Cozy Cabbage Soup

Introduction

Cozy Cabbage Soup is a hearty and warming dish that envelops you in comfort with every spoonful. Packed with fresh vegetables and rich flavors, this soup is as nourishing as it is satisfying, making it a perfect choice for a cozy meal on chilly days. Let’s dive into how to prepare this delightful dish.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

500g green cabbage, chopped

200g carrots, diced

150g celery, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped (about 100g)

3 garlic cloves, minced

400g canned diced tomatoes

1.2L vegetable broth

1 tbsp olive oil (15ml)

1 tsp salt (5g)

½ tsp black pepper (2g)

1 tsp dried thyme (2g)

1 tsp smoked paprika (2g)

1 bay leaf

1 tbsp lemon juice (15ml)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.

2. Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30–35 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

5. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the lemon juice. Adjust seasoning if needed.

6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the base

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 2: Add the cabbage

Stir in the chopped green cabbage and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Incorporate the liquids and spices

Add the canned diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients well.

Step 4: Simmer the soup

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 30–35 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Finishing touches

After simmering, remove the bay leaf and stir in the lemon juice. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary according to your preference.

Step 6: Serve the soup

Serve the hot soup in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Storage

This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Vegetable Variations

Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or potatoes, for added flavor and texture.

Spice Adjustments

If you prefer a spicier soup, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the soup with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Garnish Options

Other than parsley, you can garnish with shredded cheese, croutons, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra flavor.

Storage Instructions

In the Refrigerator:

Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

In the Freezer:

For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container or bag to prevent freezer burn. It will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cozy cabbage soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor. It pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For an added kick, consider topping each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of cabbage soup provides a nutritious boost, with approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Protein: 6g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Dietary Fiber: 8g
– Total Fat: 5g
– Saturated Fat: 1g
– Sodium: 600mg (with adjusted salt)
This soup is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great choice for a healthy diet.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re missing some ingredients, here are some substitutions you can use:
– Cabbage: Use kale or Swiss chard for a different green.
– Carrots: Sweet potatoes or parsnips make excellent replacements.
– Celery: Replace with bell peppers or green beans.
– Onion: Shallots or leeks can be used instead.
– Garlic: Garlic powder can be substituted (1/8 tsp per clove).
– Vegetable Broth: Chicken broth or water can be used, though the flavor may vary.
– Lemon Juice: Use vinegar (like apple cider) as a substitute for acidity.

Cook Techniques

Sautéing

Sautéing is a cooking method that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil over medium to high heat. In this recipe, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery are sautéed to develop their flavors and soften their textures.

Simmering

Simmering is the process of cooking food gently in liquid at a temperature just below boiling. Here, after bringing the soup to a boil, it is simmered for 30-35 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.

Seasoning

Seasoning is crucial for enhancing the flavor of your dish. In this soup, ingredients like salt, black pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika are added to create a rich flavor profile.

Garnishing

Garnishing involves adding a finishing touch to a dish, both for aesthetic appeal and flavor enhancement. Fresh parsley is used in this soup as a garnish, providing a pop of color and freshness.

FAQ

Can I use other vegetables in this soup?

Yes, you can customize the soup by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans.

Is this soup vegan-friendly?

Yes, this cozy cabbage soup is completely vegan, as it uses vegetable broth and no animal products.

How can I store leftovers?

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can sauté the vegetables in a skillet first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free; just ensure that your vegetable broth is labeled as gluten-free.

Conclusion

Cozy Cabbage Soup is a delightful and nourishing dish that warms the soul. Its combination of fresh vegetables and rich flavors makes it an ideal meal for any time of the year, especially during colder months. Simple to prepare and satisfying to enjoy, this soup proves that healthy eating can be both comforting and delicious.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Vegetarian Quinoa Soup

Replace the cabbage with quinoa for a protein-packed soup that’s hearty and filling.

Spicy Cabbage Stew

Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the Cozy Cabbage Soup for a spicy twist.

Mushroom and Cabbage Soup

Incorporate sliced mushrooms into the soup for an earthy flavor and additional texture.

Leek and Potato Soup

Swap out some of the cabbage for leeks and potatoes for a creamy, comforting variation.

Bean and Cabbage Soup

Add canned beans such as kidney or cannellini beans for added protein and heartiness.

Cabbage Roll Soup

Include ground meat and rice to mimic the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in soup form.

Cabbage and Apple Soup

For a hint of sweetness, add diced apples along with the cabbage for a unique flavor profile.