Cabbage Soup Recipe

Cabbage Soup Recipe: A hearty, warm dish perfect for rainy days! Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients, construction, variations, and some tips.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cabbage (shredded or chopped)
• 2 small onions (diced)
• 2 cans of stewed tomatoes
• 1 pouch Lipton Onion Soup Mix (any flavor you prefer)
• 1 large celery stalk (chopped very small)
• 1-2 pounds ground beef
• Water (enough to fill a large saucepan halfway)
• Spices to taste (e.g., garlic powder, pepper, or seasoning salt)

Method:

1. Prepare Vegetables:
   • Fill a large saucepan halfway with water and bring it to a boil.
   • Add the cabbage, onions, stewed tomatoes, and chopped celery to the water.
   • Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a separate pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
   • Add spices to taste. You can use garlic powder, pepper, seasoning salt, or any herbs you enjoy.
   • Stir in the Lipton Onion Soup Mix, and then add the beef mixture to the simmering soup.
3. Simmer Together:
   • Let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve:
   • Once everything is well cooked and seasoned to your liking, serve the soup hot. Enjoy!

Variations:

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can add additional vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
• Spicy Option: Add a bit of chili powder, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Extra Protein: Try adding beans (like kidney beans or white beans) or lentils to make the soup more filling.
• Herb Blend: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves can add depth of flavor to the soup.

Tips:

1. Flavor Boost: If the soup tastes too bland, add a splash of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up.
2. Cook Longer for Richer Flavor: If you have time, let the soup simmer for an hour or more. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld.
3. Freezing: This soup freezes well! Make a big batch and store individual portions in freezer-safe containers for later.
4. Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend a small portion of the soup, or just mash some of the cabbage and tomatoes with a spoon.

Enjoy your cozy bowl of cabbage soup!