Recipes

Hearty Cabbage Soup Recipe 2023

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 large cabbage, shredded
  • 2 small onions, diced
  • 2 cans (14 oz each) stewed tomatoes
  • 1 pouch Lipton Onion Soup Mix (any flavor)
  • 1 large celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 1-2 pounds ground beef
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano for additional flavor

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Vegetables:
    • Shred the cabbage, dice the onions, and finely chop the celery.
  2. Boil Water:
    • Fill a large saucepan halfway with water and bring it to a boil.
  3. Add Vegetables:
    • Once the water is boiling, add the shredded cabbage, diced onions, chopped celery, and stewed tomatoes (with their juice) to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Cook Ground Beef:
    • While the vegetables are simmering, cook the ground beef in a separate pan over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  5. Season the Meat:
    • Add salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like to the cooked ground beef. You can include garlic powder, paprika, or dried oregano for extra flavor.
  6. Add Lipton Onion Soup Mix:
    • Sprinkle the entire pouch of Lipton Onion Soup Mix into the simmering vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine.
  7. Combine Meat and Vegetables:
    • Add the seasoned ground beef to the vegetable mixture. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  8. Simmer:
    • Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Ladle the hot and delicious cabbage soup into bowls. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
  10. Rainy Day Comfort:
    • This hearty cabbage soup is perfect for rainy days, providing warmth and comfort. Enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying and healthy meal.

Note:

  • Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the vegetables.
  • This soup gets even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

This easy and healthy cabbage soup is a versatile dish that you can enjoy throughout the week!

Here are some helpful tips to make your Hearty Cabbage Soup even more delightful:

  1. Fresh Herbs:
    • Add a handful of fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or thyme just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
  2. Lemon Zest:
    • Add a hint of brightness by stirring in some lemon zest just before serving. The citrusy notes can elevate the overall taste of the soup.
  3. Parmesan or Grated Cheese:
    • Serve the soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or your favorite cheese on top. The creamy texture complements the hearty vegetables.
  4. Crusty Bread or Croutons:
    • Enjoy the soup with a side of crusty bread or homemade croutons. It’s perfect for dipping and adds a satisfying crunch.
  5. Spice it Up:
    • Experiment with different spices to suit your taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a subtle kick to the soup.
  6. Splash of Vinegar:
    • A splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar just before serving can enhance the overall flavor profile and balance the richness of the soup.
  7. Sautéed Garlic:
    • Sauté minced garlic in a bit of olive oil and add it to the soup for an extra layer of savory goodness.
  8. Vegetarian Variation:
    • Make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas. Vegetable broth can replace the water for added flavor.
  9. Coconut Milk Twist:
    • For a unique twist, stir in a bit of coconut milk before serving. This adds a subtle creaminess and a hint of sweetness.
  10. Diced Potatoes:
    • Add diced potatoes to make the soup even heartier. They will absorb the flavors and add a comforting element.
  11. Bay Leaves:
    • Toss in a couple of bay leaves while simmering to infuse the soup with a subtle herbal fragrance.
  12. Slow Cooker or Instant Pot:
    • Consider preparing the soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for a hands-off cooking experience. This can enhance the depth of flavors.
  13. Cabbage Varieties:
    • Experiment with different cabbage varieties, such as savoy cabbage or red cabbage, for unique textures and flavors.
  14. Toppings Galore:
    • Set up a toppings bar with options like sour cream, chopped green onions, or crumbled feta. Let everyone customize their bowl.
  15. Double the Batch:
    • Make a large batch and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals later. This soup tends to freeze well.

Feel free to mix and match these tips based on your preferences, and enjoy your delightful Hearty Cabbage Soup!

Here are some popular questions and answers related to the Hearty Cabbage Soup Recipe:

1. Can I use a different type of cabbage for this soup?

  • Yes, you can use different cabbage varieties like savoy cabbage or red cabbage for unique textures and flavors.

2. How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?

  • Hearty Cabbage Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.

3. Can I freeze this soup?

  • Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

4. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

  • Absolutely! Omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of water for a delicious vegetarian version.

5. What can I serve with Hearty Cabbage Soup?

  • Serve the soup with crusty bread, croutons, or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

6. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

  • Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Adjust the cooking times accordingly.

7. How can I add a bit of spice to the soup?

  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice up the soup to your liking.

8. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

  • Certainly! Ground turkey or even ground chicken can be substituted for ground beef based on your dietary preferences.

9. What’s the best way to reheat leftover soup?

  • Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

10. Can I make this soup ahead of time? – Yes, Hearty Cabbage Soup is a great option for meal prep. Make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.

11. How can I adjust the thickness of the soup? – If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water or broth. For a thinner consistency, add more liquid.

12. Can I add potatoes to the soup? – Absolutely! Diced potatoes can be a delicious addition to make the soup even heartier.

13. What herbs can I use to enhance the flavor? – Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme can be added just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.

14. Can I make this soup gluten-free? – Yes, ensure that the Lipton Onion Soup Mix and other ingredients are gluten-free to make the soup suitable for a gluten-free diet.

15. Is this soup suitable for a low-carb diet? – With modifications, such as reducing the amount of onion soup mix or omitting it, this soup can be adjusted for a low-carb diet.

Feel free to adapt these answers based on your preferences and any variations you might make to the recipe!

Here are some secrets to help you achieve perfection with your recipe:

**1. Layered Flavors:

  • Build flavors by sautéing onions and celery in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the soup. This enhances the depth of taste.

**2. Caramelization:

  • Allow the onions to caramelize slightly during sautéing. This brings out their natural sweetness, adding richness to the soup.

**3. Simmer Slowly:

  • Let the soup simmer slowly to allow the flavors to meld. This develops a rich and savory base, making the soup more flavorful.

**4. Homemade Broth:

  • If possible, use homemade broth instead of store-bought. It adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the soup.

**5. Fresh Herbs at the End:

  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill at the end of cooking for a burst of fresh flavor. This preserves the brightness of the herbs.

**6. Balance of Spices:

  • Adjust the spices carefully. Taste the soup and add salt, pepper, and any additional spices gradually to achieve the perfect balance.

**7. Browned Meat:

  • When browning the ground beef, aim for a nice brown crust on the meat. This adds a depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the soup.

**8. Herb Infusion:

  • Tie fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in a bundle and let them simmer in the soup. Remove the bundle before serving to infuse the soup with herbal goodness.

**9. Quality Ingredients:

  • Use high-quality ingredients, especially tomatoes. If using canned tomatoes, opt for whole, peeled tomatoes and crush them by hand for a better texture.

**10. Lipton Onion Soup Mix Enhancement: – If using Lipton Onion Soup Mix, consider adding a small amount of finely diced fresh onions to intensify the onion flavor and add a touch of texture.

**11. Add Veggies Gradually: – Add the vegetables gradually, starting with onions and celery, and then adding the cabbage and tomatoes. This ensures that each ingredient has time to impart its unique flavor to the soup.

**12. Adjust Consistency: – If the soup is too thick, add a bit more water or broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a little longer to reduce.

**13. Finish with a Splash of Acid: – Just before serving, consider adding a splash of acid, such as a squeeze of lemon juice or a bit of vinegar. This brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.

**14. Resting Time: – Allow the soup to rest for a short period before serving. This lets the flavors meld and intensifies the overall taste.

**15. Garnish Creatively: – Garnish each bowl creatively. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil can enhance the visual appeal and flavor.

Remember, cooking is an art, and these secrets can be adjusted to suit your personal taste preferences. Enjoy the process of creating the perfect Hearty Cabbage Soup!

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