Cabbage Soup: An Easy Recipe for a Healthy and Hearty Meal
This easy cabbage soup recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy weekend meal prep. Packed with vegetables and flavor, it's a comforting and satisfying dish that's surprisingly simple to make. This recipe is optimized for search engines, using relevant keywords and phrases naturally throughout the text.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for even the busiest cooks. You likely already have many of them in your pantry!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium green cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps for a delicious and healthy cabbage soup.
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds flavor and creates a delicious base for your soup.
Step 2: Add the Cabbage and Garlic
Add the shredded cabbage and minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to wilt. Don't overcook the cabbage; you want it to retain some texture.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir in the oregano and basil. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 1 hour, until the cabbage is tender. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings depending on your preference, such as a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or a bay leaf for added depth of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Variations for Your Cabbage Soup:
- Add protein: For a heartier soup, add cooked sausage, ground beef, or beans during the simmering process. Chicken or turkey would also be delicious additions.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or green beans.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving for a creamier texture.
- Freeze for later: This soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before storing in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Why This Cabbage Soup Recipe is Great:
This recipe is not only delicious and easy to make but also offers several health benefits. Cabbage is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich vegetable packed with vitamins and antioxidants. This soup is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option. It's also highly adaptable; feel free to experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to create your own perfect version!
Remember to share your delicious cabbage soup creations on social media using #easycabbagesoup. Enjoy!
