Discover the comforting warmth of this cabbage soup. Packed with nutrients and delicious flavors, it’s perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Table of Contents
Introduction
This Best Cabbage Soup is your go-to recipe for a nutritious and hearty meal. With fresh vegetables, spices, and red lentils, it creates a satisfying bowl of goodness. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a warm and comforting dish that not only fills you up but also provides a wealth of health benefits. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a light lunch, this cabbage soup is sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the simple steps to create this delightful dish.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, small dice
- 3 medium carrots, small dice
- 3 ribs celery, small dice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of cayenne (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups vegetable broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced fire roasted tomatoes or regular diced tomatoes
- 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
- 1 small green cabbage, shredded
- ½ lemon zest and juice, plus more as needed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Start by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until the veggies are tender. Next, stir in the minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, and cayenne, cooking for an additional minute to release their flavors.
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for another minute while stirring continuously. Then, add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and rinsed red lentils. Incorporate the shredded cabbage in batches, pressing down to submerge it in the liquid.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Finally, add the lemon zest and juice, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, you can easily make substitutions. Instead of olive oil, feel free to use any cooking oil you prefer. You can swap the yellow onion for a white or green onion. If you don’t have red lentils, green or brown lentils work well, though cooking times may vary slightly. For the cabbage, green or white cabbage can be substituted without losing the flavor. If fire-roasted tomatoes aren’t available, regular diced tomatoes will do just as well.
Variations
This cabbage soup is versatile and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. For a protein boost, consider adding shredded chicken or turkey. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the lentils and adjust the broth quantity accordingly. Spice lovers can increase the amount of cayenne for a kick! You can also experiment with fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, for added flavor.
Expert Tips
To achieve the best texture and flavor, remember that cabbage shrinks significantly during cooking. Add it in batches, allowing each batch to wilt before adding more. Use low-sodium vegetable broth for a healthier option, and feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference—up to two cartons may be needed. For a thicker soup, blend a small portion of it and stir it back in. This will add creaminess without extra calories. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to loosen the soup if necessary.
Recipe FAQs
What ingredients go in cabbage soup?
Cabbage soup includes olive oil, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, herbs, spices, vegetable broth, tomatoes, lentils, cabbage, and lemon juice.
What adds flavour to cabbage soup?
Flavors come from garlic, herbs like oregano, spices, and the addition of fresh lemon juice.
What are common mistakes when making cabbage soup?
Common mistakes include not seasoning properly, adding cabbage all at once, or using low-quality broth.
What does cabbage soup do for your body?
Cabbage soup is low in calories, rich in vitamins, and fiber, promoting digestion and overall health.
Conclusion
This Best Cabbage Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy a warm bowl of this hearty soup tonight and experience the comfort it brings with every spoonful.
For more cozy recipe inspiration, visit our Pinterest ! page ,And explore more comforting Soup Recipes Collection.
Don’t forget to check out our Best Of Cabbage Soup collection for even more tasty ideas!
Best Cabbage Soup
Equipment
- large saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, small dice
- 3 medium carrots, small dice
- 3 ribs celery, small dice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- pinch cayenne (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups vegetable broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 14-ounce can diced fire roasted tomatoes or regular diced tomatoes
- 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
- 1 small green cabbage, shredded
- ½ lemon zest and juice plus more as needed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ⅓ cup chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat and cook onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until tender.
- Add garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, and cayenne, cooking for an additional minute.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute, then add vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and red lentils.
- Incorporate cabbage in batches, pressing down to submerge it in the liquid.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add lemon zest and juice, then season with salt and pepper, garnishing with parsley before serving.
