– **Title**: One-Pot Cabbage Soup
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 stalks celery, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Optional: 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
– Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and cook until it begins to wilt, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the broth. Add the thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. If using, add the green beans.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Stir in the apple cider vinegar before serving.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your hearty soup!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using ground beef for its rich flavor, but ground turkey is a great low-fat alternative. You could even use a plant-based ground meat if you want a vegetarian version!
Cabbage: Green cabbage is the star here, but you can experiment with savoy or napa cabbage for different textures. If you can’t find cabbage, kale or Swiss chard can also work well.
Broth: While beef broth adds depth, vegetable broth gives a lighter touch. Homemade or store-bought versions both work. Just choose low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables. Sweet potatoes, green beans, or even zucchini can add variety. Get creative based on what you have in the fridge!
Herbs: If you don’t have dried thyme or oregano, Italian seasoning can be a quick substitute. Fresh herbs are wonderful but will need more cooking time for their flavors to meld.
How Do You Get Perfectly Sautéed Vegetables?
Sautéing vegetables properly is key to a flavorful soup. It helps bring out their natural sweetness and adds depth. Start by heating your pot before adding oil, to ensure the veggies cook evenly.
- Use medium heat to avoid burning. 😅
- Cook onions until translucent; this usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic last, as it cooks quickly and can burn easily.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot; if it feels too tight, sauté in batches!
These steps will allow your vegetables to soften nicely and set a great foundation for your soup.
How to Make One-Pot Cabbage Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This nourishing One-Pot Cabbage Soup will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-40 minutes to cook. So, you’re looking at about an hour in total. Perfect for a busy day when you want something healthy and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the diced onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. This will add a wonderful base flavor to your soup!
2. Add More Vegetables:
Next, throw in the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced bell pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes. You want these veggies to soften and blend together beautifully.
3. Brown the Meat:
Now, it’s time to add the ground beef (or turkey). Break it apart with a spatula as you cook it for about 5-7 minutes. You want the meat browned all over. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some salt and pepper to enhance the flavor!
4. Combine Everything:
After the meat is browned, it’s time to add the chopped cabbage, canned tomatoes (with all their juices), beef broth (or vegetable broth), and water. Stir everything together to get all the ingredients mixed well.
5. Season and Boil:
Add in the dried thyme and oregano, then bring the whole mixture to a boil over high heat. This will really bring out all the wonderful flavors!
6. Let it Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes. This will give the cabbage plenty of time to cook down and become tender.
7. Final Touches:
After simmering, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve it hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy your hearty and nutritious One-Pot Cabbage Soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for beef in this recipe. It will result in a lighter soup with fewer calories. Just make sure to cook it until it’s no longer pink, as turkey can sometimes have a slightly drier texture than beef.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables! Zucchini, green beans, or even potatoes would work well. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly. Add heartier veggies like potatoes earlier in the cooking process so they have enough time to soften.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian! Just omit the ground beef and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. You might want to add some beans or lentils for protein. Cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on the vegetables to ensure they remain tender.
