Cabbage Soup

Cabbage soup with vegetables - a traditional, healthy, and simple recipe, perfect for days when you want to cool off or enjoy a comforting meal. This soup is so versatile that it can be easily adapted to your preferences, whether you are vegetarian or prefer a meat version.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 700 g cabbage
- 4 large carrots
- 1 onion
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 50 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 200 ml broth (or tomato paste)
- A sprig of fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Hot pepper, for serving (optional)

Preparation:
1. Start by boiling 4 liters of water in a large pot. Make sure to use a pot large enough, as the soup will boil well and fill with delicious aromas.

2. Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables. Cut the cabbage into cubes, the carrots into rounds, and the onion as finely as possible. These cuts not only help with even cooking but also create a pleasant presentation of the soup.

3. Once the water starts to boil, add the chopped vegetables along with the dill sprig and thyme. These herbs will give your soup a special aroma, adding an extra layer of flavor.

4. Let the vegetables boil for 15-20 minutes, or until they become tender. It is important to test the vegetables with a fork to ensure they are cooked, but do not overdo it, as the soup will continue to cook even after you take it off the heat.

5. In a separate pan, heat the oil over low heat. Add the flour and stir constantly to avoid lumps. This process of making a "roux" will add a richer consistency to your soup. When the mixture becomes lightly golden, add the broth (or tomato paste) and mix well to integrate it.

6. Once you have a homogeneous mixture, pour it into the pot with the soup. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Add salt to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes.

7. Before turning off the heat, taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a sourer soup, you can add a little vinegar or lemon juice for extra acidity.

8. The cabbage soup is served hot, accompanied by hot pepper for those who prefer a spicy note. If you are not fasting, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream for a creamy and rich taste.

Useful tips:
- Use fresh cabbage, preferably from the garden, as this will add a more intense flavor to the soup.
- You can adapt the recipe by adding other vegetables, such as potatoes or celery, to diversify the flavors and textures.
- For the meat version, add pieces of pork or chicken to the boiling water for a richer taste.

Nutritional benefits:
Cabbage soup is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Cabbage is rich in vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system, and carrots provide a healthy dose of beta-carotene, beneficial for vision. It is low in calories, making it ideal for a balanced diet.

Delicious variations:
- For a Mediterranean touch, you can add olives or capers to the soup.
- Instead of tomato broth, you can use roasted pepper sauce for a different taste and vibrant color.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a little mashed potatoes to the soup after turning off the heat.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use sauerkraut instead of fresh cabbage?
Yes, sauerkraut will give the soup a distinct flavor, but you will need to adjust the amount of salt, as the sauerkraut is already salty.

2. Can cabbage soup be frozen?
Yes, the soup can be frozen, but it is recommended to leave it without sour cream and add it after thawing.

3. What side dish pairs best?
A slice of homemade bread or warm polenta pairs perfectly with this soup, bringing a pleasant contrast of textures.

This cabbage soup recipe is not only a delicious dish but also a tradition that brings family and friends together at the table. So, put on an apron, play your favorite music in the background, and enjoy the cooking process!