Savoy Cabbage Soup With Beef

A Wholesome and Flavorful Cabbage Soup Recipe

Are you craving a nutritious and hearty meal that won’t weigh you down? Cabbage soup might just be your new go-to dish! This savory and satisfying soup is full of wholesome ingredients that are both delicious and beneficial for your health. It’s low in carbs, low in fat, and filled with a variety of vegetables and tender beef that make every spoonful satisfying. The combination of cabbage, carrots, onions, garlic, and tender beef is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients, making it the perfect comfort food for any time of year.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making this healthy, low-carb, and filling cabbage soup, including the benefits of the ingredients, tips for perfecting the soup, and how to store leftovers for later enjoyment.

The Many Health Benefits of Cabbage Soup

One of the reasons cabbage soup is so popular is due to its impressive health benefits. With the combination of vegetables, lean beef, and savory seasonings, this soup offers a wide range of nutrients, making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat healthily without sacrificing flavor.

1. Cabbage: The Star of the Soup Cabbage is the star of this recipe, and for good reason! Not only is cabbage low in calories, but it’s also rich in dietary fiber and packed with vitamins. Cabbage is high in Vitamin C, which supports your immune system and helps fight off infections. It’s also a great source of antioxidants, which help protect your body from harmful free radicals. Additionally, cabbage is loaded with Vitamin K, which is important for bone health and proper blood clotting.
2. Lean Beef for Protein and Flavor The beef in this soup adds both flavor and protein. Rib-eye or scotch fillet steak are excellent choices for their tenderness and rich flavor. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in your body and supporting immune function. Beef is also a good source of iron, which is vital for producing red blood cells and preventing anemia.
3. Carrots: Sweet and Nutritious Carrots add natural sweetness to the soup and are loaded with beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and immune function. Additionally, carrots provide a good amount of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps regulate bowel movements.
4. Garlic: A Powerful Flavor Enhancer Garlic does more than just add flavor to the soup; it also has numerous health benefits. Garlic is known for its natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, which can help strengthen your immune system. It’s also been shown to have cardiovascular benefits, such as improving cholesterol levels and supporting heart health.
5. Onions: A Natural Detoxifier Onions are another key ingredient in this cabbage soup recipe, providing a base of flavor that enhances the taste of the soup. Onions are rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds, which can help detoxify the body and promote digestive health. The high fiber content of onions also aids in digestion, helping you feel fuller for longer.
6. Celery: A Low-Calorie, High-Nutrient Vegetable Celery is often added to soups for its crunchy texture and mild flavor. It’s low in calories and high in water content, making it hydrating and refreshing. Celery is also a good source of vitamins A, K, and C, and it contains beneficial phytonutrients that help support overall health.
7. Herbs and Spices for Extra Flavor and Health The addition of fresh parsley and dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano elevate the flavor of the soup while providing additional health benefits. Parsley, for example, is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Rosemary and thyme have anti-inflammatory properties, and they can also help improve digestion and support immune health.

How to Perfect Your Cabbage Soup

While the ingredients in this cabbage soup are simple, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and texture. Here’s how to ensure that your cabbage soup turns out amazing every time.

1. Sear the Beef Properly Searing the beef before adding the vegetables is crucial for locking in flavor. Don’t rush this step—take the time to brown the beef on all sides to create a rich, savory base for your soup. This step adds a depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
2. Cook the Vegetables in Stages It’s important to add the vegetables in stages to ensure that each one cooks properly. Start by sautéing the onions, then add the carrots and celery to allow their flavors to develop. Finally, add the cabbage, which requires a little more cooking time to soften. Cooking the vegetables in stages ensures they all reach the perfect level of tenderness.
3. Simmer, Don’t Boil After adding the broth, herbs, and seasonings, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and develop a deep, savory taste. Avoid boiling the soup, as this can cause the vegetables to become mushy and the flavors to become too intense.
4. Taste and Adjust Seasonings Taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add extra salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences. A pinch of onion or garlic powder can help enhance the flavor profile, and a little extra parsley can add a fresh burst of flavor.
5. Serve with Fresh Herbs While the soup is flavorful on its own, a sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving can add a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note. You can also garnish with a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon for an extra touch of brightness.

How to Store Cabbage Soup

If you have leftover cabbage soup, don’t worry—it stores beautifully for later! Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: If you’d like to keep the soup longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and store it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove.

Now that you know the health benefits and tips for making this cabbage soup, let’s dive into the recipe itself.

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Part 2: The Simple and Delicious Cabbage Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 pound (500 grams) rib-eye or scotch fillet steak, cut into 1-inch pieces (trimmed of visible fat)
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 small green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups beef stock or broth
• 3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, plus more for serving
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary (or use dried basil and oregano for a different flavor)
• 2 teaspoons onion powder or garlic powder
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef and sear on all sides until browned (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage).
2. Add the Onions: Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they turn translucent and soften.
3. Add Vegetables: Next, add the chopped celery and diced carrots. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, to mix the flavors.
4. Add Cabbage and Garlic: Add the chopped cabbage and cook for 5 minutes, allowing it to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the Stock and Seasonings: Add the beef stock, fresh parsley, dried thyme, rosemary, and onion or garlic powder. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover with a lid.
6. Simmer: Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cabbage and carrots are tender.
7. Season: Taste the soup and add salt, pepper, and extra herbs as needed.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes:

• Storage: Cabbage Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
• Serving: Enjoy the soup as is, or serve with a side of crusty bread for added texture.

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 177 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 34mg
• Sodium: 748mg
• Potassium: 250mg
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 3485 IU
• Vitamin C: 4mg
• Calcium: 22mg
• Iron: 1.5mg

Enjoy your healthy and comforting bowl of cabbage soup!

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