Detox Cabbage Soup

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tsp garlic (minced/finely chopped)

1 tsp ginger (minced/finely chopped)

½ cup onion (chopped)

2 ribs celery (diced)

2 medium carrots (chopped)

½ large red bell pepper (diced)

14.5 oz diced tomatoes (or petite diced, do not drain)

1 teaspoon dried basil (or Italian seasoning)

2 teaspoon salt (to taste)

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 ½ cups cabbage (chopped)

6 cups vegetable stock

2 whole bay leaves

2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1:

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.

Add the minced 1 teaspoon garlic and minced 1 teaspoon ginger to the pan and saute for 30 seconds before adding the chopped ½ cup onion and sauteing for an additional minute or until fragrant.

Step 2:

Add the chopped 2 ribs celery, 2 medium carrots, and ½ large red bell pepper to the saucepan and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.

Step 3:

Next, add in the canned 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (do not drain!) and seasoning (2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon dried basil).

Add the cabbage, then pour in the 6 cups vegetable stock, and add 2 whole bay leaves.

*Add the optional apple cider vinegar and lemon juice at this point if desired.

Step 4:

Stir then bring the soup to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

Remove from heat when done and remove the bay leaves before serving.

Notes:

Healthy Ingredients: This soup is packed with nutritious vegetables like cabbage, carrots, celery, and bell peppers, making it a great option for a detox or cleanse.

Aromatic Base: The combination of garlic, ginger, and onion sautéed in olive oil creates a flavorful and aromatic base for the soup, enhancing its overall taste.

Versatile Seasoning: The seasoning blend of dried basil, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes adds depth of flavor and a hint of heat to the soup. Adjust the seasoning according to personal preference.

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Tomato Base: Using diced tomatoes adds richness and acidity to the soup. Opting for petite diced tomatoes or not draining the canned tomatoes helps maintain the soup’s texture and flavor.

Optional Ingredients: The addition of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice provides a tangy brightness to the soup. These ingredients are optional but can elevate the flavor profile, especially if you enjoy a slightly acidic taste.

Simmering Process: Allowing the soup to simmer on low heat for 20 minutes allows the flavors to meld together while ensuring that the vegetables are cooked to perfection. Removing the bay leaves before serving prevents any bitterness from over-steeping.

Customization: Feel free to customize this soup by adding other vegetables or herbs according to your taste preferences. You can also adjust the consistency by adding more or less vegetable stock.

Meal Prep Friendly: This soup is great for meal prep as it can be stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for longer-term storage. Simply reheat before serving for a quick and nourishing meal.

Detoxification Benefits: While the term “detox” may vary in its scientific validity, this soup provides a nutrient-dense and low-calorie option that can contribute to overall health and well-being when included as part of a balanced diet.

Serving Suggestions: Enjoy this soup as a light and satisfying meal on its own or pair it with whole grain bread, a side salad, or a protein source for added nutrition and satiety.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes added.

Start with less if you prefer a milder flavor, and add more gradually according to your taste.

How long can I store the soup in the refrigerator?

You can store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Reheat before serving for optimal taste and texture.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?

Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned diced tomatoes.

Use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

What can I use instead of vegetable stock?

You can use chicken stock or broth as a substitute for vegetable stock if desired.

However, using vegetable stock keeps the soup vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

Is there a way to make the soup gluten-free?

Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the vegetable stock and other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

Can I omit the bay leaves from the recipe?

While bay leaves add flavor to the soup, you can omit them if you don’t have any on hand.

The soup will still be delicious without them.

How can I make the soup more filling?

You can add protein sources like cooked beans, lentils, or tofu to make the soup more filling and satisfying, especially if you’re having it as a main meal.

Can I freeze the soup for later use?

Yes, this soup freezes well.

Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I use different herbs in place of dried basil?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley to customize the flavor of the soup according to your preference.

Is this soup suitable for a low-sodium diet?

You can reduce the sodium content by using low-sodium vegetable stock and adjusting the amount of salt added to the soup

. Additionally, omitting the optional salt and using fresh, unsalted tomatoes can further lower the sodium content.