Hearty Happy Cabbage Soup
Recipe Introduction
Ever have one of those days? You know, when comfort food is essential . Cabbage Soup is the PERFECT answer! It's a bowl of warm hugs and happy tummies.
A Humble Beginning: Quick Overview
Hearty vegetable soup like this has been around for ages, passed down through generations of home cooks. It's like a culinary time capsule! Think grandma's kitchen, but better.
This Easy Cabbage Soup is super simple to make. Prep takes about 20 minutes. Cooking takes about 45 minutes. One pot will serve 6-8 hungry folks.
Goodness in Every Bowl: Main Benefits
This isn’t just about warm fuzzy feelings. Healthy cabbage recipes are full of vitamins and fiber! It's a great way to sneak extra veggies into your day.
Serve it for a light lunch or a cozy Soup Dinner on a chilly evening. This particular recipe is special.
It's packed with flavour and won't break the bank. Perfect for the current financial climate. It's the ultimate budget friendly soup recipes .
Ready to grab your ingredients?
The Magic Ingredients
Here's what you need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
- 1 large onion, chopped (approx. 200g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 6g)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (approx. 150g)
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (approx. 120g)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (approx. 100g)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (2g)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (1g)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!) (0.5g)
- 6 cups vegetable broth (1.4 liters)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (794g)
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and shredded (approx. 700g)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5g), or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2g), or to taste
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lemon juice.
I remember one time, I accidentally used way too much red pepper flakes. My husband nearly choked! So, go easy on those flakes, unless you're looking for a fire breathing experience.
Tips for Flavour Town
Before we dive into the method, here are a couple of tips. First, don't overcook the cabbage ! Nobody likes mushy veggies.
Aim for slightly tender crisp. Second, don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning. Taste as you go. Add more salt, pepper, or even a splash of lemon juice.
Make it your own! Remember, the best Cabbage Soup Recipes are the ones you tweak to perfection.
Hearty & Happy Cabbage Soup: Ingredients & Equipment
This section breaks down the shopping list. And what bits and bobs you’ll need. Honestly, Cabbage Soup is the PERFECT way to get loads of veggies in.
Plus, it's a serious winner for those evenings when you fancy a comfort food soup .
Let's Talk Cabbage Soup Ingredients
Here's what you need to whip up this easy cabbage soup . Get your pen and paper ready!
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ). Sets up the flavour base.
- Onion: 1 large , chopped ( 200g ). Yellow or white is fine.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced ( 6g ). Fresh is best.
- Green Bell Pepper: 1 , chopped ( 150g ). Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped ( 120g ). Adds color and sweetness.
- Celery: 2 stalks , chopped ( 100g ). For that classic soup flavour.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon ( 2g ). Earthy and aromatic.
- Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon ( 1g ). Adds depth to the flavour.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon ( 0.5g ). Optional, for a gentle heat.
- Vegetable Broth: 6 cups ( 1.4 liters ). Low sodium is best.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can ( 794g ). Makes it saucy and rich.
- Green Cabbage: 1 medium head , shredded ( 700g ). The star of the show.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon ( 5g ). Or to taste.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2g ). Or to taste.
- Garnish: Fresh parsley, sour cream, lemon juice totally up to you!
Quality Alert: For cabbage , pick one that feels heavy for its size. It means it's packed with moisture.
Seasoning Like a Pro
Oregano and thyme are key. They give the soup that classic, comforting vibe. A pinch of red pepper flakes? Adds a playful warmth.
Feel free to sub dried herbs with fresh. Just triple the amount.
Your Toolkit for Soup Success
You only need a few essentials:
- A big pot. A stockpot or Dutch oven does the trick.
- Chopping board.
- A sharp knife.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A ladle. For serving, naturally.
Don't have a stockpot? A large saucepan will work in a pinch. You want a Hearty vegetable soup , not a stressful one.
This budget friendly soup recipe will quickly become your favourite soup dinner . Enjoy your weight loss soup recipes and healthy cabbage recipes .
Hearty & Happy Cabbage Soup: A Bowlful of Veggie Goodness
Alright, let's talk Cabbage Soup Recipes . Honestly, Cabbage Soup is the PERFECT comfort food! This isn't your average bland soup; we're talking about a vibrant, flavour packed bowl of goodness that's super budget friendly soup recipes .
I remember the first time I tried making cabbage soup. I totally under seasoned it. Lesson learned! Now, I'm sharing my super recipe that’ll warm you from the inside out.
This recipe is easy and its perfect for Soup Dinner .
This Easy Cabbage Soup is inspired by traditional Cabbage Soup Diet recipes, but it focuses on flavour first, promise! Think of it as your Nan's cooking, but with a little extra oomph .
Ready? This recipe is super easy, and its great for Vegetarian Soup Recipes .
Prep Like a Pro!
First, the mise en place . Chop 1 large onion, mince 2 cloves of garlic, and chop 1 green bell pepper, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks.
Shred 1 medium head of green cabbage. Have everything ready to go. This saves so much time! Remember safety first, keep those fingers out of the way when chopping!
step-by-step to Soup Heaven
- Sauté in a large pot with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5- 7 minutes .
