Cabbage Soup(Eastern Europe)
A hearty Eastern European cabbage soup with tender shredded cabbage, tangy tomatoes, sweet apples, and a hint of lemon, perfect for comforting meals and cold days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except lemon juice, sugar, and butter in a large soup pot filled with water and cook for 1 hour.
- Add lemon juice, sugar, and butter to the soup.
- Continue cooking for another 30 minutes, adjusting salt, sugar, and lemon juice to taste.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the onions and garlic in butter before adding them to the pot. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the butter or use a plant-based alternative. Substitute different varieties of apples, like Granny Smith for a tart twist. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the apples used.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Buttered Belgian Endives for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside crusty bread or a side of Mamaliga (A Traditional Romanian Dish Everyone Will Love) to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cabbage soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, to ensure even heating. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabbage Soup(Eastern Europe) contains roughly 752 calories, with 11g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 887mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cabbage soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
What can I add for extra protein?
You can add cooked beans, lentils, or even diced chicken to the soup to boost its protein content. If using beans or lentils, add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to heat through. This will create a more filling dish while maintaining the soup's flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply omit the butter and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also enhance the flavor by adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. The soup will still be delicious and comforting without any animal products.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).