Cabbage Chili Soup

hearty Cabbage Chili Soup

Cabbage Chili Soup is a comforting, nutritious dish that combines the rich flavors of chili with the lightness of cabbage. This soup is perfect for cold weather or when you’re craving something filling yet healthy. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a great addition to any meal plan. Plus, it’s simple to make, and you’ll love the balance of spices and hearty vegetables in every spoonful.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare a delicious and satisfying cabbage chili soup. These ingredients come together beautifully to create a filling, flavorful dish:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional for extra texture)
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional garnish)

These ingredients combine to make a flavorful, satisfying soup that everyone in your family will enjoy. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Directions

1. Prepare the ingredients
   Begin by dicing your onion and bell pepper, and mincing the garlic. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Having everything ready will make the cooking process more efficient.
2. Cook the ground meat
   In a large soup pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the meat is fully cooked, transfer it to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables
   In the same pot, add the diced onion, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
4. Add the cabbage
   Stir the chopped cabbage into the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to begin wilting and releasing moisture. This step enhances the soup’s flavor and texture.
5. Combine the soup ingredients
   Return the cooked ground meat to the pot with the vegetables and cabbage. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), kidney beans (if using), beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Stir everything together, making sure all the ingredients are well mixed.
6. Simmer the soup
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage will soften, and the flavors will meld together.
7. Final seasoning
   After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices as needed. Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
8. Serve and enjoy
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. This soup is a hearty meal on its own, or you can serve it with some low-carb bread or crackers for a complete dish.

Cook’s Note

If you want to make this cabbage chili soup even more customized, here are a few tips:

• Protein options: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based protein like lentils for a vegetarian option.
• Add more veggies: If you love vegetables, feel free to add in zucchini, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spicy variation: To spice things up, consider adding a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking. It’ll give your soup an extra kick!
• Slow cooker option: If you prefer to cook the soup in a slow cooker, add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld even further.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 18g
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 4g
• Net Carbs: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg

This cabbage chili soup is a nutritious, filling dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal without loading up on carbs. With only 10 grams of net carbs per serving, it fits well into a low-carb or keto meal plan, offering plenty of protein and fiber to keep you satisfied.

Cabbage Chili Soup

is not only a warming, comforting meal, but it’s also incredibly easy to make and full of nutritional benefits. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or meal prepping for the week ahead, this soup will become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy a bowl today!