Description
This hearty and flavorful cabbage soup is a perfect blend of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, simmered to tender perfection. Ideal for a comforting, healthy meal, it features a savory broth enriched with apple cider vinegar and applesauce for a subtle tang and sweetness.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- ½ large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
- 2 stalks celery, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small green cabbage, chopped into 1 ½ inch chunks (about 1 pound)
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (divided)
Herbs & Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, stirring occasionally until the vegetables have softened and are fragrant, about 7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, dried thyme, cinnamon (if using), bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Deglaze the Pot: Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the pot, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits and enhance the flavor.
- Add Broth and Main Ingredients: Pour in the vegetable broth, unsweetened applesauce, canned diced tomatoes, and chopped cabbage. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer the Soup: Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and fully cooked.
- Finalize and Serve: Remove the soup from heat and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the soup warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, you can blend part of the soup before adding the cabbage.
- The cinnamon is optional but adds a warm depth to the flavor profile.
- Use low sodium vegetable broth to control the salt content.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day.
- To make it vegan, ensure the vegetable broth contains no animal products.
