Grandmas Remedy Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Grandma's Wisdom
Ever feel like you need a hug from the inside? This chicken cabbage soup is just that. It's like comfort food in a bowl. Honestly, this isn't just any soup.
Brief Overview: Chicken Cabbage Soup is Eastern European Gold
My grandma used to make this cabbage soup recipe every winter. It originates from Eastern Europe. This chicken cabbage soup is so easy.
The difficulty level is easy and it takes about an hour. This recipe makes 6 servings.
Main Benefits: Healthy Hug in a Bowl
This is one of the easy soup recipes that's also good for you. It's packed with nutrients and perfect if you are feeling under the weather.
This healthy cabbage soup will make you feel amazing. This recipe is special because it tastes like grandma's soup recipe .
It's also a great way to use up leftover chicken thigh soup .
Ready to get started? The ingredients are simple.
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this amazing chicken cabbage soup . Seriously, this recipe is so easy.
Even your nan could make it. And believe me, she will love you for making it too. I'm excited to share my grandma's soup recipe with you.
It's a comfort food that warms you right up.
Main Ingredients
Here's what you need. Don’t worry, you probably already have most of it. This recipe is all about using simple ingredients.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp ( 15 ml )
- Onion: 1 large ( 150g ), chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium ( 150g ), peeled and chopped
- Celery: 2 stalks ( 100g ), chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Dried Thyme: 1 tsp
- Dried Rosemary: 1/2 tsp
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional for a bit of kick!)
- Chicken Broth: 8 cups ( 2 liters ) (low sodium is best, saves on the salt)
- Chicken Thighs: 1.5 lbs ( 680g ), boneless, skinless, cut into 1 inch pieces. Pro tip: Chicken thighs are way more flavourful than chicken breasts for this chicken thigh soup , Honestly, they make a huge difference. Make sure they're fresh, that's all you need.
- Green Cabbage: 1/2 medium ( 500g ) head, cored and shredded
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g ), undrained
- Red Potatoes: 1 cup ( 200g ), quartered
- Bay Leaf: 1
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish
Seasoning Notes
Spices make all the difference, mate.
- Thyme and Rosemary: These two are classic for a reason. They give that cozy, earthy vibe.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds warmth. Not into spice? Skip it!
- Flavour enhancers: Try a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Trust me. It adds depth.
- Substitution option: No rosemary? Use oregano. It works a treat.
This healthy cabbage soup is the perfect winter warmer soup .
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple. You don't need fancy stuff.
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven: This is essential. Gotta have something to cook it in.
- Cutting board: For chopping all those veggies.
- Chef's knife: A decent one makes life easier. Honestly, blunt knives are the bane of my existence.
You're all set to make some delicious chicken cabbage soup . This cabbage soup recipe is honestly a winner! Let's get cooking!
Grandma's Remedy: Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup
Oh my gosh, you have to try this! This chicken cabbage soup is seriously comfort food goals. Honestly, this isn't your average watery excuse for chicken soup .
This is grandma's soup recipe brought to life. It's like a warm hug on a cold night. Perfect as a winter warmer soup .
I mean, who doesn't love a good eastern european soup recipe? I adapted this recipe from my friend’s Babushka!
This healthy cabbage soup uses simple ingredients. It’s an easy soup recipe that even I can't mess up. If I can make this delicious soup, you sure can make it too!
It is easy to make. It takes about an hour from start to finish. That’s not too bad, right? This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Enough to feed the whole family or have leftovers!
Prep Steps: Let’s Get Organized!
First, the essential mise en place. Honestly? Get everything chopped and measured. It makes the cooking so much faster. Chop one large onion (about 1 cup).
Chop two carrots (about 1 cup). Chop two celery stalks (about 1 cup). Mince two cloves of garlic. Gather 1 tsp dried thyme.
Gather ½ tsp dried rosemary. Grab ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy). Measure 8 cups of chicken broth.
Cut 1.5 lbs of chicken thighs into 1 inch pieces. Shred half a head of green cabbage (about 6 cups).
Grab a can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) and don't drain it. Quarter 1 cup of small red potatoes.
Find a bay leaf.
Pro tip: Have everything ready before you turn on the heat! That way, you won't burn anything.
step-by-step: Simmer to Deliciousness
- Sauté time: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until they are soft, about 5- 7 minutes .
- Get Aromatic: Add the minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Broth and Chicken: Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer. Add 1.5 lbs of cut chicken thighs. Cook until the chicken is done, about 10- 12 minutes . Internal temp should hit 165° F / 74° C.
- Veggie Power: Add the cabbage, diced tomatoes (with the juice), potatoes, and bay leaf.
