Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

1. Chop the Vegetables: Chop the cabbage, onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.

Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Add the Carrots, Celery, and Bell Pepper: Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for another 5-6 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 3: Cooking the Soup

1. Add the Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot, stirring to combine with the other vegetables.
2. Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the vegetable or chicken broth.
3. Add the Tomato Paste and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, and the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
5. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

1. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
2. Remove Bay Leaf: Discard the bay leaf from the soup.

Step 5: Serving

1. Serve Hot: Ladle the hot cabbage soup into bowls.
2. Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cabbage Soup

• Cut Even Pieces: Ensure all the vegetables are cut into even pieces for uniform cooking.
• Flavor Development: For deeper flavor, you can sauté the vegetables longer before adding the broth.
• Add Protein: To make the soup heartier, add cooked chicken, sausage, or beans.

Pairing Suggestions

Complement your Cabbage Soup with these delicious sides:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a great accompaniment.
• Grilled Cheese: A warm, gooey grilled cheese sandwich pairs perfectly with this soup.

Final Thoughts

We hope this detailed guide has provided you with a fantastic recipe and inspired you to enjoy the process of cooking. Preparing a meal is an art, and every step, from chopping the vegetables to simmering the soup, is part of that art. Enjoy your delicious Cabbage Soup, and remember, the best meals are those made with love and care. Happy cooking!