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Winter’s chill is here, and nothing warms the soul like homemade soup. This Chicken and Cabbage Soup recipe is a true winter comfort. It’s filled with juicy chicken, savory potatoes, and lots of veggies, making it the perfect winter treat.
My grandmother spent hours making her famous chicken and cabbage soup. The smell of the broth and the sight of tender chicken and colorful veggies would make me feel warm inside. It was more than just food; it was a way to nourish both body and soul.
Key Takeaways
- Chicken thighs provide more flavor and tenderness compared to chicken breasts
- The recipe takes only 30 minutes to prepare a full, hearty meal
- The soup can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months
- Key ingredients include chicken stock, baby yellow potatoes, green cabbage, fresh ginger, and garlic
- High-quality extra virgin olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper enhance the overall flavor
Introduction to This Hearty Winter Comfort Food
Get ready to cozy up with a steaming bowl of delicious poultry broth-based vegetable soup. It’s the ultimate savory soup for chilly winter days. Chicken and cabbage soup has deep roots in various culinary traditions, including Filipino influences. It’s a flavorful and nourishing dish.
Understanding the Origins of Chicken Cabbage Soup
The combination of tender chicken, fragrant ginger, and tangy vinegar in this soup is a testament to its diverse cultural heritage. The hearty blend of ingredients not only satisfies the appetite but also nourishes the body. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and lean protein.
Health Benefits of This Savory Combination
- The vegetables, such as cabbage, carrots, and celery, provide a robust array of essential nutrients.
- Chicken is a lean source of protein, making this soup a well-balanced meal.
- The warming spices and herbs lend their own unique health benefits, contributing to the overall nutritional profile.
Whether you’re seeking a comforting meal on a chilly day or a wholesome dish to nourish your body, this chicken and cabbage soup is a true winter comfort food classic.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken and Cabbage Soup
Making a tasty chicken and cabbage soup starts with the right ingredients. This dish is a winter comfort food that needs a few key elements for flavor and nutrition. Let’s explore the essential ingredients for this savory soup.
The heart of the dish is boneless, skinless chicken thighs. These cuts of meat add a rich, velvety texture to the broth. You’ll also need a lot of chicken broth or stock to make the soup’s base.
Vegetables are crucial in this recipe. You’ll need baby yellow potatoes, green cabbage, fresh ginger, garlic cloves, celery, and carrots. These ingredients add flavor and important vitamins and minerals.
To bring it all together, use olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, and rosemary. These seasonings add warmth and earthiness to the soup.
For a fresh touch, add fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill. These optional herbs can make your chicken and cabbage soup even more flavorful.
With these ingredients ready, you’re set to make a comforting, nutritious, and tasty chicken and cabbage soup. It’s perfect for a cozy winter meal.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make a tasty chicken and cabbage soup, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. A large stock pot or Dutch oven is key for simmering the broth. You’ll also need a sharp kitchen knife for chopping veggies.
Essential Cookware
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
Helpful Utensils and Accessories
- Kitchen knife for dicing vegetables
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Two forks for shredding cooked chicken
- Vegetable peeler for prepping ginger and other produce
- Measuring spoons and cups for precise ingredient portioning
With these tools, you’re ready to make a delicious chicken and cabbage soup. You’ll get a perfect result every time.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large stock pot or Dutch oven | For simmering the broth and cooking the soup |
| Cutting board | For safely chopping and prepping the vegetables |
| Kitchen knife | For dicing the chicken, cabbage, carrots, and other ingredients |
| Wooden spoon | For stirring the soup during the cooking process |
| Two forks | For shredding the cooked chicken |
| Vegetable peeler | For prepping ginger and other produce |
| Measuring spoons and cups | For accurately portioning the ingredients |
Preparing Your Vegetables and Chicken
To start, let’s get ready the key ingredients for your tasty Chicken and Cabbage Soup. First, peel and chop the ginger and garlic finely. Then, slice the carrots and celery into thin, even pieces. For the potatoes, just quarter them so they cook evenly.
