Improved cabbage soup

Improved Cabbage Soup Recipe - A Healthy and Tasty Delight

Who said cabbage soup can't be delicious? Although many avoid it, I have discovered a recipe that transforms this often underestimated dish into an explosion of flavors and textures. This soup is ideal not only for those who want to maintain their figure but also for everyone who appreciates a healthy meal, full of vitamins. Let's explore together how to prepare this improved cabbage soup, which can be enjoyed both hot and cold!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 1 medium cabbage
- 4 medium carrots
- 4 green bell peppers (definitely green)
- 5-6 large onions
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons freshly ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 500 g canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley

A Brief History of Cabbage Soup
Cabbage soup is a traditional dish used over time in various cultures as a comforting food, as well as a help in detox diets. It is well known for its nutritional properties, being rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Many people consider it a poor food, but with a little creativity and a few extra ingredients, it can become a delicious and comforting dish.

Step by Step for a Perfect Soup

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by chopping the onion using a food processor to achieve a uniform consistency. This will be the base of your soup, giving it a rich flavor. Then, cut the green bell peppers into small cubes and the carrots into rounds.

2. Sauté the onion
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it becomes translucent and releases its juices. This step is essential, as caramelized onion adds a natural sweetness to the soup.

3. Adding the peppers and carrots
Once the onion is sautéed, add the bell pepper cubes and carrot rounds. Continue to sauté them together with the onion for another 4-5 minutes until the pepper becomes slightly soft.

4. Boiling the soup
Add water until it covers the vegetables by an inch, then add the cabbage cut into thin strips. A recommendation is to use a grater to make this step easier. Once you have added the cabbage, add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Fill with water
If the mixture is not close to the rim of the pot, add more water. The soup should be full so that it can reduce properly during boiling.

6. Boil the soup
Let the soup boil over medium heat for 30-40 minutes. It is important to stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Two minutes before turning off the heat, add the freshly chopped parsley to give it a touch of freshness.

7. Signs of completion
To check if the soup is ready, observe the cabbage. It will sink, indicating that it is well cooked.

Practical Tips:
- You can adapt the recipe according to your preferences by adding other vegetables such as celery or zucchini.
- If you want a heartier soup, you can add diced potatoes.
- For an extra flavor boost, replace some of the water with vegetable or chicken broth.
- Serve the soup with a spoonful of thick sour cream to enhance its taste and give it a creamy texture.

Nutritional Benefits:
This soup is low in calories while providing plenty of essential nutrients. Cabbage is rich in vitamin C, while carrots provide a generous amount of beta-carotene. This combination not only helps maintain a healthy figure but also supports the immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use red cabbage instead of white cabbage? Of course! Red cabbage adds a beautiful hue and a slightly different taste.
- How can I store the soup? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be frozen for later use.
- Is this soup suitable for vegans? Yes! All ingredients are plant-based, making this soup vegan-friendly.

Serving Suggestion:
For an even more enjoyable experience, serve the soup with a slice of toasted whole grain bread, spread with a little butter or olive oil. A fresh raw vegetable salad would perfectly complement the meal and add an extra boost of vitamins!

I hope this improved cabbage soup recipe becomes a favorite in your kitchen, just as it has in mine! I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the preparation! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 medium cabbage; 4 medium carrots; 4 green Romanian bell peppers (must be green); 5-6 large onions; 1 tablespoon sea salt; 2 tablespoons freshly ground peppercorns; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 500 g canned crushed tomatoes; 1 bunch of fresh parsley;

 Tags:  cabbage soup