Negative Calorie Soup
Negative Calorie Soup is a light, nutrient-rich dish featuring cabbage, tomatoes, onions, celery, and green beans. Its low-calorie nature makes it ideal for detox or weight loss. The fresh flavors and simple ingredients make it suitable for health-conscious individuals seeking a filling yet light meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the cabbage into small pieces.
- Drain the French-cut green beans.
- Bring water to a boil in a large pot.
- Add bouillon cubes to the boiling water.
- Add cabbage, chopped onions, chopped celery, green beans, and tomatoes to the pot.
- Cook until the cabbage is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onions and celery in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the pot. If you want a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute the cabbage with kale or spinach for different textures. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can enhance the taste, making it a delightful variation. This soup is nutritious and fits well with many American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper. It makes a great starter or a light meal on its own. Consider pairing it with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It could also complement dishes like Hamburger Monterey or any of your favorite beef recipes, offering a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This soup can also be frozen for up to three months; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Negative Calorie Soup contains roughly 893 calories, with 16g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (98% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1101mg per serving (48% 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 add more vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! This soup is very versatile. Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just chop them into small pieces and add them to the pot along with the other ingredients. This will increase the nutritional value and add more flavors.
Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegan. Simply replace the beef or chicken bouillon cubes with vegetable bouillon, and ensure that the canned tomatoes and green beans do not contain any animal products. This will keep the soup flavorful while adhering to a vegan diet.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too watery?
If you find the soup too watery, you can thicken it by mashing some of the vegetables with a fork or an immersion blender. Alternatively, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to the soup and stir until it thickens. This will give the soup a heartier texture.
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).