Spicy Veggie Cabbage Soup: A Flavorful and Healthy Delight

Craving a comforting, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s also incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this Spicy Veggie Cabbage Soup! Packed with vibrant vegetables, a warming blend of spices, and the satisfying crunch of cabbage, this soup is a delicious way to nourish your body and tantalize your taste buds. It’s perfect for a chilly evening, a quick lunch, or any time you need a boost of vitamins and flavor. Plus, it’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low in calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

## Why You’ll Love This Spicy Veggie Cabbage Soup

* **Flavorful and Satisfying:** The combination of spices, vegetables, and broth creates a truly delicious and satisfying soup that will leave you feeling warm and content.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** This soup is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the abundance of vegetables. It’s a great way to boost your immune system and support overall health.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this soup is incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this soup to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or protein sources.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Cabbage and other common vegetables are relatively inexpensive, making this soup a budget-friendly meal option.
* **Vegan and Gluten-Free:** This soup is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this Spicy Veggie Cabbage Soup. Feel free to adjust the quantities to your liking.

* **1 large head of cabbage:** Green cabbage is the most common type used in cabbage soup, but you can also use red or Savoy cabbage.
* **1 large onion:** Yellow or white onion works well.
* **2-3 carrots:** Peeled and chopped.
* **2-3 celery stalks:** Chopped.
* **2-3 cloves garlic:** Minced.
* **1 red bell pepper:** Cored, seeded, and chopped. You can also use other colors of bell peppers.
* **1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes:** Undrained.
* **4 cups vegetable broth:** Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level.
* **1-2 tablespoons olive oil:** Or other cooking oil of your choice.
* **1-2 teaspoons chili powder:** Adjust to your desired level of spiciness.
* **1 teaspoon cumin:** Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika:** Provides a smoky depth of flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper:** Optional, for extra heat.
* **Salt and pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional toppings:** Fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, a dollop of vegan sour cream or yogurt, a squeeze of lime juice.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large pot or Dutch oven:** To cook the soup.
* **Cutting board:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Knife:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Measuring spoons and cups:** For measuring ingredients.
* **Ladle:** For serving the soup.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making this delicious Spicy Veggie Cabbage Soup:

**Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**

* Wash and chop all the vegetables according to the ingredient list. Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic. Shred or chop the cabbage into thin strips.

**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**

* Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 3: Add the Spices and Bell Pepper**

* Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 30 seconds, or until the spices are fragrant.
* Add the chopped bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until slightly softened.

**Step 4: Add the Cabbage, Tomatoes, and Broth**

* Add the shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and vegetable broth to the pot.
* Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

**Step 5: Simmer the Soup**

* Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. For a softer cabbage, simmer for up to an hour.
* Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**Step 6: Season to Taste**

* Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. You may need to add more chili powder or other spices depending on your preference.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, a dollop of vegan sour cream or yogurt, or a squeeze of lime juice.
* Serve warm and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Add protein:** For a more substantial meal, add cooked lentils, beans, chickpeas, or tofu to the soup.
* **Use different vegetables:** Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as potatoes, zucchini, spinach, or kale.
* **Add heat:** If you like your soup extra spicy, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* **Make it creamy:** For a creamier soup, stir in a can of coconut milk or a dollop of vegan cream cheese at the end of cooking.
* **Use different broth:** You can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth if you’re not vegan.
* **Add acidity:** A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can brighten up the flavor of the soup.
* **Make it ahead:** This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually meld together and become even more delicious over time.
* **Freeze it:** This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
* **Adjust the Spice:** The chili powder and cayenne pepper levels can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. If you accidentally add too much spice, a squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of vegan sour cream can help to mellow it out.
* **Cabbage Variety:** While green cabbage is the most traditional choice, feel free to experiment with other varieties like red or Savoy cabbage. Red cabbage will add a slightly sweeter flavor and a vibrant color to the soup.
* **Dried Herbs:** If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, or bay leaf. Add them to the soup along with the spices.

## Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Veggie Cabbage Soup is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

* **Crusty bread:** For dipping into the broth.
* **Grilled cheese sandwich:** For a comforting and satisfying meal.
* **Side salad:** For a light and refreshing complement.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 6 servings):

* Calories: Approximately 150-200
* Fat: 5-8g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Protein: 5-7g
* Fiber: 5-7g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Conclusion

This Spicy Veggie Cabbage Soup is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any time of year. With its vibrant vegetables, warming spices, and satisfying crunch, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and nourishing bowl of soup!