Portuguese Cabbage Soup
A hearty Portuguese cabbage soup packed with ground beef, beans, and fresh vegetables, offering comforting flavors perfect for a nourishing meal on any day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, brown the ground beef with garlic, pepper, and chopped celery.
- Add the remaining ingredients except parsley; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 1 hour.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes or carrots for extra texture. If you're short on time, ground turkey can be a leaner substitute for the beef. Fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves can enhance the flavor profile. Don't hesitate to experiment with spices to suit your taste, and remember to adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Portuguese Cabbage Soup with crusty bread for a satisfying meal. A side salad or some roasted vegetables pairs well, enhancing the overall nutrition. This soup also pairs beautifully with Beef Stroganoff (Thrifty Version) for a comforting dinner that showcases different flavors.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water if the soup has thickened, and heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Portuguese Cabbage Soup contains roughly 1185 calories, with 50g protein, 194g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (206% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 909mg per serving (40% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or omitting it entirely. Use vegetable broth instead of water and bouillon cubes for added flavor. You can also increase the quantity of beans and vegetables for a hearty texture.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when browning the beef. You can also serve the soup with hot sauce on the side, allowing each person to adjust the heat to their preference.
Can I use frozen cabbage in this recipe?
Yes, frozen cabbage can be used in place of fresh cabbage, although it may have a slightly different texture. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the soup to maintain the intended consistency.
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).