Sweet and sour cabbage soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the earthy sweetness of cabbage with the tanginess of vinegar and tomatoes. This hearty soup is perfect for cold days when you need something warm and nourishing to lift your spirits. With a rich broth and tender cabbage, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
2. Add the Cabbage:
- Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage starts to wilt.
3. Simmer the Soup:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and vegetable broth.
- Add the apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup or brown sugar, and paprika.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
4. Adjust the Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more vinegar for extra tanginess or more sweetener for added sweetness.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the sweet and sour cabbage soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
6. Enjoy:
- Serve the soup hot, with crusty bread or crackers on the side for dipping.
- Enjoy the warm and tangy flavors of this comforting sweet and sour cabbage soup.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add diced carrots, bell peppers, or potatoes to the soup.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend half of the soup with an immersion blender before serving.
- This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comforting and Warming: This sweet and sour cabbage soup is the perfect comfort food for cold days, warming you up from the inside out.
- Balanced Flavors: The combination of tangy vinegar, sweet tomatoes, and savory broth creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is truly satisfying.
- Simple and Versatile: Made with basic pantry ingredients, this soup is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Conclusion:
Sweet and sour cabbage soup is a delicious and nourishing dish that’s perfect for chilly days. With its warm and tangy flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal to enjoy on a cold winter’s night or a hearty soup to serve to family and friends, this sweet and sour cabbage soup is sure to hit the spot.