Cabbage Soup

Cabbage Soup: A Hearty, Healthy, and Flavorful Comfort Food

When the weather turns chilly or when you’re craving a nourishing, low-calorie meal, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of Cabbage Soup. This simple yet satisfying dish is full of hearty vegetables, rich broth, and a combination of seasonings that make it both comforting and nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a detoxifying meal or just a wholesome soup to warm you up, cabbage soup is an excellent choice.

Not only is cabbage soup easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor the ingredients to your liking. This soup is perfect for those on a health kick, a low-carb diet, or anyone who loves a savory, vegetable-packed dish.

Why You’ll Love Cabbage Soup:

1. Healthy and Low-Calorie: Cabbage is packed with nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. This soup is naturally low in calories, making it perfect for weight loss or simply as a healthy, filling meal.
2. Comforting and Hearty: With its warm broth and hearty chunks of vegetables, cabbage soup is comforting and satisfying, offering all the coziness of a classic soup without the heaviness.
3. Easy to Make: This recipe requires just a few basic ingredients and is quick to prepare. Even if you’re new to cooking, cabbage soup is a great dish to start with.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep: Cabbage soup makes great leftovers, and it can be stored in the fridge for several days or frozen for later. It’s an ideal choice for meal prepping.
5. Customizable: You can easily adapt this soup to your preferences by adding different vegetables, protein sources like chicken or sausage, or spices to change the flavor profile. You can make it spicy, smoky, or even tangy.

Ingredients for Cabbage Soup:

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter, for sautéing)
• Optional additions:
  • 1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen)
  • 1-2 potatoes, cubed (for added heartiness)
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, sausage, or beans (for added protein)
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
  • A squeeze of lemon juice (for brightness)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

Begin by chopping the cabbage, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. If you’re adding optional ingredients like potatoes or green beans, chop them as well.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t burn.

3. Add the Vegetables:

Next, add the chopped carrots, celery, and any other vegetables you’re using, such as potatoes or green beans. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the Broth and Seasonings:

Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and stir in the diced tomatoes. Add the dried thyme, dried basil, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you’re using red pepper flakes or any other seasonings, add them now.

5. Simmer the Soup:

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

6. Add the Cabbage:

Once the vegetables are tender, add the chopped cabbage to the soup. Stir to combine and let the cabbage cook down for 10-15 minutes, or until tender. If you’re adding cooked chicken or beans, stir them in at this point, allowing them to heat thro