Cabbage Soup

📝 Description:

This hearty and healthy cabbage soup is packed with fresh vegetables, perfect for detoxing or just warming up on a chilly day. It’s low in calories, budget-friendly, and loaded with flavor from herbs and spices.

🍲 Ingredients for Cabbage Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 celery stalks, sliced

• 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for smoky flavor)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (for brightness)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent (about 3–4 minutes).

2. Add Vegetables:
   Stir in carrots, celery, and cabbage. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Simmer the Soup:
   Add diced tomatoes (with juice), broth, basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 25–30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

4. Finish:
   Stir in lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavor. Adjust seasoning.

5. Serve:
   Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Notes:

• Use savoy or napa cabbage for a softer texture.

• Add beans or lentils for protein if desired.

• For a heartier version, stir in cooked ground turkey or shredded chicken.

💡 Tips:

• Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

• This soup tastes even better the next day.

• Great for batch cooking or meal prep.

• Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.

🍽️ Servings:

Makes about 6–8 servings

🧾 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.):

• Calories: 80

• Protein: 2g

• Fat: 2g

• Carbohydrates: 14g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sodium: 450mg (varies with broth used)

🌿 Health Benefits:

• High in fiber → supports digestion

• Low in calories → ideal for weight loss/detox

• Rich in antioxidants (from cabbage, tomatoes, garlic)

• Hydrating and nutrient-dense

❓ Q&A:

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Just add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Q: Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
A: Yes, but it may change the color of the soup. Flavor stays similar.

Q: Is it okay to blend it for a creamy version?
A: Definitely! Blend part or all of the soup for a smoother texture.

Q: Is this soup keto-friendly?
A: Mostly, but you may want to reduce the carrots or use more meat/healthy fats to increase fat content.