Hearty Cabbage and Apple Soup

Name: Hearty Cabbage and Apple Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded; 2 medium apples, peeled and diced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 tsp thyme; 1 tsp rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup sour cream; Chopped parsley for garnish

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 8

Welcome to a cozy bowl of Hearty Cabbage and Apple Soup! This recipe combines the wholesome flavors of cabbage and apples in a warming, comforting way that’s perfect for chilly days. It's a delightful blend of savory and sweet that will brighten up your dinner table.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Combines simple, familiar ingredients into a deliciously unique soup.
Quick and easy on busy nights, ready in about 30 minutes.
Packed with nutrients, making it both a healthy and filling choice.
Perfect balance of flavors with a hint of sweet, tangy, and savory.
Great for using up leftover cabbage or apples.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 head green cabbage, shredded

2 medium apples, peeled and diced

4 cups vegetable broth

1 tsp thyme

1 tsp rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup sour cream

Chopped parsley for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until they become translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Next, introduce the shredded cabbage and diced apples to the pot. Stir them in well, allowing the cabbage to start wilting. This takes around 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll notice a lovely aroma as the apples begin to soften.

Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the thyme and rosemary. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld beautifully together.

Season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking. After tasting, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the sour cream. This will create a rich, creamy consistency. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

Sauté the onions and garlic slowly to prevent them from turning bitter.
For a thicker soup, you can blend half the batch and mix it back in.
Use a variety of apples like Granny Smith for more tartness or Fuji for sweetness.
If you prefer a vegan version, substitute the sour cream with a plant-based alternative.
Make it a day ahead; the flavors deepen overnight.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this soup with a crusty bread like a sourdough or a whole-grain loaf to soak up every bit of the flavorful broth. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad can round out the meal perfectly. For a touch of luxury, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or a dollop of pesto on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this soup?: Yes, this soup freezes well. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of sour cream?: You can use Greek yogurt or a vegan sour cream alternative if you're looking for a dairy-free option.
How can I add more protein to this soup?: Consider adding cooked beans or lentils. A handful of cooked chicken or sausage could also complement the flavors nicely.

Ingredients Explained

Olive oil is the base fat that helps sauté the onions and garlic, setting the stage for all the flavors to come together. Onion, when sautéed, adds a sweet and savory depth to the soup. Garlic enhances this with its aromatic, bold presence. Green cabbage is the star, bringing a mild, earthy flavor and hearty texture. Apples introduce a subtle sweetness and a touch of tartness, balancing the savory elements. Vegetable broth serves as the liquid foundation, infusing the soup with a rich, wholesome taste. Thyme and rosemary provide herbal notes that deepen the flavor profile. Finally, salt and pepper are essential for seasoning, while sour cream adds a creamy finish, and parsley brings a fresh, vibrant garnish.

Simplified Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.

2. Stir in shredded cabbage and diced apples, cooking until the cabbage begins to wilt.

3. Pour in vegetable broth, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.

5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

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