Hearty Humble the Best Ever Cabbage Soup
Hearty & Humble: The Best Ever Cabbage Soup
Fancy a bowl of comfort? Honestly, is there anything better on a cold day than a big bowl of soup? This best cabbage soup recipe is about to become your new favourite!
A Taste of Tradition: Eastern European Goodness
This isn't just any old cabbage soup recipe . It's got a rich history. Eastern European soup recipes like this one have been warming hearts for generations.
This is my version, a savory soup inspired by those traditions. This easy soup recipe takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes from start to finish.
The recipe makes 6-8 servings. Perfect for a family meal.
Nourishing and Delicious: A Bowl of Goodness
This isn't just any comfort food recipes ; it’s also a healthy soup recipe . Packed with veggies and lean protein, you can enjoy this savory soup guilt free.
It’s the perfect thing when you are feeling under the weather, or you just want something nourishing and filling. This recipe is special because it's so versatile.
It tastes amazing with or without meat!
Ready to dive in? First, let's gather our ingredients for this homemade soup recipes !
Ingredients & Equipment
Right, let's talk about what you'll need for this best cabbage soup recipe . Don't panic, it's mostly stuff you probably already have.
This is a hearty and healthy soup recipe , so fresh is best!
Main Ingredients
Okay, here's the lowdown on what goes into this magical savory soup .
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Extra virgin's great, but anything works.
- Onion: 1 large , chopped. About a cup. No tears now!
- Carrots: 2 medium , diced. Again, about a cup.
- Celery: 2 stalks , diced. Yep, another cup.
- Ground beef: 1 pound (450g) . Look for lean beef. If you're doing a vegetarian cabbage soup , grab a 14 ounce (400g) package of plant based ground.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don’t skimp on the garlic.
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon , dried.
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon . It adds a lovely smokiness, you know?
- Beef broth: 8 cups (approximately 1.9 liters) . Go veggie broth if you want that vegetarian cabbage soup .
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/800g) can .
- Green cabbage: 1 medium head , shredded. About 6 cups.
- Bay leaf: 1 . Don't forget to take it out before serving.
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . It adds a nice zing.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
I really believe that the cabbage is the star in this easy soup recipe . Look for a firm head, without any bruises.
With this recipe, the fresher the better, and makes the best cabbage soup recipe
Seasoning Notes
Thyme and smoked paprika are essential. They make this cabbage soup recipe a proper comfort food recipe . If you don't have smoked paprika, regular paprika will do.
A pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat? Yes, please! Don’t be scared of experiment.
Equipment Needed
Honestly, you don't need fancy gadgets for this homemade soup recipe .
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven.
- Cutting board.
- Chef's knife.
- Wooden spoon or spatula.
If you don't have a stockpot, a large saucepan will work in a pinch. Just make sure it's big enough! Grab these items and you will be all set up for the best cabbage soup recipe .
Hearty & Humble: The Best Ever Cabbage Soup
This isn't your average watery cabbage soup recipe . This is a flavor packed, hearty version inspired by classic Eastern European soup recipes.
It’s proper comfort food recipes that’s both comforting and nutritious. Sweet cabbage, tangy tomatoes, savory beef, and a touch of herbs come together beautifully.
Perfect with crusty bread for dunking! It's one of those easy soup recipe that is proper soul food, innit?
Prep Steps
Essential mise en place: First, chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince that garlic! Shred the cabbage. Honestly, prepping everything first makes cooking so much easier.
Time saving organization tips: I like to use these little bowls to keep my prepped ingredients separate. It’s a game changer! Makes you feel like a chef on television.
Safety reminders: Be careful with that knife! Keep your fingers tucked. You know, the usual drill.
step-by-step Process
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5- 7 minutes .
- Brown Meat: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. If you're making vegetarian cabbage soup , use a plant based ground meat alternative instead.
- Add Flavor Boosters: Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika . Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Oh my gosh , it smells amazing already!
- Add Liquids & Tomatoes: Pour in 8 cups of beef (or vegetable) broth and add 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes . Stir well.
- Simmer with Cabbage: Add 6 cups of shredded cabbage and 1 bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour . Aim for up to 1. 5 hours until the cabbage is tender.
