When it comes to warm and hearty meals that are both comforting and nutritious, Best Cabbage Soup stands out as a delightful choice. This soup is not only easy to prepare but also packed with rich flavors and healthy ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or an inviting dish for guests, this cabbage soup is sure to impress.
Why We Love This Best Cabbage Soup Recipe
One of the main reasons you’ll fall in love with this Best Cabbage Soup recipe is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs, making it a wonderful option for everyone. The combination of crisp vegetables, rich tomatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a symphony of flavors in every spoonful. This soup is also budget-friendly, allowing you to eat healthily without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, making it a favorite among families and health enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients about Best Cabbage Soup
Here’s everything you need to whip up this delightful Best Cabbage Soup:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and shredded
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Cooked sausage, diced (Italian or kielbasa work well)
- Optional: Diced potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)
How to Make Best Cabbage Soup Directions
Creating this Best Cabbage Soup is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to bring this delicious meal to your table:
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. This helps to build a flavorful base for your soup.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté it for about 5-7 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. The aroma will be irresistible!
- Once your onion is nice and soft, toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to release its fragrance.
- Now, it’s time to introduce the star of the dish: the cabbage. Stir in the shredded cabbage along with the diced carrots and celery. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until these vegetables have taken on a slightly tender texture.
- Pour the can of crushed tomatoes into the pot, mixing it well with the veggies already sautéed.
- Following that, add in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if you prefer). This will be the liquid that brings everything together.
- Season the soup with dried oregano, dried thyme, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat), and salt and black pepper to your taste. Don’t forget to drop in the bay leaf for an extra layer of flavor. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for 30 minutes to an hour. Stir it occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.
- If you decided to include diced sausage or potatoes, add those during the last 15-25 minutes of simmering. This allows them to heat through without becoming mushy.
- Towards the end of the cooking time, stir in the apple cider vinegar. This adds a nice tang that balances the flavors beautifully. Don’t forget to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf. Ladle the warm soup into bowls, and finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
How to Serve Best Cabbage Soup
Serving your Best Cabbage Soup is an enjoyable part of the process. Present it in large bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness. You can pair it with warm bread or rolls on the side, making it a complete meal. If you want to elevate your serving experience, consider offering a variety of toppings such as croutons, a dollop of sour cream, or grated cheese. These small additions can take the soup to the next level and allow everyone to customize their soup to their liking.
Expert Tips: Best Cabbage Soup
To ensure your Best Cabbage Soup is the best it can be, consider these expert tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your vegetables directly impacts the flavor of your soup. Fresh cabbage, crisp carrots, and vibrant celery will make a significant difference.
- Adjust Seasoning: Everyone’s palate is different, so don’t hesitate to adjust the spices and herbs to your liking. Adding more garlic or a pinch more paprika can give a whole new dimension to the taste.
- Let It Simmer Longer: For a deeper flavor, let your soup simmer longer, even up to an hour or more if you have time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
- Try Different Broths: While vegetable broth works beautifully, experimenting with chicken broth can add a richer flavor.
- Add Additional Veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables you enjoy or have on hand, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or even some spinach for added nutrients.
How to Store Best Cabbage Soup
Storing your Best Cabbage Soup is simple and will keep it fresh for future enjoyment. Once the soup has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in portions. This way, you can have delicious homemade cabbage soup that’s ready whenever you need a quick meal. To reheat, just warm it in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave until it’s thoroughly heated.
Variation of Best Cabbage Soup
This Best Cabbage Soup recipe is highly adaptable. Here are some variations you might consider trying:
- Add Protein: You can include cooked shredded chicken or turkey to the soup for a hearty meal. The meat will soak up the flavors and add a satisfying texture.
- Lentil Twist: Incorporating lentils is a fantastic way to add protein and fiber. Just add them in with the broth and let them cook until tender.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy an extra bite, add more red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce to crank up the heat.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs such as basil, rosemary, or cilantro to give your soup a unique flavor profile.
- Creamy Version: For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This creates a luxurious, velvety experience.
FAQ
What makes this the Best Cabbage Soup?
This soup stands out due to its combination of fresh vegetables, vibrant flavors from herbs and spices, and its versatility to adapt to almost any ingredient you love.
Can I make this cabbage soup vegan?
Absolutely! Simply stick to vegetable broth and skip any meat additions. The vegetable-based ingredients will still deliver outstanding flavor.
How do I reheat leftover cabbage soup?
You can reheat leftover soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, use a microwave-safe container for quick reheating in the microwave.
Can I freeze Best Cabbage Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just make sure it is completely cool before storing it in airtight containers suitable for the freezer.
What can I serve with cabbage soup?
Best served alongside warm, crusty bread or a light salad, this soup provides a perfect balance of heartiness and freshness for a lovely meal.
Now, you are all set to create and enjoy this incredible Best Cabbage Soup that will surely warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!
Best Cabbage Soup
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Used for sautéing.
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and shredded
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth) Choose according to preference.
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) For added heat.
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar To balance flavors.
Garnish and Extras
- as needed Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
- optional Cooked sausage, diced Italian or kielbasa work well.
- optional Diced potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in shredded cabbage, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until slightly tender.
Cooking
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and mix well with the sautéed vegetables.
- Add vegetable broth (or chicken broth) to the pot.
- Season with dried oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and salt and black pepper. Add the bay leaf and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 30 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally.
- If adding sausage or potatoes, incorporate them into the soup during the last 15-25 minutes of cooking.
- Stir in apple cider vinegar towards the end of cooking and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Serving
- Remove the bay leaf and ladle soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with warm bread or rolls.
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