Cabbage Soup
Whenever I’m craving Krautwickel or stuffed cabbage rolls but lack the time, I cook a German Cabbage soup instead.
It can be prepared without meat for added health benefits and a full-body detox. It fulfills my cravings with minimal effort.
The cabbage family is extensive and includes varieties such as Chinese cabbage, red cabbage, green cabbage, Savoy cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli.
Who hasn’t heard of the wonderful magic associated with cabbage or the benefits of cabbage soup? Even if you you leave out the hamburger meat, you’ll find that the remaining ingredients still hold a lot of health benefits.
A medical professional informed me that the vegetarian variation of cabbage soup serves as a detox on four different levels: the digestive system, lymphatic system, cardiovascular system, and immune system.
Every ingredient contributes its own unique benefits. The vegetables help detoxify and cleanse the intestines thanks to their fiber content. Cabbage enhances metabolism, allowing for fat burning without the need to starve, due to its high levels of vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, iron, iodine, and zinc. Potassium aids in purifying and bolstering the immune system. Garlic is effective in eliminating bacteria and reducing both blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Adding meats is optional. I suggest Hamburger meat, Kielpasa Polish sausage, smoked ham or smoked pork chops.
Ingredients: Cabbage, onion hamburger meat, garlic, tomato paste. Leave out the meat for more health benefits 
Ingredients, sliced cabbage carrots 
Preparation for cabbage soup 
Add broth. Cook cabbage soup for 30 minutes 
German Cabbage Soup can be cooked in the Instant Pot 
German Cabbage soup
Selenium found in cabbage enhances feelings of happiness and boosts your mood by producing a neurotransmitter that elevates your spirits. Tryptophan plays a role in the production of serotonin, often referred to as the “happiness hormone.” Folic acid and B vitamins serve as natural stress relievers and nourish the brain, helping to soothe anxiety and combat insomnia. Additionally, vitamin A safeguards the skin while promoting libido and cognitive function.
You could do a 7-day cabbage soup diet. Don’t worry, other foods are also allowed
Optional: For a delightful Asian sweet and sour soup you can enhance the dish by adding at the end 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar and 2 tbsp. honey for a sweet tang, Also you can opt for sweet chili sauce to introduce a flavorful kick.
Cabbage Soup for Detox
Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage
- 1 onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt and pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- Caraway seeds (optional)
- 4 cups of Beef broth (or beef cube)
- ½ cup white wine (optional)
- 1 lb Hamburger meat (optional Kielpasa Polish sausage, smoked ham, ham hocks or smoked pork chops)
For a delightful Asian sweet and sour soup, you can enhance the dish by adding at the end 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar and 2 tbsp. honey for a sweet tang, or opt for sweet chili sauce to introduce a flavorful kick.
Instructions
- If making with hamburger meat, fry it vigorously until crumbly in a large pot.
- Dice the onion.
- Slice the carrots.
- Press the garlic.
- Add the carrots, minced onion and garlic to the minced meat, continue frying for 2 minutes.
- Cut the cabbage into large cubes and add to the pot.
- Continue frying until cabbage is lightly browned.
- Add about 3 tablespoons of tomato paste.
- Pour in about 4 cups of broth (or beef cube with water).
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Close the lid and simmer on a low heat for approx. 30 to 45 minutes.
- Optional: For a delightful Asian sweet and sour soup you can enhance the dish by adding at the end 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar and 2 tbsp. honey for a sweet tang, Also you can opt for sweet chili sauce to introduce a flavorful kick.
Notes
Can be made in the Instant pot, just set for 10 minutes, natural release 5 minutes.
