Description
Hearty Polish cabbage soup warms souls with its rustic charm and nourishing blend of tender vegetables and rich broth. Home cooks savor this comforting classic that brings Eastern European traditions directly to dinner tables with simple, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Produce:
- 1 small green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Liquids and Canned Goods:
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/414 grams) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Initiate the flavor foundation by warming olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate heat. Introduce diced onions, carrots, and celery, gently sautéing until they transform into a soft, translucent medley.
- Infuse the aromatic mixture with minced garlic, stirring briefly to unleash its fragrant essence.
- Incorporate shredded cabbage into the vegetable base, allowing it to wilt and meld with the existing ingredients.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with their natural juices and vegetable broth, creating a rich liquid canvas. Enhance with oregano, basil, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Elevate the liquid to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and let the ingredients harmonize, transforming into a tender, flavorful composition.
- After 20 minutes, evaluate the soup’s seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper to personal preference.
- Discard the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the vibrant soup into waiting bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley.
- Present alongside crusty bread for a complete, comforting meal experience.
Notes
- Maximize vegetable crispness by cutting them into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Boost flavor depth by sautéing vegetables slowly, allowing natural sugars to caramelize and develop a rich, complex taste profile.
- Enhance nutritional value by using low-sodium vegetable broth and adding extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional health benefits.
- Accommodate dietary preferences by making this soup vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and adaptable for low-carb diets by swapping ingredients strategically.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg