Picture a steaming bowl of hearty cabbage soup, rich with the vibrant aroma of herbs and spices.
There’s something about the simplicity of this dish that feels like a warm embrace, offering comfort with every spoonful.
This healthy cabbage soup is a breeze to make, transforming humble ingredients into a nourishing, flavorful meal.
As the flavors meld and the soup simmers, anticipation builds.
Let’s bring this comforting classic to life.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 medium green cabbage, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Healthy Cabbage Soup, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Gathering Ingredients (5 minutes)
- Review the recipe and gather all the necessary ingredients and kitchen tools.
- Preparation (15 minutes)
- Chop the onion, mince the garlic, slice the carrot and celery, and chop the cabbage.
- Measure out the olive oil, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cooking (30 minutes)
- 0-5 minutes: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- 5-10 minutes: Add the sliced carrot and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- 10-13 minutes: Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- 13-15 minutes: Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
- 15-16 minutes: Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper, then stir well.
- 16-20 minutes: Bring the mixture to a boil.
- 20-45 minutes: Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Resting and Final Touches (5 minutes)
- 45-50 minutes: Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
Add the sliced carrot and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes.
Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper, then stir well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Pair with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying, hearty meal.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Enjoy alongside a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting and nostalgic combination.
- Green Salad: Serve with a simple green salad for a revitalizing contrast and added nutrients.
- Roasted Vegetables: Complement the soup with a side of roasted vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
- Quinoa or Rice: Add a scoop of quinoa or rice for a more filling and protein-rich meal.
Storage
Allow the cabbage soup to cool.
Then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze cabbage soup, let it cool completely.
Then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label with the date, and freeze for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat cabbage soup, gently warm it on the stove over low heat.
Stir occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave on medium power in a covered bowl.
Stir halfway through to guarantee even heating.
Final Thoughts
Cabbage soup is a simple yet nutritious dish that can easily be tailored to suit individual taste preferences.
It’s low in calories but rich in flavor, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a healthy meal.
The combination of vegetables, herbs, and spices creates a comforting and satisfying soup.
For added variety, consider incorporating different vegetables or proteins to make it more filling.
Remember to adjust the seasonings according to your liking.
This versatile recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for longer-term storage.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy cabbage soup!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Red Cabbage Instead of Green Cabbage?
Yes, you can use red cabbage instead of green cabbage. Red cabbage offers similar nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants. Its anthocyanins provide additional health benefits, potentially enhancing anti-inflammatory effects. Expect a slightly different color and flavor.
Is This Soup Suitable for Vegans?
Yes, the soup’s suitable for vegans. It contains plant-based ingredients, providing essential nutrients like vitamins A and C from carrots and cabbage. Protein content can increase by adding beans, supporting a balanced vegan diet.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
To make this soup spicier, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. These ingredients contain capsaicin, which can enhance metabolism and provide a thermogenic effect, contributing to increased calorie burn and improved nutrient absorption.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add to the Soup?
You can add nutrient-dense vegetables like bell peppers, which provide vitamin C, or kale for vitamin K. Incorporate mushrooms for added umami and B vitamins. Zucchini offers a low-calorie option with fiber, promoting digestive health.
Can I Use Chicken Broth Instead of Vegetable Broth?
Yes, you can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth. Chicken broth provides additional protein and essential nutrients like zinc and selenium, which support immune function. Make certain it’s low-sodium to maintain the soup’s health benefits and nutrient balance.
Healthy Cabbage Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium carrot sliced
- 2 stalks celery sliced
- 1 medium green cabbage chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add the sliced carrot and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
- Add thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper, then stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
