Sour cabbage soup (cabbage juice)

Sour Cabbage Soup - a comforting and healthy delicacy

Sour cabbage soup, or 'zeama de varză', is a traditional recipe that combines the rich flavors of vegetables with a unique and tangy taste provided by fermented cabbage juice. This soup not only delights the taste buds but also provides an important nutrient boost to the body. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a light and healthy meal, as well as for those who are fasting or wish to reduce meat consumption. Additionally, preparing this soup is simple and quick, so I invite you to discover the necessary steps to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1/2 celery
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 1 cup of green peas (approximately 150 g)
- 1/2 small broccoli
- 1/2 cauliflower
- 1-2 small potatoes
- a few pods of round green beans (optional)
- 1 liter of cabbage juice (sour)
- 1 tablespoon of Delikat (or another preferred seasoning)
- salt to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil

Preparing the sour cabbage soup

1. Preparing the vegetables:
Start by cleaning and washing all the vegetables. Cut the carrots, parsley root, celery, and red bell pepper into small cubes. These will form the aromatic base of the soup. Finely chop the onion.

2. Sautéing the vegetables:
In a deep pan, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and let it sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes transparent. Then, add the carrots, parsley root, celery, and red bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to enhance their flavors.

3. Boiling the soup:
In a large pot, add 4 liters of water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the sautéed onion along with the vegetables. Let it boil for 5-10 minutes, then add the broccoli and cauliflower, cut into small florets. Dice the potatoes and add them to the pot, along with the peas and green beans (if you choose to use them). Let everything boil for another 10 minutes.

4. Adding the sour juice:
After the vegetables are cooked and tender, add the cabbage juice (sour) and bring to a boil. This ingredient will add a tangy taste and an unmistakable aroma to the soup. After a few minutes, taste and add salt and Delikat to your liking.

5. Finishing and serving:
Finally, add the finely chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness. The soup is ready! You can serve it hot, and if you are not fasting, add a spoonful of sour cream on top of each serving for an even creamier taste.

Useful tips:
- Cabbage juice can be made at home or bought from the store. If you make it yourself, make sure to use fresh cabbage and let it ferment properly.
- You can experiment with other seasonal vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers, to create a personalized version of the recipe.
- Sour cabbage soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of fresh bread and a green salad on the side.

Nutritional benefits:
Sour cabbage soup is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The vegetables used, such as carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower, are rich in antioxidants and contribute to strengthening the immune system. Additionally, sour cabbage juice is known for its probiotic properties, which help maintain gut health.

Possible variations:
If you desire a spicier version, you can add a few slices of hot pepper or a bit of cayenne pepper. Additionally, you can replace parsley with dill for a different flavor.

Sour cabbage soup is a versatile and flavorful recipe, perfect for any occasion. I recommend you try it and enjoy every healthy and tasty spoonful! You can accompany it with a glass of mineral water or a natural tomato juice for an extra touch of freshness. I invite you to share this recipe with friends and family to spread the joy of cooking at home!

 Ingredients: 2 carrots, 1 parsley root, 1/2 celery, 1/2 red bell pepper, 1 onion, 1 cup of peas, 1/2 small broccoli, 1/2 cauliflower, 1-2 small potatoes, round green beans (a few pods - optional), 1 liter of cabbage juice (sour), 1 tablespoon of delicat, a little salt, green parsley.

 Tags:  soup cabbage juice dies