- Simmer, Simmer: Turn the heat down low. Cover the pot. Simmer for about 20- 25 minutes . Cook until the cabbage and potatoes are soft.
Pro Tips: Secrets to the Best Soup
Use good chicken broth . It's the base of the whole cabbage soup recipe ! Don't overcook the cabbage! Aim for slightly tender crisp.
This chicken cabbage soup tastes even better the next day. A squeeze of lemon juice really brightens it up at the end.
It will keep you coming back for more.
Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Chicken Cabbage Soup
This chicken cabbage soup recipe is more than just a set of instructions. It's a starting point. These little notes will help you make the best chicken soup ever.
Honestly, it's so good it feels like a hug from your grandma. Ready to make some comfort food ?
Serving Suggestions: Turning Soup into a Feast
Okay, so you've got a pot of glorious healthy cabbage soup . But how do you make it look amazing? Think about layering.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a must. It adds freshness and a pop of color. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds richness.
And honestly? Serve it with crusty bread. I mean, who can resist dipping bread into delicious eastern european soup ?
If you want something on the side, try a simple green salad. A bright vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the soup.
Or maybe some grilled cheese sandwiches for the kiddos. Simple, but effective. A perfectly chilled glass of Pinot Grigio goes great with grandma's soup recipe .
Storage Tips: Keeping the Goodness Going
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This chicken cabbage soup gets even better the next day. Just like any good stew, the flavors meld together and intensify.
- Refrigeration: Store your soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it's cooled down completely first.
- Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it out into individual containers for easy lunches. It'll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add a splash of water if it seems too thick.
Variations: Making it Your Own
The beauty of this cabbage soup recipe is that it's super versatile. It really is easy soup recipes .
- Keto Friendly: Ditch the potatoes to keep it keto. Add cauliflower or more cabbage.
- Seasonal Swap: Use winter squash instead of potatoes in autumn. It adds a lovely sweetness. Use turkey rather than a chicken thigh soup .
Honestly, don't be afraid to experiment!
Nutrition Basics: Good for the Body and Soul
This chicken cabbage soup isn't just delicious, it's good for you too!
One serving is about 280 calories, with 25g of protein and 5g of fiber. It's packed with vitamins and minerals.
Plus, chicken soup is known to have amazing medicinal properties, especially as a winter warmer soup .
So, there you have it! A big pot of chicken cabbage soup . Enjoy cooking and enjoy eating. Trust me, this will become a family favorite.
Don't forget to share the joy around!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my chicken cabbage soup from being bland? Mine always tastes a bit…meh.
Bland soup is a common problem! To combat this, make sure you're generously seasoning with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process. Don't be shy with the herbs, and consider browning the chicken before adding the broth for a deeper flavour.
A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end can also brighten things up. If it's still not hitting the mark, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami. It's like giving your soup a little "oomph"!
Can I make this chicken cabbage soup ahead of time? I'm all about meal prep!
Absolutely! In fact, like a good Sunday roast, this soup often tastes even better the next day. The flavours have more time to meld together, creating a richer, more complex taste. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What's the best way to store leftover chicken cabbage soup, and how long will it last?
To properly store your leftover Chicken Cabbage Soup, let it cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months.
When freezing, consider portioning it into individual servings for easy thawing and reheating, especially useful if you're just making a quick lunch.
I'm on a low-carb diet. How can I adapt this chicken cabbage soup recipe to be keto friendly?
No worries, you can definitely enjoy a keto friendly version! Simply omit the potatoes and consider adding more cabbage or cauliflower florets to maintain the volume and texture. You could also add some diced celery root (celeriac) for a similar texture to potatoes but with far fewer carbs.
The rest of the recipe is already naturally low in carbs.
Can I use a different type of cabbage in this chicken cabbage soup? Green cabbage isn't always available at my local shop.
Definitely! While green cabbage is the most common choice, you can easily substitute with other varieties. Savoy cabbage and Napa cabbage are both good options, offering slightly different textures and flavours.
Just remember that savoy cabbage is a bit more delicate and may cook faster, so keep an eye on it to avoid it becoming too soft.
Is there anything else I can add to this chicken cabbage soup to make it even more nutritious?
You bet! Feel free to boost the nutritional value by adding other vegetables. Spinach, kale, or even chopped broccoli can be added during the last few minutes of cooking. For an extra protein punch, consider adding some cooked lentils or chickpeas.
Remember, a diverse range of vegetables will always contribute to a more balanced and healthful meal. For extra flavour, a spoonful of miso paste in the end will make it a rich, flavourful dish.
Grandmas Remedy Hearty Chicken Cabbage Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 280 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 5g |