Ingredients
Main Vegetables
- 1 medium head of cabbage (about 6 cups chopped)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional, for added sweetness)
Aromatics & Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Build the Flavor Base: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the Vegetables: Add diced carrots, celery, and bell pepper (if using) to the pot. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. The carrots should still have a slight bite at this stage.
- Incorporate Cabbage and Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped cabbage and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Combine all ingredients well; the cabbage will seem like a lot but will cook down significantly.
- Season and Simmer: Add turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and flavors are well melded.
- Final Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and additional pepper as desired. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sauté a pinch of cumin seeds or fennel seeds with the onions.
- Feel free to add or substitute in other vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or spinach.
- Chicken broth can be used instead of vegetable broth for a heartier, non-vegetarian version.
- This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully for future meals.
- Serve with a slice of whole-grain bread for a more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg