Sweet And Sour Cabbage Soup
Sweet and sour cabbage soup offers a vibrant blend of tangy balsamic vinegar, sweetness from brown sugar, and tender red cabbage, resulting in a hearty, comforting dish with bold flavors. Perfect for those seeking a nutritious, colorful meal with a touch of zest and freshness.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1/4 c. balsamic vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 6 c. finely sliced red cabbage ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped and drained plum tomatoes ⓘ
- 6 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- salt and freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. finely chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- sour cream ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large heavy pot, heat olive oil over moderate heat and cook the onions until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar and the brown sugar; bring to a simmer.
- Add the finely sliced red cabbage and stir to combine.
- Add the chopped and drained plum tomatoes and chicken broth, then bring to a simmer.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Simmer the soup, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes until the cabbage is very tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and/or pepper.
- Stir in chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and finely chopped fresh chives as accompaniments.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth and omit the chicken broth. You can also use green cabbage if red is unavailable, though the color will differ. Adjust the sweetness and acidity to your taste by varying the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar amounts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet And Sour Cabbage Soup hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkled with fresh chives for an extra flavor boost. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Chicken Kebobs or a light Mediterranean salad to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or additional broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Cabbage Soup contains roughly 337 calories, with 15g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (95% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and iron (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2003mg per serving (87% 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?
Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. It will taste even better the next day!
What can I substitute for balsamic vinegar?
If you don't have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar mixed with a bit of honey for sweetness. Apple cider vinegar is another alternative, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or even potatoes for more texture and nutrients. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is tender.
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).