Lo-Cal Soup
A light, flavorful low-calorie soup featuring tomato, cabbage, carrots, and celery, perfect for health-conscious eaters seeking a hearty, satisfying vegetarian-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine tomato juice, beef bouillon cubes, water, chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and chopped onion in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer all together for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onions and celery before adding them to the pot. You can also substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or use chicken bouillon for a different taste. If you prefer a heartier soup, add beans or lentils, or include diced potatoes for extra texture. For a spicy kick, try adding some red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This Lo-Cal Soup is perfect as a light meal or starter. Serve it with crusty whole-grain bread or a side salad, like a Spinach And Bacon Salad, for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with a slice of your favorite quiche or a savory Ground Beef Pie for a filling dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply transfer to a pot and warm over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave portions in a bowl, covering with a microwave-safe lid to prevent splatter.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lo-Cal Soup contains roughly 635 calories, with 12g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (236% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1075mg per serving (47% 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 freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm on the stove or in the microwave.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this Lo-Cal Soup vegetarian, simply replace the beef bouillon with vegetable bouillon. Additionally, you can enhance the flavor by adding herbs like thyme or basil, and consider including more vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini.
What can I add for extra protein?
For extra protein, consider adding cooked beans, such as kidney or black beans, or even lentils, which complement the soup well. You could also stir in some shredded chicken or cooked ground beef if you're looking for a meatier option.
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).