Cabbage Soup

📝 Description:

Cabbage soup is a light, nutritious, and hearty vegetable-based soup made with fresh cabbage, tomatoes, carrots, celery, and aromatic herbs. Often used in detox or low-calorie diets, it’s warming, flavorful, and naturally low in fat and calories—perfect as a starter or a light meal on its own.

🍲 Ingredients for Cabbage Soup

• 1 medium green cabbage, chopped

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp thyme

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

🔪 Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics:
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

2. Add Vegetables:
   Add carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes.

3. Add Cabbage & Seasonings:
   Stir in the chopped cabbage, tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.

4. Simmer:
   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until cabbage is tender.

5. Finish:
   Stir in lemon juice if using, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley.

6. Serve hot with crusty bread or enjoy as-is.

🧠 Notes:

• You can add beans or lentils for protein.

• For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

• Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days; flavor improves with time.

• Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

💡 Tips:

• Shred the cabbage finely if you want a smoother texture.

• Add zucchini or spinach at the end for more veggies.

• For a richer flavor, roast the cabbage slightly before adding to the soup.

• Use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.

🍽️ Servings:

• Yield: About 6–8 servings

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups

🔢 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.):

• Calories: 110

• Carbohydrates: 17g

• Protein: 3g

• Fat: 3g

• Fiber: 5g

• Sodium: 580mg (depending on broth used)

• Sugar: 8g

(Values may vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.)

✅ Benefits:

• Low-Calorie & Filling: Great for weight loss or detox diets.

• Rich in Fiber: Aids digestion and supports gut health.

• High in Antioxidants: From cabbage, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.

• Hydrating & Light: Perfect for staying nourished during hot or cold seasons.

• Versatile: Easy to customize to fit vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb diets.

❓Q&A:

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Just add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

Q: Can I use red cabbage instead?
A: Yes, but it will change the color of the soup and have a slightly different flavor—still delicious!

Q: How can I make it more filling?
A: Add diced potatoes, beans, quinoa, or shredded chicken for a heartier soup.

Q: Is cabbage soup good for weight loss?
A: Yes, it’s low in calories, high in fiber, and can be part of a weight-loss plan when eaten alongside a balanced diet.