Simple Cabbage Soup Recipe – Taste Whisper

Before we dive into making the delightful simple cabbage soup, let’s chat about some tasty pairings. This soup isn’t just a standalone dish; it’s the perfect sidekick to several meals.

Imagine a slice of freshly baked crusty bread. It’s warm, inviting, and oh-so-perfect for dipping. Pairing your cabbage soup with a good quality artisan bread elevates the entire experience. Consider a hearty sourdough for that tangy kick.

Next, think salads. A refreshing side salad loaded with light greens, tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette can complement the soup’s warmth. It’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meal.

If you’re feeling indulgent, why not stack your dinner plate with grilled cheese sandwiches? That gooey cheese hugging the crispy bread alongside a steaming bowl of soup creates a comforting duo worthy of cold nights.

I’ve experimented with a few different pairings, and honestly, the options are endless. Choose what fits your palate!

Let’s talk about cabbage – the unsung hero of leafy greens. Often overshadowed by kale or spinach, cabbage deserves its moment in the spotlight, and what better way to celebrate it than in a simple cabbage soup? This dish is comfort food at its finest. It’s warm, filling, and nourishing.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the entire process of creating this flavorful soup. I’ll share my expertise, tricks, and possible replacements if you want to jazz it up a bit. Whether you want to enjoy it on a chilly evening or whip it up for a gathering, this recipe will surely please.

What is Simple Cabbage Soup?

At its core, simple cabbage soup is just that – simple! It’s a straightforward, vegetable-packed dish that features cabbage as the main ingredient. Traditionally, it consists of broth, vegetables, and seasonings simmered together until tender.

But here’s the beauty: you can throw in whatever you have on hand. Have leftover veggies from last night’s stir-fry? Perfect! Toss them in. This soup is not just versatile but also a fantastic way to reduce food waste.

The combination of robust flavors from the cabbage, tomatoes, and seasonings makes this soup a delightful main course or companion to a meal.

What Makes This Recipe Different from Other Simple Cabbage Soups?

What sets this recipe apart is the thoughtful combination of flavors and textures. Rather than just boiling everything together, I introduce a few powerhouse ingredients: fire-roasted diced tomatoes, cannellini beans for protein, and a touch of smoked paprika for depth.

Many simple cabbage soup recipes rely heavily on broth and water. My version leans on rich vegetable stock, and a splash of apple cider vinegar adds a delightful zing. These small tweaks can transform an ordinary dish into something remarkable.

How Does It Taste?

When it comes to flavor, I confidently say this soup brings a burst of freshness. Each spoonful is vibrant, filled with the natural sweetness of the cabbage and the acidity from the tomatoes. The earthy notes from the beans, combined with the kick from the garlic, create a seductive harmony in your mouth.

It’s not just nourishing; it’s an all-encompassing experience that fills you with warmth and satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish

Ready to roll up your sleeves? Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with their juices
• 1 can cooked white beans (such as cannellini), drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 4 garlic cloves, finely grated
• 2 medium carrots, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 rib of celery, finely diced
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• ¾ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1 small green cabbage (about 1 lb), shredded into small strips
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Step by Step Instructions for Simple Cabbage Soup

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a heartwarming soup ready in no time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

First things first, gather and prepare all your ingredients. This way, you won’t find yourself searching for that can of diced tomatoes midway through cooking. Chop that onion, grate the garlic, and dice those carrots and potatoes.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a large pot, drizzle the olive oil over medium heat. Once it shimmers, toss in the onion. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. The aroma of sautéing onions is downright irresistible.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Vegetables

Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. You want that garlic fragrant, but not burnt. Then, add the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Let them sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 4: Introduce the Cabbage

Time to add the star of the show! Put in the shredded cabbage. Give everything a good toss in the pot to coat the cabbage with the wonderful flavors already present.

Step 5: Pour in the Broth

Now for the magic moment. Pour the vegetable stock into the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil. You’ll want to let it simmer on low for about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Add Tomatoes and Beans

After 20 minutes of simmering, stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and cooked white beans. These ingredients not only add flavor but also texture to the dish.

Step 7: Season

Add your bay leaf, thyme, smoked paprika, and season with Himalayan pink salt and black pepper to your liking. Let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 8: Finish with Vinegar

Just before serving, stir in the apple cider vinegar. This adds brightness and depth. Remember to remove the bay leaf!

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley on top creates a beautiful presentation.

Tips & Tricks for Making Simple Cabbage Soup

• Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh thyme or parsley, sprinkle some in just before serving for a burst of flavor.
  
• Pre-chop ingredients ahead of time: This makes the cooking process much smoother and quicker.
  
• Adjust consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash a portion of the beans and mix them back in.
  
• Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  
• Batch cook: This soup freezes beautifully, making it a great option to prepare in larger quantities.
  

How Do I Store This Dish?

Storing cabbage soup is straightforward. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. 

You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and it will hold its quality for up to three months.

What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Simple Cabbage Soup?

If you want to play around with the base ingredients, here are some substitutes you might consider:

• Quinoa or Rice: Instead of beans, toss in cooked quinoa or rice for a grainy twist.
  
• Kale or Spinach: Swap out cabbage for kale or spinach if you prefer a different green.
  
• Zucchini: Add some chopped zucchini to the mix for an extra veggie punch and a slightly different flavor.
  
• Chicken or Beef Broth: Instead of vegetable stock, use chicken or beef broth for deeper flavors.
  
• Tomato Paste: A spoonful of tomato paste can intensify the tomato flavor if you want a richer taste in your soup.
  

FAQ

Conclusion

Simple cabbage soup is not just about taste; it’s about comfort and warmth. By using quality ingredients and following straightforward steps, you can prepare a dish that nourishes both body and soul.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to a lovely dinner, this soup checks all the boxes. 

So, go ahead, give this recipe a go, and enjoy the warm embrace of cabbage goodness. Happy cooking!

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