Cabbage And White Bean Soup

Cabbage and White Bean Soup is a heartwarming, nutritious dish that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something wholesome and comforting. Packed with tender cabbage, creamy white beans, and a medley of aromatic vegetables, this soup is a healthy and satisfying choice for lunch or dinner. It’s naturally vegetarian, but you can easily adapt it by adding sausage or bacon for extra richness. This recipe makes use of pantry staples and is easy to prepare, making it an ideal go-to for a cozy, home-cooked meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option)
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans (e.g., cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Crusty bread or rolls, for serving

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add the Cabbage: Add the sliced cabbage to the pot and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to wilt.
3. Combine the Base Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, white beans, thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the cabbage and vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally.
5. Season to Taste: Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or rolls.

Enjoy this simple yet flavorful soup as a light meal or pair it with a fresh salad for a heartier dinner.