Easy Cabbage Soup – A Comforting And Nutritious Dish

The simplest meals can typically be the most rewarding, and cabbage soup certainly fits the bill as it can be made quickly and easily. Whether created for a filling lunch or as part of a cozy dinner with the family, it can also help you lose some pounds.

A full batch can also be ready within an hour while keeping you nourished for an extended period so you do not feel hungry and tempted to binge on some treats.

Read on to learn about a weight-loss cabbage soup recipe you can trust. 

If you are wondering if you can lose weight by eating cabbage soup, you should be relieved to know you can.

As well as being healthy, cabbage soup comes packed with tasty vegetables and is really easy to make. This should be a vegan recipe, too, so you know it will be suitable for most people.

What Is Hearty Cabbage Soup?

As you may expect, fresh cabbage is the main ingredient in cabbage soup. Once cooked, the soup should be low in calories and savory in taste, with a broth base that can be created in several ways.

Like many soups, cabbage soup can be incredibly versatile, using various ingredients and cooking methods to suit various tastes. You should note that cabbage soup typically uses little oil to make the most of the taste of fresh ingredients.

Along with cabbage, a recipe for cabbage soup should include carrots, onions, celery, tomatoes, and even a range of herbs and spices. Cabbage soup should also be high in nutritional value while remaining low in calories. 

Cabbage soup is typically keto-friendly, but it is essential to realize that not every recipe will be ideal for a keto diet (Also check out Keto Soup Recipes). That’s especially true if you see potatoes, white beans, and other carb-heavy ingredients on the ingredients list.

With the right ingredients in a weight-loss recipe for cabbage soup, you should look at under 100 calories for each serving. The best recipes for weight-loss cabbage soup should be easy to make and can be prepared in advance.

You may only need ten minutes of preparation to get all the ingredients in order, and they are naturally low in carbohydrates with plenty of nutrients.

The ideal recipe should be full of flavor and ingredients that have anti-inflammatory value, so they boost your immune system. As one-pot recipes, there should not be much washing up to do either.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

• Keto Cabbage Soup Replace regular potatoes with cauliflower or radishes to reduce carbs. Use keto-friendly broth and add high-fat ingredients like heavy cream or coconut cream for richness.
• Vegan Cabbage Soup Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any animal products. Add protein-rich ingredients like beans, lentils, or tofu for a filling meal.
• Paleo Cabbage Soup Use bone broth instead of regular broth for added nutrients. Include paleo-friendly protein sources like chicken, turkey, or grass-fed beef. Replace white potatoes with sweet potatoes for a paleo-friendly starch.
• Gluten-Free Cabbage Soup Ensure all ingredients, including the broth and seasonings, are gluten-free. Use gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice if adding grains to the soup.
• Low-FODMAP Cabbage Soup Use low-FODMAP vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and green beans. Avoid ingredients like garlic and onion, or use their infused oil for flavor.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Protein Power: Add shredded chicken, cubed tofu, or chickpeas for a protein boost.
• Seafood Surprise: Incorporate shrimp or clams for a pescatarian twist.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in more vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrients and color.

Add-ons

• Grain Goodness: Stir in cooked barley, quinoa, or brown rice to fill the soup.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or fresh chili for a spicy kick.
• Creamy Touch: Swirl in coconut or almond milk as a dairy-free alternative to cream.

Toppings

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, dill, or cilantro for added freshness and color.
• Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle-grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for a salty, cheesy finish.
• Crispy Croutons: Top with homemade croutons for a delightful crunch.
• Zesty Twist: Squeeze a wedge of lemon on top for a refreshing, tangy finish.

Can I Make Hearty Cabbage Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker

• Saute the onions and apples in vegetable oil over medium-high heat until lightly browned. Add the garlic during the last minute of sauteing to prevent it from burning.
• Transfer the sauteed onions, apples, and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the shredded cabbage, shredded potato, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, and sugar.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
• Stir in the cream, salt, and pepper during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Heat through and serve.

Instant Pot

• Use the saute function to cook the onions and apples in vegetable oil until lightly browned. Add the garlic during the last minute of sauteing.
• Add the shredded cabbage, shredded potato, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Secure the lid and set the pressure release to sealing.
• Select the “Soup” or “Manual” setting and set the cooking time for 15 minutes at high pressure.
• Allow a natural pressure release. Once the pressure has fully released, open the lid and stir in the cream, salt, and pepper. Select the saute setting again and heat the soup through before serving.

Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Store-Bought Broth

• Store-bought broth can be a real-time-saver and is quite convenient. Look for low-sodium versions so you can control the salt content of your soup more effectively. Organic and MSG-free options may also provide healthier choices.

Homemade Broth

• The homemade broth gives you complete control over the ingredients and flavor profile. Homemade broth is often more flavorful and rich, and you can adjust the seasonings to your liking. It’s also a great way to utilize vegetable scraps or leftover bones.

How To Serve ?

There are several ways of serving this weight-loss cabbage soup, though not all are ideal if you want to stick to a healthy keto-friendly diet.

Though full of carbohydrates, you can dip a bread roll in your cabbage soup. You may also serve this cabbage soup with a bowl of spicy and crunchy keto-friendly cheese chips.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or a slice of sourdough bread can be perfect for dipping into the soup, providing a delightful texture contrast.
• Green Salad: A crisp, fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the hearty and rich flavors of the soup. Think mixed greens with a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic comfort food, a grilled cheese sandwich can pair wonderfully with cabbage soup. The creamy, melted cheese and toasted bread perfectly match the savory soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or beets would complement the soup well, enhancing its earthy flavors.
• Quinoa Salad: A chilled quinoa salad mix of vegetables and a light dressing can pleasantly contrast the warm soup.
• Pickles or Olives: A small plate can provide a nice tangy, briny contrast to the soup’s flavors.
• Cheese Board: If you’re serving the soup as a starter for a dinner party, consider following it with a cheese board that includes a variety of cheeses, fruits, and crackers.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Refrigeration: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze soup in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Make Ahead: Prepare soup without adding the final seasoning. Cool completely and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat and season before serving.
• Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and freeze in individual portions for quick, homemade meals.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to thin the soup.

What Can We Do With Leftovers? 

• Quick Lunch/Dinner: It makes a convenient meal on busy days. Pair with a fresh salad or crusty bread.
• Soup Base: Use it as a base for other soup recipes. You can add leftover meats, grains, or extra veggies to create a new dish.
• Stew: Thicken the soup with a bit of flour or cornstarch to create a stew.
• Pasta Sauce: Blend it into a smooth sauce and serve it over pasta. Add some grated cheese on top for extra flavor.
• Baked Casserole: Mix it with cooked rice or pasta, top with cheese, and bake until golden.
• Bread Bowl: Serve it in a bread bowl for a fun and satisfying meal.

Tips 

• Enhance the flavor by sautéing the cabbage and onions until caramelized before adding them to the soup.
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors and cut through the richness of the broth.
• For a heartier soup, add diced potatoes or white beans along with the cabbage for added texture and substance.
• Consider adding a can of diced tomatoes for a touch of acidity and depth of flavor.
• Garnish each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh dill for a refreshing finish.

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