Description
Hearty Polish Cabbage Soup delivers comfort and nourishment in a single spoonful, with robust vegetables and tender meat simmering in a rich, aromatic broth. Packed with traditional flavors and simple ingredients, this soul-warming dish connects you to generations of home cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 1 small green cabbage, shredded
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 3 ribs celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Protein and Legumes:
- 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
Liquid and Seasoning:
- 6 cups vegetable broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 (14-ounce / 400 grams) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of cayenne (optional)
- ½ lemon (zest and juice)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature, gently transforming onion, carrots, and celery into soft, translucent fragments within approximately 5 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and aromatic spices, allowing them to bloom and release intense flavors for one minute.
- Incorporate tomato paste, stirring vigorously to caramelize and deepen the sauce’s complexity for another minute.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, blending with diced tomatoes and protein-rich red lentils to create a robust liquid foundation.
- Gradually fold shredded cabbage into the liquid, ensuring each handful is completely submerged and integrated into the developing soup.
- Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and allow ingredients to meld together for 20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
- Brighten the soup’s profile by incorporating fresh lemon zest and its vibrant juice, then calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper according to personal preference.
- Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the surface, adding a final layer of visual and flavor complexity before serving.
Notes
- Boost nutrition by adding protein-packed quinoa or beans for a more filling meal.
- Swap cayenne with smoked paprika for a milder, deeper flavor profile without intense heat.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium vegetable broth and controlling additional salt seasoning.
- Make it vegan-friendly by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based and avoiding any animal products.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg