Napa cabbage soup: A lighter twist on a winter classic
This year, the usual winter warming soups aren't entirely cutting it. Simply put, with the sun shining outside and everyone already forgetting about the frost, we're not in the mood for them. That's why I've made a lighter soup with napa cabbage instead of a classic cabbage soup.
It's hard to say that napa cabbage is an unpopular vegetable. We use it often, but primarily for coleslaw. Those who enjoy Asian flavors also use it for kimchi, as it's the base of this healthy dish. Yet, we often forget that napa cabbage also works well in warm dishes.
Napa cabbage tastes great warm
Regarding warm dishes, napa cabbage often remains in the shadow of its cousin, the immensely popular white cabbage. This is unjust because whether stewed, roasted, or boiled, napa cabbage is delicious and suits many dishes. It's excellent for stuffed cabbage rolls, stews, one-pot meals, and soups. This cabbage is packed with vitamins like C, K, and B-group, which support the immune system. It's worth having in your diet, both slaws and warm dishes. You can never have too many vegetables, especially at this time of year.
Classic cabbage soup: What makes it stand out
Classic cabbage soup is made with sauerkraut, but you can also prepare it with fresh cabbage. The broth should have a strong, meaty character, which is why raw and smoked ribs and bacon are recommended. Since this soup can cause bloating, it uses plenty of spices, such as caraway seeds, bay leaves, or marjoram. This makes it very aromatic and filling, giving it its unique flavor.
The soup will be lighter
Does the soup with napa cabbage pale in comparison to classic cabbage soup? Let's not kid ourselves; the competition is stiff, and comparisons are inevitable. But this soup is primarily lighter and doesn't lead to digestive issues. Napa cabbage is one of the few cabbages that shouldn't cause bloating. It contains mustard oil and amino acids that facilitate digestion and prevent excessive gas production. I prepare the soup broth with chicken, which makes it much less fatty. Plenty of vegetables contribute to its very pleasant taste.
Soup with napa cabbage
Ingredients:
- 1 napa cabbage
- 1 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 3 potatoes
- 2 carrots
- 3 tablespoons canned white beans
- 2 quarts chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tomato paste to taste
- Oregano to taste
- Dill or parsley for serving
Preparation Method:
- Prepare the vegetables: finely chop the cabbage, dice the potatoes, and slice the carrots and onion.
- In a pot, melt butter and sauté the onion and carrots. Add the potatoes and lightly douse with broth.
- Pour in the rest of the broth and cook the soup until the potatoes are soft.
- Add the cabbage and canned beans.
- Season the soup with spices and tomato paste. Boil it and simmer it for another 15 minutes on low heat.
- Serve with greens.
