Description
This Hearty Vegetable Soup is a nourishing and flavorful dish made with a variety of fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and a savory broth. Perfect for chilly days, it’s packed with goodness from cabbage, carrots, celery, and onions, along with optional spices like cayenne pepper for an extra kick. This comforting soup is vegan-friendly, customizable, and great for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Start by chopping the cabbage, onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper (if using). Set them aside.
- In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the cabbage begins to wilt down.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
- Add the turmeric, cumin, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt to taste. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. If the soup becomes too thick, you can add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper if desired.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot with crusty bread or your favorite side.
Notes
- For a heartier soup, add cooked chicken, beans, or lentils for extra protein.
- If you like a spicy kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables.
- Feel free to swap or add other vegetables such as zucchini, potatoes, or green beans depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves can be added during simmering for added depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
