Cabbage soup is a nutritious, light, and comforting dish that’s simple to make and packed with flavor. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a healthy, low-calorie meal, or just something warming on a cold day. Here’s a basic cabbage soup recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 6-8 cups)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional: 1-2 cups green beans, zucchini, or any other vegetables you like
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon juice (optional, for a bit of brightness)
Instructions:
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Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
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Add Garlic: Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
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Add Cabbage & Tomatoes: Add the chopped cabbage and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir everything together.
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Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the vegetable (or chicken) broth. Add the dried thyme, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to combine, then bring the soup to a boil.
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Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. If you’re adding other vegetables (like green beans or zucchini), add them in halfway through cooking.
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. If you like a bit of tang, add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips:
- You can make this soup in advance; it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- If you want to add protein, try adding beans (like white beans or kidney beans) or a little shredded chicken.
- To make it heartier, serve with a slice of whole grain bread or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top.
This cabbage soup is incredibly versatile, so feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings based on what you have on hand. Enjoy!