Low Carb Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup
Low Carb Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup is a delightful and healthy take on a classic comfort dish.
This soup combines the hearty texture of cabbage with the tangy zest of apple cider vinegar and the subtle sweetness of a sugar substitute, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
With its vibrant mix of ingredients, including no sodium beef broth and low sodium diced tomatoes, this soup is not only flavorful but also mindful of dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Low Carb Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup is a delightful fusion of flavors that offers both health benefits and culinary satisfaction. Here are several reasons why this recipe is sure to be loved:
Balanced Flavors: The soup beautifully balances tangy and sweet elements through the use of apple cider vinegar and a brown sugar substitute. This combination creates a dynamic and flavorful broth that is both refreshing and comforting.
Nutritious and Low Carb: Packed with vegetables and made with no sodium beef broth, this soup is a nutritious choice for those seeking a low-carb option. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a hearty meal without compromising on health goals.
Hearty and Satisfying: The cabbage provides a substantial texture that makes the soup filling and satisfying. Despite being low in calories, it offers a sense of fullness, making it a great choice for a light meal or a satisfying starter.
Simple and Quick to Prepare: With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, this soup is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a homemade meal with minimal effort.
Diet-Friendly: Being low in carbohydrates and using low-sodium ingredients, this soup caters to a variety of dietary preferences and needs. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by those following specific health guidelines or simply looking to eat more mindfully.
Key Ingredients:
Cabbage: The star ingredient, cabbage adds a hearty texture and is rich in fiber, helping to make the soup filling and nutritious. It serves as the perfect base for absorbing the sweet and sour flavors of the broth.
No Sodium Beef Broth: This broth provides a savory depth to the soup without adding extra sodium, making it a healthier choice. It acts as the primary liquid for cooking the cabbage and blending the flavors.
Low Sodium Diced Tomatoes: Adding a touch of acidity and natural sweetness, these tomatoes enhance the overall flavor profile while keeping the sodium content in check. They also contribute to the soup’s vibrant color and nutritional value.
Brown Sugar Substitute: This ingredient provides the sweet component of the sweet and sour balance, without adding extra carbohydrates. It allows for a guilt-free way to achieve the desired flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Known for its tangy and slightly fruity taste, apple cider vinegar is essential in creating the sour aspect of the soup. It adds a refreshing zing that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Onion and Garlic Powder: The chopped onion and garlic powder bring aromatic depth and savory undertones, enhancing the overall taste and complexity of the soup.
Low Carb Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup
Ingredients
2 boxes (approximately 8 cups) no sodium beef broth
2 cans (14.5 oz each) low sodium diced tomatoes
1 large onion, chopped
1 head of cabbage, sliced
1/3 cup brown sugar substitute
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar substitute
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups water
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients: Begin by chopping the onion and slicing the cabbage into thin strips.
Sauté Onion: In a large pot, add a small amount of oil or cooking spray and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the no sodium beef broth, diced tomatoes, and 2 cups of water. Stir to combine.
Incorporate Cabbage: Add the sliced cabbage to the pot, stirring to ensure it’s submerged in the liquid.
Flavor the Soup: Add the brown sugar substitute, apple cider vinegar, sugar substitute, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30-45 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
Season and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional vinegar or sweetener to suit your preference.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of low carb sweet and sour cabbage soup.
This soup offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, with the cabbage providing a hearty, satisfying texture. Perfect for a light meal or as a starter, this soup is both nutritious and delicious.
Notes:
Adjusting Sweetness and Tang: The balance of sweet and sour can be easily adjusted to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter soup, add a little more brown sugar substitute. For a tangier flavor, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar slightly.
Broth Options: While the recipe calls for no sodium beef broth, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful of the sodium content if you’re watching your intake.
Texture Preferences: If you like a chunkier soup, consider adding extra vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms. They can add variety in texture and complement the flavors well.
Storage and Reheating: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over medium heat. You may need to add a bit of water or broth if the soup has thickened while chilled.
Serving Suggestions: Although it’s satisfying on its own, this soup pairs well with a slice of low-carb bread or a fresh green salad, adding to the overall meal experience.
Garlic Variations: Fresh garlic can be used in place of garlic powder if preferred. About 2-3 cloves should suffice, sautéed with the onions at the beginning for added flavor.
Dietary Flexibility: This recipe is naturally low-carb and can easily be adapted for other dietary needs. For example, to make it vegetarian, simply use a vegetable broth and ensure any sugar substitutes are plant-based.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 70 | Protein: 2 grams | Carbohydrates: 10 grams | Fat: 2 grams | Fiber: 3 grams | Sodium: 200 milligrams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes as a substitute for canned diced tomatoes.
Simply dice about 3-4 medium-sized tomatoes and add them to the soup.
You might want to simmer the soup a bit longer to allow the fresh tomatoes to break down and release their juices.
What can I use as a sugar substitute in this recipe?
You can use a variety of sugar substitutes based on your preference, such as erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener.
Ensure that the substitute you choose is appropriate for cooking and adjust the quantity to match your desired level of sweetness.
How can I add more protein to this soup?
To increase the protein content, consider adding cooked, shredded chicken or turkey to the soup.
Another option is to add a can of drained and rinsed low-sodium beans, such as cannellini or navy beans, keeping in mind that this will also increase the carbohydrate content slightly.
Is it necessary to use no sodium broth?
Using no sodium broth helps control the salt content of the dish, making it easier to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
If you use regular broth, be mindful of the additional salt and taste the soup before adding extra seasoning.
Can I freeze this soup for later use?
Yes, this soup freezes well.
Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags.
It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.
What is the best way to slice the cabbage for this soup?
When preparing the cabbage, slice it into thin strips to ensure even cooking and a pleasant texture in the soup.
You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for uniform slices.
The thin strips will soften nicely as they simmer in the broth.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming too watery?
To avoid a watery soup, ensure that you measure the liquid ingredients accurately.
If the soup ends up too thin for your liking, let it simmer uncovered for a little longer to reduce and thicken.
You can also add a little more cabbage or tomatoes for extra body.
Can I use a different vinegar if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with other types of vinegar such as white wine vinegar or rice vinegar.
These alternatives will provide a similar tangy flavor, though they may slightly alter the final taste of the soup.
How can I adjust the seasoning if the soup tastes too sour or too sweet?
If the soup is too sour, add a bit more sugar substitute to balance it out.
Conversely, if it’s too sweet, you can add a splash more vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra tang.
Always adjust the seasoning gradually, tasting as you go.
What should I do if the cabbage is not tender enough?
If the cabbage is not as tender as you’d like, simply continue to simmer the soup until it reaches your desired texture.
Keep the heat low to prevent over-reducing the liquid, and stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.