For the cabbage, cut it into large, bite-sized pieces. This keeps the cabbage’s texture and flavor good throughout cooking. As for the chicken, you can leave it whole for now. It will be shredded later in the recipe.
| Ingredient | Preparation |
|---|---|
| Ginger | Peeled and finely chopped |
| Garlic | Peeled and finely chopped |
| Carrots | Sliced |
| Celery | Sliced |
| Potatoes | Quartered |
| Cabbage | Cut into large, bite-sized pieces |
| Chicken | Left whole for cooking, to be shredded later |
By chopping the vegetables, peeling the ginger, and quartering the potatoes, you make sure your Chicken and Cabbage Soup tastes great. Now, let’s move on to cooking!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by sautéing the vegetables for your chicken and cabbage soup. In a big pot, heat 2 Tbsp. of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add diced carrots, celery, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for about 8 minutes until they’re soft and smell great.
Preparing the Base
Then, add cubed potatoes, shredded cabbage, 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, and 1 tsp. of fresh thyme leaves. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 6 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.
Adding Ingredients in Proper Order
While the base simmers, cook the chicken in the broth. Once it’s cooked, remove it and shred it with two forks. Put the shredded chicken back in the pot, so the flavors mix well.
Final Cooking Steps
Finally, add a splash of vinegar, like apple cider or white wine vinegar. This adds a bit of acidity and boosts the flavor. Simmer for 5-10 more minutes, until everything is well combined and the flavors are rich.
Your delicious chicken and cabbage soup is now ready! Enjoy this hearty, comforting dish, perfect for the cold winter months.
Tips for Enhanced Flavor and Richness
Make your chicken and cabbage soup even better with a few simple tricks. Start by adding garlic, ginger, carrots, and celery to create a strong base. These aromatics will make your broth rich and flavorful.
Adding a bit of vinegar towards the end is a great idea. It balances the soup’s richness and adds brightness. Use apple cider or red wine vinegar for the best taste.
Choose chicken thighs for a creamier soup. The dark meat of thighs adds more flavor and a silky texture. Make sure to cook them until they’re tender and fully cooked.
Just before serving, add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano. These herbs bring a burst of freshness and flavor, making your soup even better.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic | 3-4 cloves, minced | Adds depth and complexity to the aromatic base |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece, grated | Contributes a warm, slightly spicy note to the soup |
| Carrots | 2-3 medium, diced | Provides sweetness and natural sugars to balance the flavors |
| Celery | 2-3 stalks, diced | Adds a subtle earthiness and crunch to the soup |
| Vinegar | 1-2 tablespoons | Enhances the overall flavor and balances the richness |
| Chicken Thighs | 6-8 pieces | Provides a richer, more velvety texture to the soup |
| Fresh Herbs | 1/4 cup, chopped | Adds a burst of fresh, aromatic flavors just before serving |
Customization Options and Variations
This tasty soup of chicken and cabbage can be used in a variety of ways. It can be altered to suit your dietary requirements or preferences. The basic recipe is comforting and flavorful.
Vegetable Additions
You can make your soup even healthier by adding kale, broccoli, or white beans. Kale adds a crisp texture and broccoli brings an earthy taste. White beans make the soup creamy and add protein. Try different vegetables to make it your own.
Seasoning Alternatives
Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to your soup to make it hotter. You can also experiment with different vinegars, such as white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Brightness is added with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Using a rotisserie chicken saves time. You can also swap potatoes for rice for a different feel.
| Ingredient | Customization Options |
|---|---|
| Vegetables |
|
| Seasonings |
|
| Protein |
|
| Starches |
|
With these options, you can make the chicken and cabbage soup your own.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Making a tasty chicken and cabbage soup is just the start. Storing and reheating it right is key to keeping it fresh and tasty. Here are some easy tips to keep your soup delicious for longer.
To store in the fridge, cool the soup and put it in a sealed container. It will last 3 to 4 days. To reheat, boil it on the stovetop for at least a minute. This kills off any bad bacteria.
Freezing is great for keeping it longer. Cool the soup, then put it in freezer-safe containers. Your soup can stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. But, soups with cream or veggies might change texture when thawed.
