Description
A warm and comforting cabbage soup filled with smoky plant-based bacon, fresh vegetables, and savory spices. Perfect for chilly days, this nutritious and hearty soup offers a flavorful, customizable meal that satisfies both appetite and soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium green cabbage, chopped
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Smoky Protein
- 6 slices smoked plant-based bacon, chopped
Liquids and Seasonings
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Herbs
- Fresh parsley, dill, or thyme, chopped (for garnish and flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Chop the smoked plant-based bacon and gently sauté it in a large pot over medium heat until it begins to crisp and release rich smoky oils.
- Build the flavor foundation: Add diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened and fragrant, stirring regularly to prevent sticking.
- Add cabbage and tomatoes: Stir in chopped green cabbage and diced tomatoes, allowing the cabbage to slightly wilt and marry with the other veggies.
- Pour in the broth and season: Pour vegetable broth into the pot along with apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer and finish: Cover and simmer the soup for about 30-40 minutes until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld beautifully. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Notes
- Choose fresh cabbage: Opt for firm, crisp green cabbage for the best texture and flavor.
- Sauté slowly: Take your time with the plant-based bacon and aromatics to develop a rich base of flavor.
- Adjust seasoning gradually: Taste and season your soup multiple times while cooking for balanced results.
- Add acidity carefully: Apple cider vinegar brightens the soup, so start with a little and add more if needed.
- Let it rest: The soup often tastes even better after sitting for an hour or overnight as the flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cabbage soup, plant-based soup, smoky soup, vegetarian soup, healthy soup, comforting soup, vegetable soup
