Weight Loss Cabbage Soup Recipe: A Delicious Crock-Pot Approach

Cabbage soup is a versatile and comforting dish that can be enjoyed year-round. This easy-to-make crockpot version is not only healthy and flavorful but also incredibly customizable. Whether you're aiming to incorporate more vegetables into your diet or seeking a low-calorie meal option, this recipe is a fantastic choice. This article explores a variety of approaches for preparing weight loss cabbage soup in a crock-pot, with different ingredient options and preparation methods, while keeping the calorie count low and the flavor high.

Why Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss?

Cabbage soup has gained popularity as a weight loss aid due to its low calorie content and high nutritional value. Often referred to as "cabbage fat burning soup," "wonder soup," "weight loss soup," or "miracle soup," this dish is primarily composed of vegetables and broth, making it a satisfying and healthy option.

Each cup of this soup contains approximately 71 calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their calorie intake. The soup is also packed with essential nutrients from the various vegetables included, ensuring that you receive a good dose of vitamins and minerals.

Benefits of Using a Crock-Pot

Crock-pots, also known as slow cookers, offer several advantages when preparing cabbage soup:

• Convenience: With minimal prep time required (around 10 minutes), crock-pot meals are perfect for busy individuals. Simply add the ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do the rest.
• Flavor Enhancement: The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a richer and more complex taste.
• Nutrient Retention: Crock-pots help retain the nutrients in the vegetables, ensuring that you receive the maximum health benefits from your meal.
• Customization: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding or substituting ingredients based on your preferences and dietary needs.

Core Ingredients

The foundation of any great cabbage soup lies in its core ingredients. These provide the essential flavors and textures that make the soup both satisfying and nutritious.

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• Cabbage: The star ingredient, cabbage, adds bulk and fiber to the soup. Green cabbage is a popular choice due to its sturdy texture, but red, savoy, or napa cabbage can also be used. To prepare the cabbage, cut the head in half, then quarter it. Remove the core from each quarter and chop the remaining cabbage into 1-inch pieces.
• Broth: Low-sodium vegetable broth is a key component, providing a flavorful base while keeping the sodium content in check. Chicken broth can also be used for a richer flavor.
• Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes or freshly chopped tomatoes adds acidity and sweetness to the soup. Be sure to include the juices from canned tomatoes for added flavor.
• Aromatics: Onion and garlic are essential for building the soup's flavor profile. Sautéing these aromatics in olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their taste.
• Carrot and Celery: These vegetables contribute to the soup's overall texture and nutritional value.

Variations and Add-Ins

One of the best things about cabbage soup is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique version.

• Protein: For added protein, consider adding vegetarian options like kidney beans or tofu. If you prefer meat, sautéed cabbage and bacon make a fantastic flavor combination. Chicken or beef can also be added.
• Vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, green beans, peas, corn, zucchini, bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), butternut squash, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, mushrooms, and kale are all excellent additions.
• Starches: Noodles, rice, quinoa, or potatoes can be added for more volume and substance. If using pasta, add it to the instant pot before sealing and cook for a longer time, or simmer it on the stove in your soup for about 10 minutes.
• Spices and Seasonings: Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor. Oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes are all great options. Bay leaf adds depth to the soup.

Crock-Pot Cabbage Soup Recipe

Here’s a basic crock-pot cabbage soup recipe to get you started.

Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced carrot
• 4 cups chopped green cabbage (approximately ¼ of a large head)
• 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley and basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Transfer to Crock-Pot: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the vegetable broth, cabbage, carrots, celery, tomatoes, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
4. Stir: Stir the ingredients well, ensuring even distribution.
5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Garnish: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley and basil, if desired.

Instant Pot Variation

For a quicker cooking time, you can also make cabbage soup in an Instant Pot.

Instructions:

1. Sauté: Set the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the cabbage, green pepper, zucchini, tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, spices, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Pressure Cook: Put the lid on the Instant Pot, close the steam vent, and set to HIGH pressure using the manual setting. Decrease the time to 4 minutes.
4. Release Pressure: Once the time has expired, wait for 5 minutes, then carefully use the quick release valve to release the steam.
5. Season: Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve.

Stovetop Instructions

If you prefer to make cabbage soup on the stovetop, follow these instructions:

1. Sauté: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the cabbage, green pepper, zucchini, tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, spices, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season: Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve.

Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup

• Sauté Aromatics: Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker or pot will release their flavors and enhance the overall taste of the soup.
• Use Low Sodium Broth: Opt for low sodium broth to control the salt content of the soup.
• Adjust Spices and Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
• Don’t Drain Canned Tomatoes: Add the juices from canned tomatoes to the soup for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Thicken the Soup: Just before serving, you can remove the lid of the crockpot to allow the soup to thicken up a bit.

Serving Suggestions

Cabbage soup can be enjoyed as a meal or a side dish. Here are some serving suggestions:

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• Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
• Sandwiches: Pair with a sandwich for a complete meal.
• Salad: Serve alongside a crisp salad for a light and refreshing combination. Consider a Salmon Salad or Broccoli Salad with Bacon for added protein.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Incorporating Cabbage Soup into Your Diet

For weight loss, consider incorporating cabbage soup into your diet in the following ways:

• Lunch and Dinner: Enjoy a cup of cabbage soup for lunch and dinner.
• Snack: Have a cup of cabbage soup as an afternoon snack.
• Lean Protein: Pair the soup with a side of lean protein, such as grilled chicken or fish, for a balanced meal.
• Cabbage Soup Diet: Follow the original cabbage soup diet, which allows you to eat unlimited cabbage soup in addition to specific foods on certain days of the week. Be sure to drink plenty of water (8-10 glasses) while following this plan.

Health Benefits

Besides being a great weight-loss option, cabbage soup is incredibly healthy due to its high vegetable content. Eating clean foods provides a wealth of vitamins and minerals that are essential for overall well-being. Vegetables like cabbage, carrots, celery, and tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and essential nutrients that support various bodily functions. The soup is also low in fat and calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Additional Tips

• Prep Time: To save time, chop all the vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• Flavor Boost: Add a bay leaf to the soup while cooking for a deeper, more complex flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.
• Creamy Texture: If you prefer a creamier soup, you can blend a portion of it before serving using an immersion blender or regular blender.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the soup.

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