This Cabbage Fat-Burning Soup is a healthy, low-calorie, and filling dish that’s perfect for weight loss or detoxing. Packed with vegetables and full of nutrients, this soup is not only delicious but also helps boost metabolism and promotes fat burning. It’s easy to make, and it’s a great option for meal prepping as it keeps well in the fridge for several days.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3-4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 zucchini, chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for anti-inflammatory properties)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro), chopped for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and chop all the vegetables. You can cut the cabbage into strips or chunks, depending on your preference. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, bell pepper, and zucchini into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté the Aromatics (Optional):
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat (this step is optional, but it adds extra flavor).
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and soft.
3. Add the Vegetables and Broth:
- Add the chopped cabbage, carrots, celery, bell pepper, and zucchini to the pot. Stir everything together.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, and water. Stir to combine.
4. Season the Soup:
- Add the ground cumin, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to distribute the seasonings throughout the soup. If you like your soup spicier, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
5. Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
6. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
7. Serve:
- Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the soup.
- Add Protein: For a more filling soup, you can add lean protein such as grilled chicken, turkey, or tofu.
- Meal Prep: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it later.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in additional vegetables such as spinach, kale, or green beans to make the soup even more nutrient-dense.
This Cabbage Fat-Burning Soup is perfect for weight loss or a healthy detox, offering a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal calories. It’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy it as a snack, light lunch, or dinner!