Easy Cabbage Soup Recipe: A Simple and Healthy Meal
This easy cabbage soup recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a healthy addition to your meal prep plan. Packed with vegetables and flavor, it's a light yet satisfying dish that's surprisingly easy to make. This recipe is designed to be easily customizable to your liking, so feel free to add or subtract ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients. You likely already have many of them in your pantry or refrigerator!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides healthy fats and helps to sauté the vegetables.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory base to the soup.
- 2 carrots, chopped: Contributes sweetness and nutrients.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Adds a subtle earthy flavor and texture.
- 1 small head of green cabbage, shredded: The star of the show! Provides bulk and nutrients.
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor): The liquid base for the soup.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds acidity and a burst of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Provides a warm, earthy herb flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to your taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Enhances the savory flavors.
- Optional additions: Consider adding other vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, or green beans. You can also add a bay leaf for extra depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
- 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.
- Add the cabbage and broth: Stir in the shredded cabbage and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), oregano, salt, and pepper. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it heartier: Add cooked beans, lentils, or quinoa for extra protein and fiber.
- Boost the flavor: A tablespoon of tomato paste added with the onions, carrots, and celery will deepen the flavor.
- 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 Recipe is Great:
- Budget-friendly: Uses inexpensive and readily available ingredients.
- Healthy and nutritious: Packed with vitamins and fiber from the vegetables.
- Versatile: Easily customizable to your taste preferences.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
This easy cabbage soup recipe is a fantastic addition to any healthy eating plan. Its simplicity and delicious flavor make it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a healthy meal prep option. Enjoy!