- Stir in 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). Cook for 1 minute. Smells amazing, right?
- Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth and 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes. Simmer this mixture.
- Stir in the shredded cabbage.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30- 40 minutes , or until cabbage is tender. Not mushy!
- Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper (or to taste). Trust your taste buds!
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a squeeze of lemon juice are great too!
Pro Tips for Maximum Flavour
Don’t overcook the cabbage. It should be tender crisp, not soggy. And, building flavour is key. Take your time sautéing the veggies.
This is a great Comfort food soup . This recipe is also a Healthy cabbage recipes .
A common mistake is not tasting as you go! Adjust the seasoning. A little lemon juice can brighten things up.
You can absolutely make this soup ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better the next day. Its also a great Weight loss soup recipes if you want that.
So there you have it! This Hearty vegetable soup recipe is so great, you’ll be making it every week.
Recipe Notes
Right then, let’s have a chinwag about some extra bits for our Hearty & Happy Cabbage Soup . This is the stuff that elevates it from "okay" to "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!".
Honestly, I sometimes think these little details are even more important than the main recipe itself!
Ace Serving Suggestions
Fancy plating? Pile that Cabbage Soup high in a rustic bowl. A swirl of Greek yogurt? Chef's kiss . And don’t forget fresh parsley.
It adds a pop of colour. For drinks? A crisp glass of white wine is brill. Or just a good old cup of tea.
Side wise? Crusty bread is mandatory. For dipping of course.
Storage Savvy
Pop any leftover Easy Cabbage Soup in the fridge. It'll keep for about 3-4 days, easy peasy. Make sure it's in an airtight container, yeah? Freezing? Absolutely.
Freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, give it a good stir. Top Tip: Add a splash of extra broth if it’s thickened up too much.
Variations? Cor Blimey!
Want to make it Vegetarian Soup Recipes ? Bingo! It already is! For a seasonal twist, try adding butternut squash in autumn.
It’ll add a nice sweetness. Want a spicy Soup Dinner ? Throw in some chilli flakes! Cabbage Soup is the PERFECT base for experimentation, and a Comfort food soup , so why not add a dollop of pesto?
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
One serving of this Healthy Cabbage Recipes is about 150-200 calories. We're talking a decent amount of fibre. Great for your gut! Plus, loads of vitamins from all those veggies.
It’s a cracking Budget friendly soup recipes way to get your greens. And let’s face it, it’s cheaper than therapy after a long week.
I’m joking… mostly .
So there you have it. A few extra tips to make your Cabbage Soup Recipes even better. Don't be afraid to experiment.
Cooking should be fun! Get in the kitchen, give it a go, and enjoy! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "Cabbage Soup is the PERFECT" recipe actually good for weight loss, or is it just a load of codswallop?
While some versions of cabbage soup recipes are promoted for weight loss, our "Hearty & Happy Cabbage Soup" recipe focuses on flavour and nutrition. It's naturally lower in calories and high in fibre, which can contribute to a feeling of fullness.
However, it's best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet rather than a quick fix weight loss solution. Think of it as a healthy choice, not a magic potion!
Can I freeze leftover cabbage soup? I hate wasting food, especially if I've spent ages making it!
Absolutely! Cabbage soup freezes beautifully. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat it on the stovetop.
What kind of cabbage works best in this soup, and can I use other veggies? My local shop is a bit limited sometimes, bless 'em.
Green cabbage is the most common and readily available option for this recipe, providing a classic flavour. However, you can experiment with Savoy cabbage for a slightly milder taste or even red cabbage for a colourful twist.
As for other veggies, feel free to add things like zucchini, kale, or spinach for extra nutrients and texture, just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent mushiness.
I'm a vegetarian; can I adapt this "Cabbage Soup is the PERFECT" for my diet, and what can I use instead of chicken stock if the stock is made of it?
Yes, this soup is easily made vegetarian or vegan! The current recipe uses vegetable broth, making it naturally suitable. If you're unsure about the ingredients in commercially prepared vegetable broth, you can make your own or look for certified vegetarian/vegan options.
Also, double check you are not using chicken or beef stock by mistake!
This sounds a bit bland. How can I jazz up my cabbage soup and give it a bit of a "wow" factor?
Don't worry, there are plenty of ways to add a "wow" factor! A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of apple cider vinegar brightens the flavours. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped chili.
A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds richness and creaminess, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill makes it look and taste extra special. A bit of smoked paprika can also work wonders.
My Nan used to make cabbage soup all the time. How can I tweak this recipe to be a bit more like hers, or add a bit of history, or a cultural twist?
That's a lovely idea! Soups are so personal and often have cultural roots. If your Nan's was more traditional, it might have included a ham hock for flavour, or perhaps barley for added heartiness. Some cultures add caraway seeds for a distinctive flavour. Maybe she used a specific type of stock or a secret ingredient?
Try experimenting with these variations and see if you can capture that nostalgic taste. Soups from different cultures often have different flavor, for instance adding soy sauce or miso paste for a Japanese style soup, or paprika for an Eastern European soup!
Hearty Happy Cabbage Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 150-200 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 5-8g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
