Hearty Cabbage Soup

This hearty cabbage soup combines fresh vegetables and savory ground meat into a comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out. The simple ingredients create a flavorful, nutritious meal that's perfect for cooler days or whenever you need something satisfying yet light.

I first made this soup during a particularly cold winter when I needed something to stretch our grocery budget. Now it's become one of our family favorites that everyone requests when the temperature drops.

Ingredients

• Cabbage One medium head creates the foundation for this soup while adding filling fiber
• Ground beef or turkey Provides protein and richness you can choose based on your preference
• Onion and garlic The aromatic base that builds deep flavor in every spoonful
• Carrots and bell pepper Add natural sweetness color and extra nutrition
• Diced tomatoes The acidity balances the soup and creates a more complex broth
• Beef or vegetable broth Forms the savory liquid base choose homemade for extra flavor
• Dried herbs and spices Thyme and paprika bring warmth and depth without overwhelming
• Olive oil For sautéing to develop flavor rather than just boiling ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers slightly. Add diced onion and minced garlic together allowing them to slowly release their flavors. Pay attention to not let the garlic burn as it can turn bitter. Cook until the onions become translucent with a slight golden hue which takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Brown the Meat

Add your ground beef or turkey to the pot with the aromatics. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks for more even distribution throughout the soup. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains usually 5 to 7 minutes. If excess fat accumulates tilt the pot slightly and spoon off the extra grease or drain if necessary for a cleaner broth.

Add the Veggies

Introduce diced carrots and bell pepper to the pot. Stir them with the meat mixture allowing them to begin softening slightly which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step allows the vegetables to absorb the flavors already developing in the pot while starting their cooking process.

Combine Everything

Add chopped cabbage diced tomatoes with their juice beef broth and water to the pot. The cabbage will seem like a lot at first but will cook down significantly. Ensure all ingredients are fully submerged by pressing down gently with a spoon. Mix thoroughly to distribute all components evenly throughout the liquid.

Season the Soup

Sprinkle in dried thyme paprika and add the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper starting conservatively as you can always add more later. Stir well to incorporate all seasonings throughout the broth ensuring they don't clump in one area of the soup.

Let it Simmer

Bring the soup to a rolling boil then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid leaving it slightly ajar to allow some steam to escape. Let the soup cook undisturbed for about 30 minutes then check cabbage tenderness by testing a piece. Continue simmering for up to 10 more minutes if needed until cabbage reaches your preferred softness.

Final Touches

Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed adding more salt pepper or herbs according to your preference. The flavors will have melded together creating a cohesive broth that should taste rich and satisfying.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls garnish with fresh herbs if desired. The soup can be served as is or accompanied by crusty bread for a more substantial meal. Each spoonful should contain a good balance of tender vegetables savory meat and flavorful broth.

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The cabbage is truly the star of this recipe. I was surprised by how my children who normally turn their noses up at cabbage devoured this soup eagerly. The long simmering transforms the cabbage from something sharp and pungent into a sweet tender component that absorbs all the wonderful flavors around it.

Make It Your Own

This cabbage soup recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. For a vegetarian version simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth adding a can of beans for protein. You can also swap in different vegetables like celery zucchini or potatoes whatever needs using in your refrigerator. The recipe is incredibly forgiving.

Storage and Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days making it perfect for meal prep. The flavors actually improve after a day as they continue to meld together. For longer storage freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop over medium heat until thoroughly warmed.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own this cabbage soup pairs wonderfully with freshly baked cornbread or a crusty loaf of sourdough. For a complete meal add a simple side salad with vinaigrette dressing. If serving for guests consider offering toppings like sour cream fresh herbs or grated cheese that each person can add according to their preference.

Cultural Notes

Cabbage soup variations appear in cuisines around the world from Eastern European borscht to Portuguese caldo verde. This particular recipe has roots in frugal cooking traditions where inexpensive cabbage could stretch a small amount of meat to feed many people. During the Great Depression similar soups became staples in American households providing nutrition during difficult economic times.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this cabbage soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add extra vegetables or include beans or lentils for additional protein and texture.

→ How long will cabbage soup keep in the refrigerator?

This cabbage soup will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors often improve after a day as the ingredients have more time to meld together.

→ Can I freeze this cabbage soup?

Yes! This soup freezes excellently. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers leaving some room for expansion. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ What can I serve with cabbage soup?

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a simple side salad, or cornbread. For a lighter meal, it's perfect on its own as it already contains protein, vegetables, and broth.

→ How can I make this soup spicier?

To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes while sautéing the aromatics, add a diced jalapeño with the vegetables, or stir in some hot sauce at the end. You could also use spicy paprika instead of regular paprika.

→ Is cabbage soup good for weight loss?

Cabbage soup can be part of a balanced diet as it's high in fiber and relatively low in calories. This version includes protein from the ground meat, making it more satisfying while still being nutritious. However, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional about specific dietary plans.