Sweet-N-Sour Cabbage Soup
Sweet-N-Sour Cabbage Soup offers a hearty blend of vegetables, tangy vinegar, and sweet raisins, perfect for comforting, flavorful meals suited for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 cups beef stock ⓘ
- 2 carrots peeled and sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup seedless raisins ⓘ
- 1/3 cup white vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced parsley ⓘ
- 1 turnip or parsnip peeled and sliced ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can diced tomatoes with juice ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped leeks (white part) ⓘ
- 1 cup diced beets ⓘ
- 1 medium potato peeled and diced ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. tomato paste ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large soup kettle.
- Place over high heat and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour or until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Remove bay leaves after the first 30 minutes of cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce. If you're out of beef stock, vegetable stock works well, but the flavor profile will change slightly. You can also substitute the beets with sweet potatoes for a different sweetness. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can enhance the taste, so feel free to experiment.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sweet-N-Sour Cabbage Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with Hamburger Rolls With Tomatoes for a hearty meal. Consider a side salad or crusty bread to complement the soup. For a complete dinner, follow it with a light dessert, such as fruit salad, to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock if it thickens too much. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through. This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet-N-Sour Cabbage Soup contains roughly 472 calories, with 18g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (145% of the Daily Value), iron (125% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (86% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1973mg per serving (86% 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 beef stock with vegetable stock. Additionally, replace any meat-based ingredients with plant-based options, and you can maintain the delicious balance of sweet and sour flavors.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat to the Sweet-N-Sour Cabbage Soup, consider including diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes while cooking. Alternatively, serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer to spice it up individually.
What vegetables can I add to this soup?
Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans can be great additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is tender and well-integrated with the other flavors.
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).