Ingredients

• 10 stalks celery, chopped
• 5 carrots, chopped
• 3 onions, chopped
• 2 green bell peppers, diced
• 1 large head cabbage, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can cut green beans, drained
• 2 quarts tomato juice
• 2 (16 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, with liquid
• 1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
• Cold water, to cover
• 1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings

• Yield: Approximately 8 servings

Kcal

• Calories per Serving: About 125 kcal

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Start by thoroughly washing the celery, carrots, and cabbage. Chop the celery stalks and carrots into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Dice the onions and green bell peppers, and set everything aside.
2. Chop the Cabbage: Remove any wilted outer leaves from the cabbage and chop it into manageable chunks. For a finer texture, you can slice the cabbage more thinly.
3. Assemble in a Pot: Place a large stockpot on the stove over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, carrots, onions, green bell peppers, and cabbage. Pour in the drained green beans and spread the vegetables evenly in the pot.
4. Add the Liquids: Pour the two quarts of tomato juice over the vegetables, followed by the cans of whole peeled tomatoes with their liquid. Crush the whole tomatoes gently with your hands or a spoon to break them up slightly.
5. Incorporate Broth and Seasoning: Add the beef broth and sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the top. This step infuses the soup with a robust, savory base.
6. Add Water and Simmer: Pour cold water into the pot until it covers the vegetables and reaches about 1 inch below the rim. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
7. Cook the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
8. Taste and Adjust: After an hour, check the seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste if needed.
9. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy it on its own or with a slice of crusty bread for an extra touch of comfort.

Explanation of Why This Recipe Is Timeless

This Hearty Cabbage and Vegetable Soup is timeless for several reasons. First, its combination of simple, wholesome ingredients aligns with the way our ancestors cooked—using what was available and nutritious. Cabbage, a main component, has been a staple in kitchens worldwide due to its affordability and health benefits. This soup’s deep, rich flavors come from the natural sweetness of carrots, the earthiness of celery, and the robustness of onions, combined with tangy tomato juice and aromatic beef broth. The added convenience of using pantry staples like canned green beans and an onion soup mix ensures that this recipe remains accessible to cooks of all levels. In times when people are seeking healthier meals without sacrificing taste, this soup is a perfect solution that fits into the busy lives of modern cooks while still feeling like a nod to classic homemade dishes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 125 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugars: 10g
• Sodium: 500mg (may vary depending on the broth and tomato juice used)
• Vitamin A: 120% DV
• Vitamin C: 50% DV
• Iron: 8% DV
• Calcium: 6% DV

FAQs

Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. This substitution will maintain the soup’s deep flavor without any animal products.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes, this soup is versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, potatoes, or spinach to increase its nutritional profile and create new layers of flavor.

Q: How can I thicken the soup?
A: For a thicker soup, remove a portion of the cooked vegetables and blend them, then stir them back into the pot. Alternatively, adding a bit of cooked rice or small pasta shapes can create a heartier texture.

Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: This soup pairs well with a side of crusty bread, a green salad, or even a light grilled cheese sandwich.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to enjoy.

Tips for Making

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher the vegetables, the better the flavor. If possible, opt for locally sourced produce.
• Cut Uniformly: Chopping the vegetables into similar sizes ensures they cook evenly and provides a consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Enhance the Flavor: For added depth, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in a small amount of olive oil before adding the other ingredients.
• Low and Slow: Simmering the soup on low heat allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Don’t rush this step if you want a rich, well-rounded taste.
• Add Herbs: For extra flavor, toss in bay leaves, thyme, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
• Freezing: As mentioned earlier, this soup is freezer-friendly. Divide it into individual portions for easy reheating. Always label containers with the date to track storage time.
• Reheating: When reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming on the stove for best results.

Conclusion

Hearty Cabbage and Vegetable Soup is a recipe that has stood the test of time due to its simplicity, nourishment, and unbeatable flavor. It embodies the essence of comfort food while remaining adaptable for those looking to tailor it to their dietary needs or taste preferences. Its warming qualities make it perfect for cooler seasons, while the abundance of vegetables provides a guilt-free, satisfying meal. The layers of taste from the tomato base, savory onion soup mix, and beef broth create a symphony of flavors that are sure to become a staple in your household. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this soup is a straightforward yet rewarding dish that leaves you feeling content with every spoonful.