Name: Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 1 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 large carrots, sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 6 cups vegetable broth; 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 medium potatoes, diced; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

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Table of Contents: Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup

Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup

Remember those cozy evenings with family, filled with laughter and the aroma of a delicious, home-cooked meal? This Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup recipe is designed to bring back those cherished memories, offering a flavorful and nourishing dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. As we get a little older, finding meals that are both satisfying and good for us becomes even more important, and this soup delivers on both fronts.

It’s a delightful twist on classic cabbage soup, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a festive holiday gathering.

This isn’t just any cabbage soup; the beautiful balance of sweet and tangy flavors elevates it to something truly special. It’s a recipe passed down through generations, tweaked and perfected to create a symphony of taste in every spoonful. We’ve focused on making it accessible for everyone, using readily available ingredients and straightforward instructions.

Whether you’re looking for a light yet filling lunch, a vibrant starter for a dinner party, or a healthy soup to boost your well-being, this Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup is a fantastic choice. It’s a wonderfully vegetarian soup that can easily be adapted to suit your preferences.

This recipe is a testament to the idea that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland. The vibrant flavors will awaken your palate, and the abundance of vegetables will leave you feeling energized and nourished. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and invigorating, making it a welcome addition to any table, any time of year.

Alternate Names & Variations

This recipe is often called “Barbacoa Soup” in some regions, referencing the traditional Mexican method of slow-cooking meat (though this version is entirely plant-based!). You might also find it referred to as “Hungarian Cabbage Soup” due to similar flavor profiles. A simpler version is sometimes called “Old Fashioned Cabbage Soup.” For those who enjoy a bit more spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added.

And while this is a delicious cabbage soup on its own, variations can include adding different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

Ingredients: Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to create this heartwarming bowl of goodness:

* 1 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 large carrots, sliced
* 3 garlic cloves, minced
* 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
* 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 2 medium potatoes, diced
* Salt, to taste
* Black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil (optional, for extra richness) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced carrots and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Chef’s Tip: Don’t rush this step! Building a flavorful base is key to a delicious soup.

2. Build the Base: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly. This deepens the flavor.

3. Add the Cabbage & Potatoes: Introduce the thinly sliced green cabbage and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir to coat the vegetables with the tomato mixture.

4. Pour in the Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring all the vegetables are submerged. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

5. The Sweet & Sour Magic: This is where the magic happens! Stir in the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Chef’s Tip: Start with the recommended amount of vinegar and sugar, then add more gradually to achieve your desired level of sweet and sour.

6. Simmer & Serve: Continue to simmer the Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve hot and enjoy! Garnish with a dollop of sour cream (optional) or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup is ready in under an hour! Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, and cook time is around 35-40 minutes, making it a total time commitment of about 50-55 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. The approximate calorie count per serving is around 180-220, depending on the broth and any optional garnishes used.

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup works because of the beautiful interplay between the acidity of the apple cider vinegar, the sweetness of the brown sugar, and the earthy flavors of the cabbage and vegetables.

The long simmering time allows the flavors to deepen and meld together, creating a truly satisfying and complex taste. It’s easy comfort food for family dinners that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

For a richer flavor, consider using a smoked paprika in addition to the black pepper. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend it after cooking. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cabbage – Savoy cabbage would also work beautifully in this recipe.

This soup is also fantastic reheated, making it perfect for meal prepping and enjoying throughout the week.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Leftover Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

When reheating, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. This healthy soup retains its flavor well even after freezing and reheating.

People Also Ask: Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup

How do you make sweet and sour cabbage soup?

This Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup is surprisingly simple! You start by sautéing onions, carrots, and garlic, then adding diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cabbage, and potatoes. Vegetable broth is poured in, and the soup simmers until the potatoes are tender. The signature sweet and sour flavor comes from adding apple cider vinegar and brown sugar towards the end of the cooking process.

Adjusting the amounts of vinegar and sugar to your liking is key to achieving the perfect balance. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty and flavorful cabbage soup without spending all day in the kitchen.

What ingredients give it a sweet and sour flavor?

The star players in creating the sweet and sour flavor profile of this soup are the apple cider vinegar and the brown sugar. The apple cider vinegar provides the necessary tang and acidity, while the brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that complements the vinegar beautifully.

The diced tomatoes also contribute a touch of acidity, but the vinegar is the primary source of the sourness. Finding the right ratio between these two ingredients is crucial for a balanced and delicious Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup.

Is this a vegetarian soup?

Yes, absolutely! This recipe is naturally a vegetarian soup, relying entirely on plant-based ingredients for its flavor and nutrition. We use vegetable broth as the base, and all the vegetables are suitable for a vegetarian diet. It’s a great option for those following a vegetarian lifestyle or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.

It’s a filling and satisfying healthy soup that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Can I add meat to cabbage soup?

While this recipe is designed to be vegetarian soup, you certainly can add meat if you prefer! Smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even shredded cooked chicken would be delicious additions. If adding meat, brown it in the pot before sautéing the vegetables. You may also want to adjust the amount of salt used, as some meats can be quite salty.

Adding meat will, of course, make it no longer a vegetarian dish, but it can add another layer of flavor and protein to this already wonderful cabbage soup.

Conclusion: Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup

I truly hope you give this Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup recipe a try. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite, offering a comforting and healthy meal that everyone will enjoy. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the flavors and make it your own! I’d love to hear about your experience – please share your thoughts and any variations you try in the comments below. Happy cooking!