If you’re in search of a soup recipe that encapsulates health, flavor, and culinary charisma, you’ve landed on the perfect page. Introducing our unique and vibrant take on a time-honored classic: Cabbage Soup with Attitude. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a lifestyle choice, providing a nourishing bowl of goodness that won’t cost you calories. However, it doesn’t compromise on flavor. With our ‘attitude’ ingredients, we ensure you enjoy every spoonful.
If your palate leans towards a richer experience, feel free to amplify this recipe further. Add some diced ham, crumbled bacon, white beans, corn, or tomato sauce to make it your own. This is not just any cabbage soup. It’s your cabbage soup. Let’s begin the journey of crafting this dish.
**Ingredients**
– 3 Tbsp olive oil
– 2 onions, coarsely chopped
– 4-5 stalks celery, sliced
– 3-4 medium carrots, sliced or coarsely chopped
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 qt homemade or low sodium chicken stock
– 2 Tbsp dried basil
– 3 Tbsp dried chives
– 2 Tbsp Italian seasoning
– 1 Tbsp oregano
– 2 tsp ground marjoram
– 1 tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– Salt to taste
– 2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper (or more to taste)
– 1 head cabbage, cored and coarsely chopped
– 2 cans (14.5 oz each) petite or regular diced tomatoes with juice
– 1 can (11.5 oz) V-8 juice (optional)
**Instructions**
1. **Setting the Stage:** Start by gathering a large stockpot and place it over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up. As the oil heats up, savor the fragrance it emits and the promise of the flavors it’ll carry.
2. **The Symphony of Vegetables:** Once the oil is heated, it’s time to introduce your coarsely chopped onions, sliced celery, diced bell pepper, chopped carrots, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir them around, combining them with the oil and letting them bathe in the heat. You’ll cook them until the onion turns transparent, an indicator that they’ve released their sweetness. This should take around 5 minutes.
3. **Stock and Seasoning:** Now, to your pot of sautéed vegetables, add the chicken stock, dried basil, chives, Italian seasoning, oregano, marjoram, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a thorough stir, ensuring that your dried seasonings are well incorporated. Let the mix come to a boil.
4. **Enter the Cabbage:** Now it’s time to introduce your coarsely chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir it in, then let the soup simmer until the cabbage wilts. This process should take about 10 minutes. During this time, the cabbage absorbs the flavors of the soup and transforms it into a tender, delicious ingredient.
5. **Tomatoes and V-8 Juice:** Stir in your diced tomatoes and optional V-8 juice, letting the soup return to a boil. Once it has, let it simmer for another 15 to 30 minutes, stirring often to ensure even cooking.
6. **Taste and Tweak:** Take a moment to taste your creation. Do the flavors meld together? Is there enough heat? Does it need a touch more Italian seasoning? Adjust as per your preference. Remember, this is your Cabbage Soup with Attitude. It should reflect your taste buds’ desires.
**Conclusion**
And voila! A bowl of warm, hearty Cabbage Soup with Attitude, ready to soothe and satisfy your soul. This isn’t just a diet-friendly recipe; it’s a dish that truly embraces the idea of ‘eating well.’ It’s an excellent way to bring nutrition, flavor, and comfort together in a single meal.
The key to the flavor lies in the ‘attitude’ ingredients – the herbs and spices that can be adjusted to your liking. Whether you prefer it spicier, more aromatic, or more savory, this soup can adapt to your preferences.
So go ahead, serve yourself a bowl of this goodness, settle into a cozy corner, and indulge. Each spoonful promises to deliver a delightful medley of tastes, reaffirming the joy of homemade meals. This soup is more than just a dish. It’s a comforting companion on a chilly evening, a healthful pick-me-up during diet days, and a culinary adventure where you are the creator.