Description
This hearty cabbage and lentil soup is a warm embrace in a bowl, brimming with tender cabbage, protein-rich lentils, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s the kind of meal that nourishes the soul and satisfies the stomach, perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting lunch. A truly wholesome and delicious soup that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy, this cabbage and lentil creation will become a fast favorite for its simple goodness and deep, satisfying flavor.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, small dice
2 medium carrots, diced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, minced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
¾ cup French OR brown lentils, rinsed
4 cups finely chopped green cabbage (about ½ small savoy/green cabbage)
1 15- oz can chickpeas, drained & rinsed (or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas)
1 28- oz can crushed tomatoes (I prefer fire-roasted)
6 cups vegetable stock
2 cups chopped kale, lightly packed
2 teaspoons gluten-free tamari soy sauce
3–4 drops liquid smoke (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add oil, then add onions and carrots. Saut for about 5 minutes until onions are soft, lowering heat if needed to prevent browning.
2. Stir in paprika, thyme, and garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring, until the raw flavor is gone. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add lentils, cabbage, and chickpeas to the pot. Stir to coat them in the spices and oil. Season again with salt and pepper. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable stock, then stir.
4. Cover the pot and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, remove the lid, and cook uncovered for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.
5. Stir in the kale and bring the soup back to a boil. Cook until the kale is bright green and tender, about 1 minute. Stir in the tamari and liquid smoke (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
Don’t Rush the Sauté: Taking the time to soften the initial vegetables allows their natural sweetness to develop, forming a more complex flavor base for the soup.
Stirring is Key: Give your soup a good stir now and then as it simmers to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. This step is crucial for bringing out the best in all the ingredients.
Cabbage Softness: If you prefer a very soft cabbage, you can add it a bit earlier in the simmering process, but be mindful that it could become overly tender if cooked for too long.
- Prep Time: Approximately 15 minutes
- Cook Time: Approximately 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Calories: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Protein: N/A