Chicken & Dumplings Soup

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.  

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. 

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.