When you thaw frozen soup, only reheat what you’ll eat. This stops bacteria from growing. Boil it, then simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until hot.
By using these freezing soup and reheating instructions, you can enjoy your homemade soup for weeks.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Enjoying a hearty bowl of chicken and cabbage soup is even better with the right sides. Here are some serving suggestions and pairings to enhance your meal.
Bread and Side Dishes
Pair your chicken and cabbage soup with a crusty bread. Try a freshly baked baguette or homemade crackers. They soak up the flavorful broth perfectly.
For a grilled cheese sandwich, use crusty bread and melted cheese. It’s a delightful contrast to the soup.
Adding a simple salad can also elevate your meal. Choose a lemon herb or jalapeño honey lime vinaigrette. The fresh greens and vibrant dressing offer a refreshing contrast to the soup’s warmth and richness.
Beverage Recommendations
For a refreshing drink, try cucumber lemon ginger water or cucumber lemon mint water. These infused waters balance the savory soup and cleanse your palate.
| Bread and Side Dishes | Prep Time |
|---|---|
| Whole Grain Bread | 3 hrs |
| Beet Salad | 30 min |
| Baked Sweet Potato Fries | 25 min |
| Garlic Roasted Cauliflower | 30 min |
| Avocado Toast | 10 min |
| Lemon Dill Quinoa | 20 min |
| Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms | 35 min |
| Carrot and Raisin Salad | 15 min |
| Chickpea Patties | 30 min |
| Tomato Basil Bruschetta | 15 min |
| Sautéed Swiss Chard | 15 min |
| Roasted Red Peppers | 30 min |
| Butternut Squash Mash | 25 min |
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
This low-carb option and keto-friendly soup is full of good stuff. It has protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These ingredients make a balanced mix.
Each 2-cup serving has 182 calories, just 91 per cup. It’s great for those watching calories. This can help you feel full and manage your weight.
The soup has lots of vitamins and minerals from cabbage, carrots, and peas. A 2-cup serving gives you almost all the Vitamin A and Vitamin C you need. It’s also rich in folate, calcium, iron, and magnesium.
If you’re on a low-carb or keto diet, you can make it even better. Just leave out the peas and carrots. Add low-carb veggies like broccoli or asparagus instead. This makes it even more keto-friendly.
The chicken in this soup is high in protein. This helps you feel full and keeps your muscles strong. It’s a tasty and healthy meal choice.
| Nutritional Information (per 2-cup serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 182 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g |
| Total Sugars | 11g |
| Sodium | 451mg |
Time-Saving Tips and Meal Prep Strategies
Preparing a big batch of this tasty chicken and cabbage soup is a big help for meal planning. It saves you a lot of time. By batch cooking, you can have meals ready for almost a week. This makes your weekdays much easier.
Using rotisserie chicken is another great way to save time. It’s already cooked, so you don’t have to spend time cooking it. You can also chop your veggies ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers for quick use when it’s time to cook.
Using frozen veggies is also a smart move. They’re just as good as fresh and save you a lot of time. You can even start making the soup ahead of time. Just finish it off before you serve it for a quick, homemade meal.
- Prepare a large batch for meal prep, providing lunches or dinners for nearly a week
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking
- Prep vegetables in advance for quicker assembly
- Consider using frozen vegetables for convenience
- Partially prepare the soup ahead of time and finish just before serving
With these tips, you can enjoy the warm taste of chicken and cabbage soup without much effort. Even on your busiest days, you can still have a delicious meal ready.
Conclusion
This chicken and cabbage soup is perfect for cold days or when you want comfort food. It’s easy to make and great for meal prep. It’s also loved by many, making it perfect for family dinners or batch cooking.
The soup has tender chicken, crunchy cabbage, and a tasty broth. It’s a nourishing dish you can enjoy all year. You can add different veggies and change the seasonings to make it your own. It’s a versatile soup recipe that’s great for family-friendly meals.
If you’re looking for a warm meal or something comforting and healthy, this soup is ideal. It’s easy to follow and you can customize it to your liking. Enjoy this delicious dish with your loved ones.