Cabbage Soup – Don’t LOSE this Recipe

Directions:

1. Prepare the vegetables: Chop the cabbage, carrots, celery, onion, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.
2. Heat the oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the vegetables: To the pot, add the chopped carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Stir for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
4. Stir in the cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and stir well to combine. Cabbage will shrink as it cooks, so don’t worry if it seems like a lot at first!
5. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the canned tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, water, and apple cider vinegar (if using). Stir in the thyme, oregano, basil (if using), salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
6. Bring to a boil: Raise the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally. The cabbage should become tender, and the flavors will have time to meld together.
7. Taste and adjust: Once the soup is cooked, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed—more salt, pepper, or even a splash more vinegar for extra tang.
8. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. This soup is delicious on its own, but you can garnish it with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for some extra creaminess.

Why This Recipe Works:

1. Packed with nutrients: This cabbage soup is loaded with vegetables—cabbage, carrots, celery, and bell peppers—providing a range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The broth adds flavor without too many calories, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to eat healthier.
2. Low in calories, high in volume: The soup is filling due to its high water and fiber content but is very low in calories. You can eat a large bowl and still stay on track with your health goals.
3. Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile! You can add extra veggies (such as zucchini, green beans, or spinach), or even a protein like chicken or beans if you prefer a more hearty version. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking—add a little heat with some red pepper flakes or experiment with different herbs for a unique flavor.
4. Perfect for meal prep: Since the soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4-5 days, it’s a great option to prepare in advance. It also freezes well, so you can make a large batch and enjoy it at your convenience.
5. Detoxifying and gut-friendly: With the combination of cabbage and apple cider vinegar, this soup can help support digestion and gut health. The fiber in the cabbage also helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 100-150 (depending on your broth and additional ingredients)
• Protein: 3-4g
• Carbs: 20-25g
• Fiber: 6-8g
• Fat: 3-5g (depending on the amount of oil used)
• Sodium: Varies, depending on your broth choice and added salt

A Few Tips:

• Make it spicier: If you enjoy a little heat, add some red pepper flakes, chili powder, or even a diced jalapeño to the mix.
• Make it heartier: For a more filling meal, try adding beans (like cannellini or chickpeas) or lean protein such as shredded chicken breast or ground turkey.
• Low-sodium options: To make this recipe even healthier, opt for low-sodium broth or make your own to control the amount of salt.
• Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand (like thyme, oregano, or parsley), feel free to toss them in for an added burst of flavor!

Final Thoughts:

This Cabbage Soup is a keeper, and once you make it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for those days when you need a comforting, healthy meal. Whether you’re preparing it for weight loss, detoxing, or simply wanting to fill up on something warm and hearty, this soup has you covered. Plus, it’s so simple to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start cooking it sooner.

So don’t lose this recipe! Make a batch today and enjoy the comfort and health benefits of this delicious cabbage soup all week long.