Chicken & Dumplings Soup

1. To prepare soup: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, parsnip, thyme and bay leaf; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; cook, stirring constantly, until the vegetables are evenly coated, about 1 minute. Gradually add 1/2 cup broth, stirring until mixture is combined and thickened. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup flour, stirring until combined. Gradually add the remaining 5 1/2 cups broth, stirring until combined. Stir in half-and-half, pepper and salt, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 4 minutes. Stir in chicken, peas and 2 tablespoons parsley.

   

2. Meanwhile, prepare dumplings: Whisk whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Add butter and oil, stirring until combined. Add buttermilk, scallion and parsley, stirring until just combined.

   

3. Use a 1/3-cup measure to scoop dumplings and gently drop into the soup (you should have 8 dumplings). Cover and cook over low heat until a wooden pick inserted into the center of the dumplings comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Garnish with additional parsley before serving, if desired.

   

To make ahead

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on Medium (50%) for 2 to 3 minutes.