Description
Hearty weight loss cabbage soup delivers a nutritious meal packed with low-calorie vegetables and lean protein. Dieters can enjoy this simple, satisfying soup that supports healthy weight management goals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional, for added brightness)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Infuse Flavor: Heat olive oil in a large stockpot, creating an aromatic foundation for the vegetable soup.
- Develop Base: Introduce onions, garlic, carrots, and celery into the heated oil, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and release their inherent flavors.
- Build Complexity: Incorporate cabbage, bell peppers, and crushed tomatoes, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
- Create Liquid Landscape: Pour vegetable broth over the vegetable mixture, ensuring complete coverage and establishing a rich, flavorful foundation.
- Elevate Aromatics: Scatter dried thyme, oregano, and basil across the surface, infusing the soup with herbaceous depth and nuanced complexity.
- Season Strategically: Sprinkle salt and black pepper, calibrating the taste profile to achieve a harmonious balance of flavors.
- Simmer and Integrate: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, covering the pot and allowing vegetables to tenderize and flavors to meld for 25-30 minutes.
- Finalize and Serve: Conduct a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings if necessary, and ladle the steaming soup into bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or a zesty lemon squeeze.
Notes
- Maximize Vegetable Freshness: Select crisp, vibrant vegetables at peak ripeness to ensure maximum flavor and nutritional value in the soup.
- Control Sodium Wisely: Use low-sodium vegetable broth and adjust salt gradually to maintain a heart-healthy profile while preserving taste.
- Enhance Flavor Depth: Gently caramelize vegetables during sautéing to develop rich, complex undertones that elevate the soup’s overall taste experience.
- Customize Diet Flexibility: Easily adapt the recipe for vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb diets by swapping ingredients or adding protein sources like lean chicken or tofu.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg