, chicken broth, water, onion, carrots, celery, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the bones.
4. In a bowl, mix together the flour, milk, baking powder, and melted butter to create the dumpling batter.
5. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering soup.
6. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes until they are fluffy and cooked through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy the warmth of Dolly’s kitchen with each bite!

Spring Freshness: Dolly’s Garden Vegetable Soup

As spring blooms, it’s time to lighten up your meals with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Dolly’s Garden Vegetable Soup is vibrant, loaded with nutrients, and incredibly easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
2. Add carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, and green beans. Cook for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, then add basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Serve hot and enjoy the fresh flavors of spring!

Summer Delight: Dolly’s Corn Chowder

Nothing says summer like fresh corn on the cob! Dolly’s Corn Chowder is a creamy, delicious dish that showcases the sweetness of summer corn, making it a perfect meal for hot days.

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of fresh corn, kernels removed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Add potatoes and vegetable broth, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in corn, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes.
4. For a creamier chowder, you can blend part of the soup and return it to the pot.
5. Serve warm and savor the taste of summer!

Autumn Comfort: Dolly’s Beef and Barley Soup

As the leaves begin to change, it’s the perfect time for a hearty Beef and Barley Soup. This recipe is rich, satisfying, and filled with the earthy flavors of autumn.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef stew meat, cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup barley
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides.
2. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the barley, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef and barley are tender.
5. Serve hot, and enjoy the warmth of autumn in every spoonful!

Year-Round Favorite: Dolly’s Tomato Basil Soup

This Tomato Basil Soup is a timeless favorite that can be enjoyed in any season. Its fresh, tangy flavor pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to let flavors meld.
4. If desired, stir in heavy cream before serving for a richer taste.
5. Serve warm, with fresh basil leaves as garnish.

Healthy Choice: Dolly’s Lentil Soup

For those looking for a nutritious option, Dolly’s Lentil Soup is packed with protein and fiber. It’s a filling, wholesome dish that’s easy to make and great for meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups spinach or kale (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened.
2. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
5. If using, add spinach or kale in the last five minutes of cooking.
6. Serve hot, and enjoy a healthy, hearty meal!

Quick Fix: Dolly’s Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

For busy days when you want a homemade meal in a hurry, Dolly’s Instant Pot Split Pea Soup delivers flavor and nutrition in no time!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound split peas, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot.
2. Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 15 minutes.
3. Once done, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
4. Stir the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, and enjoy a delicious meal in less than an hour!

Comfort Classic: Dolly’s Chicken Noodle Soup

This classic Chicken Noodle Soup is the epitome of comfort food. Perfect for chilly nights, it’s a soothing blend of tender chicken, hearty noodles, and mixed vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups egg noodles

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened.
2. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add the shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper, then stir in the egg noodles.
5. Reduce heat and simmer until noodles are cooked, about 10 minutes.
6. Serve warm, and let the comforting flavors warm your soul!

Vegetarian Delight: Dolly’s Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

This twist on a classic tomato basil soup features crunchy grilled cheese croutons that bring a delightful texture contrast to the creamy soup.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of diced tomatoes)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 4 slices of bread
• 4 slices of cheese (cheddar or your choice)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Add tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. If desired, stir in heavy cream for a richer flavor.
4. While the soup simmers, prepare grilled cheese croutons: Butter the bread, place cheese in between, and grill until golden brown on both sides.
5. Cut grilled cheese into cubes and serve on top of the soup.
6. Enjoy a delightful bowl of soup with a crunchy twist!

Hearty Fall Favorite: Dolly’s Pumpkin Soup

This creamy pumpkin soup is perfect for the fall season, bringing warmth and rich flavors to your table. It’s a great way to celebrate the pumpkin harvest!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until soft.
2. Add pumpkin puree and vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
3. Season with cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. If desired, stir in heavy cream for added richness.
5. Blend the soup until smooth, then serve warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Winter Warmer: Dolly’s Beef and Barley Soup

This filling beef and barley soup is a hearty meal that’s perfect for cold winter nights. It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into cubes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides.
2. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, cooking until the vegetables are softened.
3. Pour in beef broth and add barley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and barley is cooked.
5. Serve hot for a hearty, warming meal!

Conclusion

Dolly Parton’s hearty soup recipes offer a delightful way to embrace the flavors of each season while nourishing the body and soul. With simple ingredients and heartfelt preparation, these soups not only provide comfort but also create lasting memories around the dining table.

Whether you’re seeking warmth in the winter or a fresh taste in the spring, Dolly’s recipes are sure to inspire you to cook with love and share with joy.