Hearty Cabbage Soup

Hearty Cabbage Soup
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups green cabbage, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 potatoes, diced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
6 cups beef or vegetable broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Add-Ins
1 lb ground beef or sausage
1 cup white beans
Red pepper flakes for heat
Corn or green beans
Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables
   Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
   Add onion, carrots, and celery.
   Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
   Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Add the Main Ingredients
   Add:
   cabbage
   potatoes
   diced tomatoes
   broth
   Italian seasoning
   paprika
   bay leaf
   Stir well.
3. Simmer
   Bring soup to a boil.
   Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
4. Finish the Soup
   Remove bay leaf.
   Taste and season with salt and pepper.
   Stir in parsley before serving.
   Serving Suggestions
   Serve hot with:
   Crusty bread
   Cornbread
   Grilled cheese sandwiches
   Crackers
   Tips for Success
   Let the soup sit for 10 minutes before serving for deeper flavor.
   Add cooked beef or sausage for a heartier meal.
   For a low-carb version, skip the potatoes.