- Season & Finish: Stir in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar . Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish & Serve: Ladle the savory soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Pro Tips
Don't skimp on the browning: Browning the meat (or meat alternative) really adds depth of flavor to the homemade soup recipes .
Common mistake to avoid: Not seasoning enough! Taste as you go and adjust. A little extra salt can make a huge difference.
If you're looking for some winter soup recipes , this ticks all the boxes. Plus, this healthy soup recipe can be made a day or two ahead of time, just like my nan used to make!
Recipe Notes for the Best Cabbage Soup Recipe
Right, so you're about to dive into this cabbage soup recipe . Awesome! Here are a few little things to keep in mind.
They'll help you make this easy soup recipe your own. Honestly, it’s almost foolproof, but a few pointers never hurt, eh?
Serving Suggestions: Get Your Soup On!
Fancy it up or keep it casual, totally up to you. If you're feeling fancy, a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley will do the trick.
Presentation is important, you know? But for a casual meal, just ladle it straight into a bowl.
Think about serving this with some proper crusty bread. Seriously, dunking is essential! A nice side salad cuts through the richness too.
Maybe a simple green salad with a vinaigrette? Sorted! This healthy soup recipe goes perfectly with a hunk of bread.
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!
This homemade soup recipe keeps brilliantly. Once it's cooled down, pop it in the fridge. It'll be good for about 3-4 days.
Honestly, I think it tastes even better the next day! All those flavors meld together.
Freezing is also a great option. Just portion it out into freezer safe containers. It'll keep for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove. Easy peasy!
Variations: Make it Your Own!
Fancy a bit of a twist? No worries, this savory soup is super adaptable. For a vegetarian cabbage soup , just ditch the ground beef soup and use vegetable broth.
Add some lentils or beans to make it extra hearty. Bam! Vegetarian goodness.
If you’re after a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño. Or maybe try a touch of sauerkraut for an Eastern European soup vibe.
I've even used smoked sausage before, just because I had some lying around. Don't be afraid to experiment with this comfort food recipe !
Nutrition Basics: Good for You!
This cabbage soup recipe is packed with goodness. Cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse. It is full of fiber and vitamins. Plus, it's low in calories. Win-win!
Each serving is roughly 250-350 calories. That is depending on what you put in it, of course. You're getting a good dose of protein and healthy carbs too.
Consider this a great option for these winter soup recipes .
So there you have it! All the extra bits to make your best cabbage soup recipe experience even better. Now go forth and soup! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the best cabbage soup recipe? I made a massive batch!
Absolutely! Cabbage soup freezes brilliantly. Let it cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. It'll keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Easy peasy!
I'm a vegetarian. How can I adapt this best cabbage soup recipe?
No worries, mate! It's super simple. Just swap the beef broth for vegetable broth and ditch the ground beef. You can add a can of drained and rinsed lentils or kidney beans for extra protein and heartiness. Also, consider adding smoked paprika for a touch of smokiness that you'd otherwise get from the beef.
My cabbage soup tastes a bit bland. How can I add more flavour?
Don't fret; we've all been there! A little extra somethin' somethin' can make all the difference. First, make sure you've seasoned it well with salt and pepper it's often the simplest fix.
A splash of Worcestershire sauce (if you're not vegetarian) or a squeeze of lemon juice can add a lovely umami kick and brighten the flavour. Also, don't be shy with the herbs a bit more thyme or even some fresh dill can work wonders!
How long does the best cabbage soup recipe last in the fridge?
This soup is even better the next day, like a good curry! Properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge, cabbage soup will happily last for 3-4 days. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving. If it looks or smells off, though, best to chuck it better safe than sorry!
I don't have apple cider vinegar. What's a good substitute for this best cabbage soup recipe?
No apple cider vinegar? No problem! The acidity is key to balancing the flavors. White wine vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice will do the trick nicely. Use about the same amount as the apple cider vinegar the recipe calls for and adjust to your taste.
You're aiming for a slight tang to cut through the richness of the soup.
Hearty Humble The Best Ever Cabbage Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250-350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10-15g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
