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Easy Cabbage Soup: A Simple, Healthy, and Delicious Meal
Looking for a hearty, nutritious, and easy-to-make soup that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor? Look no further than Easy Cabbage Soup! This simple, budget-friendly recipe is full of healthy ingredients like cabbage, tomatoes, and a variety of vegetables that come together in a delicious and filling soup. Whether you’re trying to eat more vegetables, aiming for a low-calorie meal, or just craving comfort food, this cabbage soup is perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love Easy Cabbage Soup
- Healthy and Low-Calorie: With fresh vegetables and minimal added fats, this soup is light but filling. It’s perfect for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet or eat something nourishing without the calories.
- Budget-Friendly: Cabbage is one of the most affordable vegetables you can buy, making this soup an inexpensive meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition.
- One-Pot Wonder: The best part? This soup is made in just one pot, making clean-up a breeze. It’s perfect for a quick, no-fuss dinner.
- Full of Flavor: Despite its simplicity, this soup is bursting with flavor from the vegetables, herbs, and seasonings. It’s a great way to enjoy a comforting, savory dish without complicated ingredients.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This cabbage soup makes great leftovers! It stores well in the fridge and can be reheated for a quick meal during the week.
Ingredients for Easy Cabbage Soup
To make this Easy Cabbage Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any oil of your choice)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 can (15 oz) low-sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a touch of brightness)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop the cabbage: Start by removing the outer leaves of the cabbage and slicing it into thin strips or large chunks, depending on your preference. Don’t worry about making it perfect—the cabbage will cook down and soften in the soup.
- Chop the other vegetables: Peel and slice the carrots, chop the celery, and mince the garlic. Dice the onion into small pieces. All of these vegetables add to the heartiness and flavor of the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the carrots and celery: Toss in the carrots and celery and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Broth
- Add the cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage, and cook it down for about 5 minutes. The cabbage will start to wilt and shrink as it heats up.
- Add the tomatoes and broth: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, and water. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Season the Soup
- Season with herbs and spices: Add the dried thyme, dried oregano, and bay leaf to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the soup: Let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender. The cabbage will cook down and soften as the soup simmers, creating a deliciously rich broth.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Add apple cider vinegar: If you like a little acidity to balance the flavors, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the soup and stir. This is optional but adds a nice tangy kick that brightens the dish.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.