Cabbage Soup With Kidney Beans

Cabbage Soup With Kidney Beans is a simple, flavorful, and nutritious dish that brings comfort and warmth to any table. Packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins, this soup is not only satisfying but also makes for a healthy meal option. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a filling lunch, this cabbage soup with kidney beans offers the perfect balance of hearty vegetables and legumes. Plus, it’s easy to make and full of flavor that everyone will love.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious and wholesome cabbage soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

This blend of fresh vegetables, kidney beans, and herbs creates a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of year. The hearty kidney beans provide a great source of protein, while the cabbage adds a lovely texture and bulk to the soup.

Directions

1. Prepare the ingredients
   Begin by chopping the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Having everything prepped and ready will help make the cooking process smoother.
2. Sauté the vegetables
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
3. Add the carrots and celery
   Stir in the chopped carrots and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the vegetables to soften.
4. Add cabbage and seasonings
   Toss in the chopped cabbage and stir well. Cook for another 5 minutes, letting the cabbage wilt down a bit.
5. Combine all ingredients
   Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable or chicken broth, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Simmer the soup
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. Final adjustments
   Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf and discard it. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
8. Serve and enjoy
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired. This cabbage soup with kidney beans is delicious on its own or served with a slice of whole-grain bread for a complete meal.

Cook’s Note

Here are a few tips for customizing your cabbage soup with kidney beans:

• Meat options: If you’d like to add some protein, you can sauté some ground turkey or chicken with the onions and garlic before adding the other ingredients.
• More vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to enhance the soup’s flavor and nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you like your soup with a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper during the sautéing process.
• Slow cooker option: You can easily make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The result will be a richly flavored, tender soup.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 7g
• Protein: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 9g
• Net Carbs: 19g
• Sodium: 700mg

This cabbage soup with kidney beans is not only low in calories but also packed with fiber, making it a great choice for those looking to manage their weight or improve digestion. With 9 grams of fiber per serving, this soup helps you feel fuller longer while providing essential nutrients. It’s also a great source of plant-based protein from the kidney beans.

Cabbage Soup With Kidney Beans

is a versatile, healthy, and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re looking for a light yet satisfying meal or a way to add more vegetables to your diet, this soup is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy a warm bowl of comfort today!