Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Cabbage roll soup is a hearty and comforting dish that captures the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in an easy-to-make soup format. Here’s a simple recipe along with the health benefits of its key ingredients:

Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Sour cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the ground beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the cabbage starts to wilt.
4. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, tomato paste, and paprika to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
6. Stir in the cooked rice and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the cabbage roll soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Health Benefits:

Cabbage:

1. Rich in Nutrients: Cabbage is low in calories but high in essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber.
2. Antioxidant Properties: Cabbage contains antioxidants like vitamin C and polyphenols, which help protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation in the body.
3. Supports Digestive Health: The fiber in cabbage promotes healthy digestion and can help prevent constipation.
4. May Lower Cholesterol: Some studies suggest that compounds in cabbage may help lower LDL cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
5. Potential Cancer-Fighting Properties: Certain compounds found in cabbage, such as sulforaphane, have been studied for their potential anti-cancer effects.

Tomatoes:

1. High in Vitamins and Minerals: Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and folate.
2. Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes contain antioxidants like lycopene, which has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
3. Promotes Skin Health: The vitamin C in tomatoes helps promote collagen production, which is important for maintaining healthy skin.
4. Supports Eye Health: Tomatoes are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that help protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration.
5. May Aid Weight Loss: Tomatoes are low in calories and high in water content, making them a great addition to weight loss diets.

By enjoying cabbage roll soup regularly, you can not only savor its delicious flavor but also reap the numerous health benefits of its nutritious ingredients.