Step 1

In a bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Add the butter and, using your fingers, rub it into the flour until pea-size crumbles form. Add the egg and stir until a somewhat wet, soft, sticky dough forms. (Don’t worry. It will firm.) Cover and refrigerate the dumpling dough for at least 30 minutes or until ready to use.

Step 2

In a 6-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the paprika and onion and cook, stirring, until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the stock, cauliflower, and carrot, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.

Step 4

When the vegetables are tender, using a 1/2-teaspoon measuring spoon, portion out and drop all the dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook, without stirring, until the dumplings expand slightly, float to the surface, and are cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 5

Season the soup with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup and dumplings, if using, into bowls and garnish with parsley and, if desired, a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche. Originally published January 24, 2017.