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The classic Cabbage Soup Diet is a popular choice for anyone seeking quick weight loss. This diet has gained fame for its ability to help you shed pounds in a short period. Beyond weight loss, this simple cabbage soup diet recipe packs a punch of vitamins and fiber. Our recipe offers a straightforward, delicious, and effective way to enjoy the benefits of this well-known diet plan. Get ready to cook up a healthy batch!
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe
You will adore this cabbage soup diet recipe for many reasons. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy parents and beginners. This soup is packed with low-calorie vegetables and high fiber content, helping you feel full and satisfied. Its versatility allows for slight adjustments, and the flavor is surprisingly delicious and comforting. This diet soup efficiently supports weight loss goals. Plus, the ingredients are incredibly budget-friendly, making healthy eating accessible to everyone.
Ingredients for Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe
Creating this wholesome cabbage soup diet recipe requires fresh, vibrant vegetables and simple seasonings.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- 1 cup white or yellow onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 cup carrots (diced)
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes (basil, oregano, garlic flavor)
- 1/2 head of cabbage (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Few shakes of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
Notes & Substitutions
For a vegetarian or vegan version, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. Feel free to use any color bell pepper you have on hand, such as red or yellow. Green cabbage is traditional, but you can experiment with savoy cabbage for a slightly different texture. Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level. Always choose low-sodium broth and diced tomatoes if you are watching your sodium intake.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools for this simple cabbage soup for weight loss. Gather these basic items:
- A large soup pot or Dutch oven
- A sharp knife
- A sturdy cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Follow these clear steps to create your delicious cabbage soup diet recipe. This process is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Let the oil shimmer gently.
- Add the diced celery, onions, bell peppers, and carrots to the pot. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they soften slightly. They should become fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute until you can smell its aroma. Be careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth. Make sure to scrape any bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the 14 oz can of diced tomatoes and the chopped 1/2 head of cabbage to the pot. Stir everything together well.
- Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage and other vegetables are tender. They should be soft but not mushy.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of basil, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and a few shakes of black pepper.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, if desired. Remember, broths often contain sodium.
- Taste the broth and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want more salt, pepper, or herbs.
- Serve the warm cabbage soup immediately and enjoy its comforting flavors.
Pro Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup Diet
Achieve the best results with your healthy cabbage soup by following these simple tips.
- Chop vegetables uniformly: Cut all your vegetables into similar-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender at the same time.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot: Give your vegetables space to sauté and simmer. Cooking in batches if necessary prevents steaming and promotes better flavor.
- Simmer gently: Allow the soup to simmer at a low heat. This slow cooking method develops deeper flavors and tenderizes the vegetables beautifully without overcooking them.
- Adjust seasonings to personal taste: Taste the soup before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs until it reaches your desired flavor profile.
- Use fresh, quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables and good quality broth significantly enhance the overall taste of your diet soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your cabbage soup turns out perfectly every time.
- Overcooking vegetables to mush: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Vegetables should be tender, not soft and mushy.
- Under-seasoning the soup: Bland soup is disappointing. Do not hesitate to add more herbs and spices to bring out the flavors.
- Not tasting and adjusting: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasonings. This makes a huge difference.
- Using too much oil: Stick to the recommended amount of olive oil to keep the soup light and healthy.
- Forgetting to chop cabbage last: Cabbage cooks down significantly. Chop it after other vegetables are mostly prepped to gauge the correct amount.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
Serve your cabbage weight loss soup hot as a hearty main course. It is incredibly satisfying on its own. For longer enjoyment, understanding storage and variations is helpful.
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations
Feel free to customize your cabbage soup to keep things interesting.
- Add other non-starchy vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or spinach for added nutrients.
- Experiment with different herbs or spices such as thyme, rosemary, or a dash of curry powder.
- For a spicy kick, include diced jalapeños or an extra pinch of red pepper flakes.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors.
- On non-diet days, you can add lean protein like shredded chicken breast or white fish.
Cabbage Soup Diet Nutrition Information
This cabbage soup diet recipe offers excellent nutritional benefits. It is inherently low in calories, making it ideal for weight management. The generous amount of vegetables provides a high fiber content, which promotes a feeling of fullness and aids digestion. This soup also delivers essential vitamins and minerals from the variety of fresh produce. Furthermore, its broth base contributes to your daily hydration needs, which is crucial for overall health.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100-120 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 400-500mg |
| Total Carbs | 12-15g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4-5g |
| Total Sugars | 6-8g |
| Protein | 4-5g |
(Values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)
Frequently Asked Questions about Cabbage Soup Diet
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians/vegans?
Yes, simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this cabbage soup diet recipe completely plant-based.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely. Non-starchy vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or spinach are great additions, just remember to keep portions balanced.
How long does the soup last in the fridge?
You can safely store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Is this diet sustainable long-term?
The traditional cabbage soup diet is a short-term plan. It is best used for a quick reset, not as a permanent eating solution.
Does it really help with weight loss?
Many people experience short-term weight loss due to its low-calorie content and diuretic effect. Consult a healthcare professional for long-term diet advice.
Can I freeze the cabbage soup?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
Conclusion
This simple and flavorful cabbage soup diet recipe provides an effective and delicious way to support your weight loss goals. It is incredibly easy to make, even for beginners, and packed with nourishing vegetables. By following our clear instructions and helpful tips, you can create a satisfying meal that keeps you feeling full and energized. We encourage you to try this fantastic recipe and experience its benefits for yourself. Start your journey to a lighter, healthier you today!
Delicious & Easy Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe for Weight Loss
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup white or yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegan)
- 14 oz diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, garlic
- 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp salt (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add diced celery, onions, bell pepper, and carrots. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened and fragrant.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pot.
- Add diced tomatoes and chopped cabbage. Stir everything well.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cover.
- Simmer for 20–25 minutes until cabbage and vegetables are tender but not mushy.
- Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Add salt if needed.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
