Here’s a detailed recipe for a hearty and healthy cabbage soup that is perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe serves 6-8 people and can be easily adjusted to your preferences.

Cabbage Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 medium green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced (optional for a heartier soup)
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Start by prepping your vegetables. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, mince the garlic, and chop the zucchini and bell pepper. If using, peel and dice the potato.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Cabbage and Other Vegetables: Add the chopped cabbage, diced potatoes (if using), zucchini, and bell pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Let the mixture cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Incorporate the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, and add the tomato paste. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the tomato paste. Then, pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, making sure the vegetables are fully submerged. If necessary, add a bit more broth or water to cover.
5. Season the Soup: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, oregano, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes as well. Stir the soup to blend the seasonings evenly.
6. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Taste and Adjust: After the soup has simmered, taste it and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add salt to taste; the amount will depend on your broth’s sodium content.
8. Serve the Soup: Ladle the hot cabbage soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, bright finish.

Optional Additions and Variations:

• Meaty Version: For a heartier soup, add cooked and crumbled sausage, browned ground beef, or shredded cooked chicken. Stir the meat into the soup during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
• Beans: Add a can of kidney beans, cannellini beans, or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
• Grains: Stir in cooked brown rice, quinoa, or barley to make the soup more filling.
• Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can be stirred in at the end for added flavor.

Storage and Reheating:

Cabbage soup stores well and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions:

Cabbage soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread, a simple green salad, or a side of mashed potatoes. It’s also excellent as a light starter before a larger meal.

This recipe is not only nutritious and filling but also highly versatile. Whether you’re looking to keep it light or bulk it up with added ingredients, this cabbage soup can be tailored to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Enjoy!