Traditional Cabbage Soup

Name: Traditional Cabbage Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cabbage; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 carrots, sliced; 3 celery stalks, sliced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 45 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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This Traditional Cabbage Soup is your go-to meal when you crave something hearty yet light. Filled with vibrant veggies and aromatic herbs, it's a cozy option for chilly days or when you need a wholesome pick-me-up.

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Ingredients for Traditional Cabbage Soup

The star of this soup is undoubtedly the cabbage, bringing a subtle sweetness and crunch. Olive oil helps sauté the veggies, adding a touch of healthy fat. Onion, carrots, and celery form the classic mirepoix, infusing the broth with rich flavors. Garlic adds a fragrant kick, while chicken or vegetable broth serves as the comforting base. Diced tomatoes introduce a bit of acidity and color, contrasting nicely with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme’s earthiness. A single bay leaf infuses depth, and a splash of lemon juice brightens everything up at the end. Lastly, a sprinkle of fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, try roasting the cabbage before adding it to the soup.
Use homemade broth for an even deeper taste.
For a thicker consistency, blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with a hunk of crusty bread to soak up all the flavorful broth. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette to complement the soup’s acidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup vegan?: Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How long can I store leftovers?: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I add meat to this soup?: Sure! Cooked sausage or shredded chicken would be great additions for extra protein.

Traditional Cabbage Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating up the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it shimmers, toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these until they soften, which should take about 5 minutes. The aroma should start to fill your kitchen, whetting your appetite.

Next, add the garlic. Give it just a minute to get fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn. Now, it’s time for the cabbage. Stir it in and let it soften a bit, which will take another 5 minutes or so. You’ll notice it reducing in volume as it cooks down.

Pour in the broth, followed by the diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, thyme, and the bay leaf. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and let it cook uncovered for 30 minutes. This is where the flavors really meld together.

Before serving, fish out the bay leaf and stir in the lemon juice. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it up hot with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of earthy vegetables and savory broth.
Easy one-pot meal for minimal cleanup.
Customizable to suit vegan or vegetarian preferences.
Budget-friendly and ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients

1 medium head of cabbage

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

3 carrots, sliced

3 celery stalks, sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

8 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add the cabbage and sauté until it begins to soften, about 5 minutes.

5. Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.

6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.