Healing Cabbage Soup Recipe

Healing Cabbage Soup Recipe

Cook Time: 35 minutes

This light and flavorful cabbage soup is a perfect, easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. With minimal ingredients, it's quick to prepare and full of comforting flavors.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 quarts water
  • 4 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • head cabbage, cored and coarsely chopped
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes, drained and diced

Directions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.

Step 2: Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion softens, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add water, chicken bouillon granules, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Reduce the heat and let the cabbage simmer until it wilts, about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Stir in the diced tomatoes and bring the soup back to a boil.

Step 6: Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are well combined.

Step 7: Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving Amount
Calories 82
Total Fat 5g
Saturated Fat 1g
Sodium 436mg
Total Carbohydrates 9g
Dietary Fiber 2g
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 32mg
Calcium 57mg
Iron 1mg
Potassium 143mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Healing Cabbage Soup Recipe

Healing Cabbage Soup

This simple and comforting Healing Cabbage Soup is an excellent choice for those chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather. Packed with wholesome ingredients like cabbage, garlic, and tomatoes, this soup offers both taste and healing properties. Below, well explore the history, regional features, and fascinating facts about this nourishing dish.

Origin of the Healing Cabbage Soup

The Healing Cabbage Soup has roots in Eastern European cuisine, particularly in regions where cabbage is a staple vegetable. Cabbage has long been valued not only for its nutritional content but also for its medicinal benefits. Ancient folk medicine often utilized cabbage for treating digestive problems, and its healing properties were particularly highlighted during cold and flu seasons. While there is no singular origin story, many variations of cabbage soup are found in countries like Russia, Poland, and the Czech Republic. These soups have evolved over time, with different spices and vegetables added based on regional preferences.

Regional Features

In Eastern Europe, cabbage soup is often a humble yet hearty dish that brings warmth and comfort to families. The most common regional variation includes the addition of sour elements like sauerkraut or vinegar, which balances the natural sweetness of the cabbage. In Mediterranean regions, olive oil and garlic are the preferred seasonings, giving the soup a more robust flavor. While this Healing Cabbage Soup recipe uses basic ingredients such as garlic, onions, and tomatoes, it allows for flexibility and the addition of various vegetables or proteins, making it adaptable to local tastes and available ingredients.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Although cabbage soup is a popular dish in many countries, the Healing Cabbage Soup stands out for its focus on simplicity and health benefits. Many traditional cabbage soups are heavy on meats and rich broths, while this version is lighter and designed to promote healing, particularly for the digestive system. Unlike hearty stews or borscht, which often feature meat or more complex seasonings, this soup uses just a few core ingredients to maintain its light and healing qualities. Additionally, it is frequently recommended for its detoxifying properties, often used by those looking to improve gut health or recover from illness.

Where It Is Typically Served

Healing Cabbage Soup is often served as a comforting meal in homes, particularly during colder months or as a remedy for colds and flu. It's a common dish in health-conscious or wellness-oriented settings, as its not only easy to make but also provides numerous vitamins and minerals. In many cultures, cabbage soup is also served as a detox dish during New Years celebrations, symbolizing renewal and cleansing. It is ideal for those looking for a low-calorie, nutrient-dense meal, and its often found at health food cafes, especially those specializing in immune-boosting dishes.

Interesting Facts About Healing Cabbage Soup

  • Cabbage is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for boosting immunity, making this soup a great choice when you're feeling under the weather.
  • Cabbage is known for its high fiber content, which aids in digestion and supports gut health. Its also a good source of antioxidants.
  • During World War II, cabbage became a crucial crop in Europe due to its long shelf life and nutritional benefits, which led to its widespread use in everyday meals.
  • In the 1990s, the "cabbage soup diet" became a popular trend, where people would consume large amounts of cabbage soup for weight loss. Though the diet has since fallen out of favor, cabbage soup remains a healthy and nourishing option for many.
  • The addition of garlic, which is rich in allicin, enhances the soups health benefits, including improving heart health and acting as a natural antibiotic.

Whether you are making it to stay warm, boost your immune system, or simply enjoy a comforting meal, Healing Cabbage Soup is a timeless dish that can adapt to anyone's taste preferences. With its simple ingredients and numerous health benefits, its a dish that will continue to be loved and passed down for generations.

FAQ about Healing Cabbage Soup Recipe

Leftover Healing Cabbage Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if it thickens too much.

Yes, you can freeze Healing Cabbage Soup. Once it has cooled to room temperature, transfer the soup into an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, it's best to thaw it in the fridge overnight before warming it on the stovetop.

Yes, you can add more vegetables to the soup to suit your taste. Common additions include carrots, celery, bell peppers, and spinach. Keep in mind that adding more vegetables might affect the cooking time, so be sure to adjust accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.

Absolutely! If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, you can use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken bouillon. You can also use homemade broth or a bouillon paste like 'Better Than Bouillon' for added flavor.

If you'd like to add some heat, try incorporating ingredients like cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or finely chopped jalapeños. You can adjust the amount of spice to your preference during cooking.

Yes, Healing Cabbage Soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors tend to improve after sitting for a day or two in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container and reheat it thoroughly before serving.

Healing Cabbage Soup pairs well with a variety of sides. You can serve it with a slice of crusty bread, a green salad, or even a protein like grilled chicken or beans. It also makes a great base for a meal if you want to add extra protein or grains like quinoa or rice.

If your soup is too salty, you can try diluting it with a little extra water or unsalted broth. Adding a small amount of potatoes or cabbage may also help absorb some of the salt, and you can adjust the seasoning afterward to balance the flavors.

To make the soup more hearty, consider adding protein-rich ingredients like beans, lentils, or shredded chicken. You can also add whole grains like barley or rice to increase the soup's fiber content and make it more filling.

Yes, Healing Cabbage Soup is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free bouillon or broth. Be sure to check labels for hidden gluten in any ingredients you use, especially pre-made broths or seasonings.

Comments

Jonathan Nguyen

01/06/2024 12:09:07 AM

I initially prepared this soup for its medicinal qualities, but it turned out to be so delicious that I would gladly make it again! It is truly nourishing and beneficial not only during cold and flu season, but it could also be helpful for individuals with digestive issues. Cabbage is particularly great for stomach ulcers, among other things. The original recipe's cabbage amount was perfect for me, so I didn't add more like some reviewers suggested. However, I opted to use a whole medium onion instead of just half, and doubled the garlic to 4 cloves. I also sprinkled in some Italian seasoning, a touch of cayenne, and a bit of black pepper for extra flavor.

Sarah Davis

12/12/2022 05:15:18 AM

Fantastic base recipe that you can easily customize to your liking. I prefer to prepare larger batches of soups, stews, and chili to freeze for later. For this recipe, I sautéed 5 medium white onions and 4 garlic cloves in a separate pan before adding them to a mixture of chicken broth and water. I then incorporated a whole organic cabbage, varying the chop sizes for added texture, as well as bell peppers, celery, and mixed vegetables. Seasoned with cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper for a delicious kick. Cooked chicken breast and diced tomatoes were the perfect final additions before simmering for about 40 minutes. This dish is both flavorful and nutritious, ideal for any time of the year.

Margaret Baker

01/07/2023 06:14:18 PM

Fantastic simple soup! I like using 'Better Than Bouillon' instead of bouillon granules, but both options are good. The original recipe is delicious, but I've also tried adding a bag of pre-thawed frozen mixed vegetables and a few chicken drumsticks to create a satisfying meal-in-a-bowl dinner.

Adam Carter

08/15/2022 01:46:58 PM

Everyone adores it. I like to enhance it with shredded chicken in the last half-hour of cooking.