Large Pot of Cabbage Soup!! Smells Delicious

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (optional for added protein)
  • 1/2 head of cabbage, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 6-8 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 1-2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a kick

Instructions:

  1. Brown the Meat (Optional): In a large pot, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat, if necessary, and set the meat aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add a little olive oil (if needed) and sauté the onion, garlic, celery, and bell pepper for about 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add Carrots and Cabbage: Stir in the carrots and chopped cabbage. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and broth to the pot. Return the cooked meat to the soup if you’re using it.
  5. Season and Simmer: Add Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning. You can add more salt, pepper, or a bit of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Add some low-carb noodles or zucchini spirals if you’re on a low-carb diet.
  • Top with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley before serving.

Enjoy your hearty bowl of cabbage soup!

Per Serving (about 1.5 cups):

  • Calories: ~170
  • Protein: ~12g
  • Fat: ~8g
  • Carbohydrates: ~15g
    • Fiber: ~4g
    • Net Carbs: ~11g
  • Sugars: ~7g
  • Sodium: ~850mg
  • Vitamin A: ~75% of the daily value (from carrots and bell pepper)
  • Vitamin C: ~70% of the daily value (from cabbage and bell pepper)
  • Iron: ~10% of the daily value (from beef and vegetables)
  • Calcium: ~6% of the daily value

Notes:

  • If you omit the ground beef or use a leaner meat like turkey, the fat and calorie content will decrease.
  • To lower sodium, opt for low-sodium broth or homemade broth.

This is a nutrient-dense, fiber-rich soup that fits well into low-carb meal plans!