Of course! Here is a recipe for a truly hearty, flavorful, and healthy cabbage soup. This version is far from bland, building layers of flavor with a few key ingredients. It’s naturally vegetarian/vegan but includes easy options for adding meat.
The Best Hearty Cabbage Soup
This recipe is forgiving, healthy, and perfect for a cozy meal. The trick is browning the vegetables to create a rich, savory base.
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Ingredients:
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· 1 large onion, chopped
· 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
· 2 celery stalks, chopped
· 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 small head green cabbage (about 2 lbs), cored and chopped
· 1 (28-oz) can diced tomatoes, with their juices
· 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
· 1 teaspoon dried thyme
· 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is excellent here)
· 1 bay leaf
· 1 (15-oz) can kidney beans or white beans, drained and rinsed (optional, for protein)
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
· Secret Flavor Boost: 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (adds umami depth)
· Fresh Garnish: Chopped fresh parsley or dill
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Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics (The Flavor Base):
· In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
· Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery (this is called a mirepoix). Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables have softened and started to take on a little color.
2. Build the Flavor:
· Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
· Add the chopped cabbage in handfuls, stirring to combine. It will seem like a lot, but it will wilt down significantly. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage has wilted.
3. Simmer the Soup:
· Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth.
· Add the dried thyme, paprika, bay leaf, and a good pinch of salt and pepper.
· Secret Step: Stir in the tablespoon of soy sauce. This doesn’t make the soup taste like soy; it deepens the overall savory flavor.
· Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 25-30 minutes. For the best flavor, let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
4. Finish and Serve:
· About 10 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the drained and rinsed beans (if using) to heat them through.
· Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
· Ladle into bowls and garnish with a generous amount of fresh parsley or dill. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right at the end is also fantastic for brightening the flavors.
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Why This Recipe Works:
· Browning the Veggies: Unlike recipes where you just dump everything in water, sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery first creates a sweet, caramelized foundation.
· Wilting the Cabbage: Cooking the cabbage down before adding liquid removes its raw bitterness and allows it to better absorb the other flavors.
· Umami Boost: The soy sauce is the secret weapon, adding a layer of savory depth that makes the soup taste rich and satisfying without any meat.
Variations & Dietary Notes:
· Keto/Low-Carb: This soup is naturally low in carbs. Just ensure your broth has no added sugar.
· With Meat:
· Ground Beef/Turkey: Brown 1 lb of ground meat in the pot before adding the aromatics. Drain any excess fat before proceeding.
· Sausage: Brown 12 oz of sliced Italian sausage (spicy or mild) for a flavorful kick.
· Ham: Add 1-2 cups of diced cooked ham along with the broth.
· More Vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini, green beans, or potatoes (diced small) with the broth.
· Tomato Base: For a richer tomato flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste when you add the garlic and cook for one minute before adding the cabbage.
Storing and Reheating:
· Storage: This soup keeps beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors often taste even better the next day.
· Freezing: It freezes very well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.
Enjoy your delicious, comforting, and nourishing bowl of soup