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A hearty, soul-warming bowl of cabbage soup brings together tender vegetables and aromatic herbs in a rich, flavorful broth. This nutritious recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal that gets better with each spoonful.
After making this soup countless times, I've found it's the perfect remedy for cold evenings. My family requests it regularly, especially when fighting off winter colds. The aroma filling the kitchen as it simmers is absolutely irresistible.
Essential Ingredients Guide
- Fresh green cabbage: Forms the heart of this soup, becoming silky and sweet as it cooks
- Fire-roasted tomatoes: Provide a deep, rich foundation that ordinary canned tomatoes cannot match
- White wine vinegar: Brightens all the flavors and adds complexity to the broth
- White beans: Turn this light soup into a complete meal with their creamy texture
- Aromatic vegetables: Create the perfect savory base that enriches the broth
- Fresh garlic and dried thyme: Work together to enhance every spoonful
- Quality olive oil: Brings all the flavors together
- Yukon gold potatoes: Add wonderful heartiness
Creating Your Soup
- Beginning The Base:
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil until it shimmers. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until onions become translucent and vegetables soften. This creates the foundation of flavor.
- Developing The Flavors:
- Add minced garlic and thyme, stirring until fragrant. The herbs will bloom in the oil, releasing their essential oils and deepening the taste profile.
- Incorporating The Stars:
- Add chopped cabbage in batches, allowing each addition to wilt slightly. The cabbage will release its natural sweetness as it cooks down.
- Building The Broth:
- Pour in fire-roasted tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Add diced potatoes and white beans, bringing everything to a gentle simmer.
- Final Touches:
- Season with white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer until vegetables are tender and flavors meld together perfectly.
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Growing up, my grandmother always added extra cabbage to her soups, saying it was nature's medicine. Now, I understand why - the depth of flavor it creates is unmatched.
Perfect Pairings
Turn this soup into a complete feast by serving it alongside crusty sourdough bread, warm cornbread, or garlic-rubbed crostini. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds wonderful creaminess.
Recipe Adaptations
Transform this soup by adding smoked paprika for heat, swap white beans for chickpeas, or include different seasonal vegetables. For a heartier version, add cooked barley or small pasta shapes.
Keeping It Fresh
This soup stays delicious for up to four days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve overnight. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to three months.
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After years of making this soup, it remains one of my most trusted recipes. Its ability to nourish and satisfy while being so simple to prepare makes it truly special. The way the cabbage melts into the broth creates something far greater than the sum of its parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does cabbage soup last in the fridge?
- Cabbage soup stays fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- → Can I freeze this cabbage soup?
- Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
- → What can I serve with cabbage soup?
- Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad pairs perfectly with this soup.
- → Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
- Yes, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours after sautéing the vegetables.
- → Is this soup healthy?
- Yes, it's packed with vegetables, fiber, and protein from the beans, while being naturally vegan and gluten-free.