Craving a comforting and nutritious meal that warms the soul? Look no further than this vegetarian cabbage roll soup. Packed with vibrant vegetables and hearty flavors, it’s a delicious twist on a classic dish. Perfect for a cozy night in, this soup is sure to become a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Steps
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and carrot, and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Incorporate the remaining olive oil, chopped cabbage, and minced garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper, and continue cooking for 6-8 minutes until the cabbage softens and begins to brown.
- Pour in vegetable broth, lentils, and both crushed and diced tomatoes with their juices. Add smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and a bay leaf, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bay leaf from the pot and mix in fresh lemon juice until well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, smoked paprika, or lemon juice to taste.
- Serve the soup warm, accompanied by a generous scoop of cooked rice. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream, or extra lemon wedges for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 4 to 5 cups green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup black or French lentils, rinsed and sorted
- 1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 bay leaf
- Juice of 1 lemon (approximately 2 tablespoons)
- 4 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- Toppings: chopped fresh dill, sour cream, and/or additional lemon wedges
FAQ
- What makes this cabbage roll soup vegetarian?
- This soup is vegetarian because it uses protein-rich lentils instead of meat and is made with vegetable broth. It is also naturally vegan, provided any added toppings like sour cream are plant-based.
- Can I use a different type of cabbage for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute regular green cabbage with Savoy or Napa cabbage for a different texture and flavor.
- What are some ways to customize the seasoning of this soup?
- You can experiment with various herbs and spices to suit your taste. Consider adding Italian, Greek, or Mexican seasonings. You could also add a splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce for extra umami.
- Can I make this soup creamy?
- Absolutely! To make the soup creamy, simply add a splash of heavy cream to taste.
- What grains or pasta can I use in place of rice?
- You can substitute rice with cooked orzo, farro, quinoa, or any other grain or pasta that you prefer.
- How can I add extra vegetables to this soup?
- Feel free to include additional vegetables like chopped celery, mushrooms, potatoes, or red bell pepper during the sautéing step for a heartier soup.
Tips
- Enhance Umami Flavor: To add a depth of umami flavor to your soup, consider incorporating a splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce, or even some soaked and chopped dried mushrooms.
- Experiment with Different Grains: Instead of rice, try using cooked orzo, farro, or quinoa for a unique texture and flavor in your soup.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Boost the nutritional content by including additional vegetables such as chopped celery, mushrooms, potatoes, or red bell peppers.
- Brighten with Lemon: Don’t forget to finish your soup with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. It enhances the flavors and adds a refreshing brightness to the dish.
