Tomato Geda Tang (Homestyle Tomato Dumpling Soup)

西红柿疙瘩汤

Tomato Geda Tang (Homestyle Tomato Dumpling Soup) — a Chinese recipe, ready in about 30 minutes. Step-by-step instructions with photos.

Ingredients

• ripe tomatoes
• all-purpose flour
• large egg
• scallions

Instructions

1. Blanch, peel, and finely dice 2 tomatoes. Reserve juice. Heat oil in a wok over medium heat; add scallion whites and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds). Add diced tomatoes and cook, stirring, until softened and releasing deep red juices (~4 minutes).
2. Add reserved tomato juice and 600 ml water. Bring to a gentle simmer. Season lightly with salt (no soy sauce needed — tomatoes provide umami depth). Simmer uncovered for 8 minutes to concentrate flavor.
3. In a bowl, whisk flour with 120 ml cold water and egg until smooth. Rest batter 5 minutes. Using chopsticks or fingers, drop small irregular lumps (pea- to walnut-sized) directly into simmering soup.
4. Simmer gently for 3 more minutes until geda are cooked through and plump. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust salt only if needed.
5. Turn off heat. Stir in scallion greens and a drizzle of sesame oil (optional). Serve hot in deep bowls.