Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup: A Delicious and Comforting Recipe

Cabbage soup is a classic comfort food, but have you ever tried it with a sweet and sour twist? This Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup recipe elevates the traditional dish with a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors, creating a truly satisfying and heartwarming meal. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave something both nourishing and flavorful, this soup is sure to become a new favorite.

## Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup

* **Flavorful and Unique:** The combination of sweet and sour creates a complex and intriguing flavor profile that’s far from boring.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with cabbage, vegetables, and lean protein (if you choose to add it), this soup is a healthy and wholesome option.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, with minimal effort required.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Cabbage and other vegetables are typically inexpensive, making this a cost-effective meal.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this soup to your liking by adding different vegetables, proteins, or spices.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup:

* **Cabbage:** The star of the show! Use green cabbage, Savoy cabbage, or a combination of both. About 1 medium head (approximately 2 pounds) is ideal.
* **Onion:** Yellow or white onion provides a foundational savory flavor.
* **Carrots:** Adds sweetness, color, and texture.
* **Celery:** Contributes a subtle earthy flavor.
* **Tomatoes:** Canned diced tomatoes are convenient and provide acidity. You can also use fresh tomatoes, but be sure to peel and chop them first.
* **Tomato Paste:** Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds richness.
* **Beef Broth (or Vegetable Broth):** Forms the base of the soup. Beef broth adds depth of flavor, but vegetable broth is a great vegetarian option.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** Provides the essential sour element. Adjust the amount to your preference.
* **Brown Sugar (or Honey):** Balances the acidity of the vinegar and adds sweetness. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
* **Lemon Juice:** Enhances the sourness and brightens the overall flavor.
* **Olive Oil (or Vegetable Oil):** Used for sautéing the vegetables.
* **Garlic:** Adds aromatic flavor.
* **Bay Leaf:** Infuses the soup with a subtle herbal note. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **Paprika (Sweet or Smoked):** Adds color and a hint of spice.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Cooked ground beef, sausage, kielbasa, or beans (such as cannellini or kidney beans) for added protein and heartiness. Fresh dill or parsley for garnish.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make your own Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup:

**1. Prepare the Vegetables:**

* Wash and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Remove the tough core.
* Dice the onion, carrots, and celery.
* Mince the garlic.

**2. Sauté the Vegetables:**

* Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

**3. Add the Remaining Ingredients:**

* Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
* Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth (or vegetable broth), cabbage, bay leaf, paprika, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (or honey), lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
* If adding meat or beans, add them at this stage.

**4. Simmer the Soup:**

* Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30-45 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.

**5. Adjust Seasoning:**

* Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, apple cider vinegar, or brown sugar (or honey) to achieve your desired balance of sweet and sour flavors.

**6. Remove Bay Leaf and Serve:**

* Remove the bay leaf before serving.
* Garnish with fresh dill or parsley, if desired.
* Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or rye bread.

## Tips for the Best Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup

* **Don’t Overcook the Cabbage:** You want the cabbage to be tender but not mushy. Check for doneness after 30 minutes of simmering and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Adjust the Sweet and Sour Balance:** The beauty of this soup is that you can customize it to your own taste. Start with the suggested amounts of apple cider vinegar and brown sugar (or honey) and adjust as needed to achieve the perfect balance of sweet and sour.
* **Use High-Quality Broth:** The broth is the base of the soup, so using a good-quality broth will make a big difference in the overall flavor. If you’re using store-bought broth, look for low-sodium options.
* **Add a Touch of Heat:** For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
* **Let the Soup Sit:** Like many soups, this Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Make it Vegetarian/Vegan:** Easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian or vegan by using vegetable broth and omitting any meat. You can add beans or lentils for extra protein.

## Variations and Customizations

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking. Here are some ideas:

* **Different Vegetables:** Add other vegetables such as potatoes, bell peppers, parsnips, or turnips.
* **Different Meats:** Experiment with different types of meat, such as smoked sausage, kielbasa, or pork.
* **Smoked Paprika:** Substitute regular paprika with smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
* **Dill:** Incorporate fresh dill generously for a traditional Eastern European touch.
* **Caraway Seeds:** Add a teaspoon of caraway seeds for a unique flavor.
* **Creamy Version:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt just before serving for a richer, creamier soup.
* **Spicy Version:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper for a spicy kick.
* **Fruit Additions:** A surprising but delicious addition can be a small amount of chopped apple (Granny Smith works well) during the last 15 minutes of cooking for extra sweetness and texture.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or rye bread for dipping.
* Garnish with fresh dill, parsley, or a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
* Pair with a simple salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
* For a heartier meal, serve with a side of mashed potatoes or dumplings.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

_Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used._

* Calories: Approximately 200-300 per serving (depending on ingredients added)
* Fat: 5-10g
* Protein: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 5-8g

## Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup Recipe

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
* 1 large onion, diced
* 2 carrots, diced
* 2 celery stalks, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 8 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
* 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 pounds), cored and shredded
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or more, to taste)
* 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey, to taste)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1 pound cooked ground beef, sausage, or kielbasa
* Optional: Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth (or vegetable broth), cabbage, bay leaf, paprika, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (or honey), lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6. If adding meat, add it now.
7. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30-45 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
8. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, apple cider vinegar, or brown sugar (or honey) to achieve your desired balance of sweet and sour flavors.
9. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
10. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley, if desired.
11. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or rye bread.

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup! It’s a perfect meal for any time of year.