When it comes to comfort food that’s healthy, hearty, and satisfying, few dishes hit the mark quite like cabbage soup. But not all cabbage soups are created equal. Some can be bland and watery, others overly heavy or rich. But Jasmine’s Kitchen Cabbage Soup Recipe? This one is the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. It’s the kind of dish that you can make on a chilly evening, or anytime you need something warming and filling without being too heavy. The flavors meld beautifully, and the cabbage adds both crunch and subtle sweetness, making every spoonful a delight.
The beauty of cabbage soup is that it’s incredibly versatile and can be tailored to fit just about any diet or flavor profile. Jasmine’s version takes it up a notch with carefully selected ingredients and a cooking method that brings out the best in every component. So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will quickly become a go-to.
Jasmine’s Kitchen Cabbage Soup Recipe
Let’s dive right into what makes this cabbage soup so special. Jasmine’s recipe isn’t just about tossing cabbage into a pot and hoping for the best-it’s about layers of flavor, a careful balance of textures, and ingredients that complement one another perfectly. From the richness of the broth to the slight tang from the vinegar, and the sweetness from the carrots, it all works together to create a symphony of flavors.
Ingredients Needed
To make this soul-warming cabbage soup, here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Cabbage – The star of the show! A medium-sized head of green cabbage, shredded. You can use Napa cabbage for a more delicate flavor, but green cabbage offers a more robust texture and flavor.
- Olive Oil – Used to sauté the vegetables and add a touch of richness to the base of the soup.
- Onions – One large onion, chopped. They bring a savory sweetness to the soup and help build the foundation of flavors.
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic adds an aromatic kick that’s crucial for depth of flavor.
- Carrots – 2 medium-sized carrots, sliced thinly. They contribute a natural sweetness and bright color to the soup.
- Celery – 2 stalks, chopped. Celery adds a subtle, earthy note and extra crunch.
- Tomatoes – 2 medium tomatoes, diced. They add juiciness and a mild acidity that balances out the richness of the soup.
- Vegetable Broth – 6 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth if you prefer a non-vegetarian option).
- Apple Cider Vinegar – 2 tablespoons. The vinegar gives the soup a nice tang that elevates the flavors.
- Bay Leaves – 2 leaves. Bay leaves infuse a subtle herby fragrance into the soup as it simmers.
- Salt & Pepper – To taste. Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the ingredients.
- Dried Thyme – 1 teaspoon. A great herb for bringing a little earthiness to the broth.
- Parsley – Fresh, chopped, for garnish. It adds a refreshing herbal finish to each bowl.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s get into the cooking process. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s relatively simple, but the key is layering the flavors at each step.
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Prepare The Ingredients
- Shred the cabbage into fine strips.
- Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the tomatoes and set everything aside, ready to go.
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Start With The Aromatics
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- Add the sliced carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to slightly soften the vegetables and allow them to release their flavors.
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Add The Tomatoes
- Toss in the diced tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes, letting them break down and combine with the onions and garlic. You should start to smell a lovely medley of savory and sweet aromas at this point.
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Add The Cabbage
- Add the shredded cabbage to the pot. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot-cabbage wilts down considerably as it cooks.
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Simmer The Soup
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
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Season And Finish
- After simmering, stir in apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Serve And Garnish
- Remove the bay leaves and discard them.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Now you have a warm, hearty cabbage soup, full of flavor and perfect for any occasion!
Ingredient Insights
- Cabbage: High in fiber and low in calories, cabbage is a powerhouse of nutrients. It contains vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants that help support a healthy immune system and digestive health.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Not just for its tangy kick, apple cider vinegar also has digestive benefits and can help balance the flavors of the soup.
- Garlic: Known for its antibacterial properties, garlic also adds a savory depth to the broth, making the soup more aromatic and flavorful.
- Carrots: These add a natural sweetness and are packed with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that’s great for your vision and skin health.
Expert Tips
- Use Homemade Broth: For a richer flavor, you can use homemade vegetable broth or even chicken broth if you’re not concerned about keeping it vegetarian.
- Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: While you want the cabbage to soften and integrate into the soup, you don’t want it to become mushy. Keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure it holds its texture.
- Adjust the Vinegar: Depending on your taste preferences, feel free to adjust the amount of apple cider vinegar. A little more can bring a sharper, more tangy flavor, while less keeps the soup milder.
- Chill and Reheat: Like most soups, this cabbage soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together in the fridge.
Recipe Variations
This soup is incredibly versatile, and you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary restrictions.
- Add Protein: If you want a heartier version, add in some cooked chicken, turkey, or beans like cannellini beans for a boost of protein.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to give the soup some heat.
- Smoky Flavor: Throw in some smoked paprika or a small piece of smoked sausage for a delicious smoky undertone.
- Greens: If you like greens, you can add spinach, kale, or even collard greens for an extra nutrient boost.
Final Words
Whether you’re a cabbage enthusiast or someone who’s new to the veggie, this cabbage soup is a game-changer. It’s warm, hearty, and loaded with healthy ingredients. The soup is an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste. Plus, it’s the kind of recipe that can be made in large batches and stored for later meals. Perfect for meal prepping, especially if you want to have something comforting on hand during a busy week.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Jasmine’s Kitchen Cabbage Soup Recipe?
The ingredients for Jasmine’s Kitchen cabbage soup typically include cabbage, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, tomatoes, vegetable broth, olive oil, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs such as thyme or bay leaves.
Is Jasmine’s Kitchen Cabbage Soup Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, Jasmine’s Kitchen cabbage soup recipe is vegetarian. It uses vegetable broth as the base and no animal products are included in the recipe.
Can I Add Meat To Jasmine’s Kitchen Cabbage Soup Recipe?
Yes, you can add meat to Jasmine’s Kitchen cabbage soup recipe. Ground turkey, chicken, or beef are great options for adding protein, though it will no longer be considered vegetarian.
How Long Does Jasmine’s Kitchen Cabbage Soup Need To Cook?
Jasmine’s Kitchen cabbage soup typically takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook. This includes time for simmering the ingredients until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Can I Make Jasmine’s Kitchen Cabbage Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make Jasmine’s Kitchen cabbage soup ahead of time. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What Can I Serve With Jasmine’s Kitchen Cabbage Soup?
Jasmine’s Kitchen cabbage soup pairs well with a variety of sides like crusty bread, a side salad, or a light sandwich. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese on top for extra flavor.
Can I Freeze Jasmine’s Kitchen Cabbage Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Jasmine’s Kitchen cabbage soup. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
How Can I Make Jasmine’s Kitchen Cabbage Soup Spicier?
To make Jasmine’s Kitchen cabbage soup spicier, you can add ingredients like red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños. Adjust the heat to your personal taste.
Is Jasmine’s Kitchen Cabbage Soup Suitable For A Low-carb Diet?
Yes, Jasmine’s Kitchen cabbage soup is low in carbs, making it suitable for many low-carb diets. However, if you want to reduce carbs even further, you can omit certain vegetables like carrots and adjust the broth accordingly.
Can I Use A Slow Cooker To Make Jasmine’s Kitchen Cabbage Soup?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker to make Jasmine’s Kitchen cabbage soup. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.