Cabbage soup with broccoli is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of cabbage with the vibrant, slightly bitter notes of broccoli.
This recipe is a great option for a nutritious dinner because it’s not only filling and cozy but also high in vitamins and minerals. This soup is a great choice if you’re searching for something light but satisfying or to warm you up on a chilly day.
Ingredients for Cabbage Soup with Broccoli
To create a delicious cabbage soup with broccoli, you will need the following ingredients:
Fresh green cabbage
Broccoli florets
Onion
Garlic
Carrots
Celery
Vegetable broth (or chicken broth for added flavor)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Optional herbs (such as thyme or parsley)
Lemon juice (for brightness)
These ingredients come together to create a flavorful base that can be customized further according to your taste preferences.
Cabbage Soup with Broccoli
Preparing the Vegetables
The first step in making cabbage soup with broccoli is to prepare your vegetables. To begin, give the cabbage a good wash to get rid of any grit or dirt. Cut the cabbage into bite-sized pieces after removing the core. After washing, trim the broccoli into smallflorets.
Dice the celery, carrots, onion, and garlic into tiny pieces. These flavorful veggies will form the base of your soup’s taste character.
Preparing the Soup
Heat a sprinkle of olive oil in a big pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. When the onions are transparent, add the chopped onions and sauté. Usually, this takes five minutes or so. The minced garlic should then be added and cooked for a further minute or so, until aromatic.
Add the celery and carrots after the onions and garlic are done. These vegetables should be sautéed for a further five minutes to gently soften them. This process contributes to the development of taste layers that improve your soup.
Finally, include the chopped cabbage into the saucepan. Before adding your vegetable or chicken broth, thoroughly stir it in until it starts to wilt a little. Add enough broth to completely submerge all of the vegetables. Heat this mixture until it boils.
After it reaches a boil, turn down the heat and simmer it for roughly 20 minutes. You can now add the salt, pepper, and any more herbs you would like to use; thyme goes very nicely with these flavors.
Including Broccoli
Add the broccoli florets to your soup after it has simmered for 20 minutes. Broccoli cooks more faster than cabbage, so it’s best to add it later to preserve its bright color and crunchy texture.
Once the broccoli is cooked but still crisp, stir it in and boil it for a further five to ten minutes. During this time, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning by adding additional salt or pepper to suit your taste.
Final Details
If you want to make your broccoli and cabbage soup even better, think about adding a squeeze of lemon right before serving. Lemon juice’s acidity enlivens the taste and provides a cool counterpoint to the earthiness of the veggies.
If you like to garnish your food, you could like to sprinkle some freshly chopped thyme or parsley on top of each bowl to give it a little extra taste and color.
See also: Sugar rusks
Serving Suggestions
Broccoli and cabbage soup can be eaten as a light supper on its own or as a heartier option when served with crusty bread. This soup tastes great with a slice of whole-grain bread or a warm baguette, which also adds extra fiber.
To create a more well-rounded dinner, try serving this soup with grilled chicken or tofu for individuals who are searching for protein options. At dinner parties, it can also be served as an appetizer prior to the main meal.
How to Keep Leftovers
The fact that cabbage soup with broccoli keeps nicely in the fridge is one of its many wonderful qualities. Let any leftovers cool fully before putting them in sealed receptacles. This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.
To reheat, just put it on low heat on the stove until it’s thoroughly heated. If it has thickened excessively during storage, you could wish to thin it out with a little water or broth.
Variations on Cabbage Soup with Broccoli
Although this recipe makes a great base for broccoli and cabbage soup, there are a ton of other modifications you can try out depending on your diet or personal preferences.
Consider adding sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for some heat for individuals who like spicy food. Quinoa or brown rice may be great additions to your soup if you want to add some extra texture and nutrients. Just make sure the grains are cooked before adding them in during the last few minutes of boiling.
Before putting back any chunky vegetables, puree half of the soup using an immersion blender for a creamier version. This preserves all the delicious flavors while producing a lovely contrast between smoothness and texture.
The Nutritious Properties of Broccoli and Cabbage
Broccoli and cabbage are two cruciferous vegetables that are well-known for their health advantages. Although cabbage is high in fiber and low in calories, it helps with digestion and makes you feel fuller longer. In addition, it has high levels of antioxidants, vitamin K, and C, all of which help reduce inflammation.
On the other hand, broccoli is well known for its ability to combat cancer. Sulforaphane, a substance found in it, has been demonstrated to have preventive properties against specific cancer types. Broccoli is also a great source of potassium, folate, and the vitamins A, C, and K.
When these two veggies are combined in a soup, the flavor is enhanced and the health benefits are maximized, making this dish an incredible source of nutrients.
Conclusion
More than just comfort food, cabbage soup with broccoli is a healthy dish that combines basic components to produce an incredibly fulfilling experience. This recipe may quickly become a mainstay in your kitchen rotation because to its robust nutritional profile and adaptable preparation techniques.
This cabbage soup with broccoli will satisfy your cravings for some delectably nutritious veggies all in one dish, whether you’re searching for something light but satisfying. Have fun trying with several versions to personalize it!
