Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss is a delicious and nourishing recipe that supports your health goals. This low-calorie, vegan, and gluten-free soup is perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you need a light meal, a filling appetizer, or are following the 7-day cabbage soup diet plan, this recipe is both satisfying and flavorful. Packed with vegetables, this dish allows you to enjoy a hearty soup without compromising on nutrition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low in Calories: This soup is designed for weight loss, making it an ideal choice for those looking to shed extra pounds.
- Nutrient-Rich: Filled with fresh vegetables, it provides essential vitamins and minerals while remaining low in calories.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this cabbage soup in no time.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the vegetables according to your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup can be made in bulk and stored for easy meals throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure an efficient cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Instant Pot: This tool significantly cuts down cooking time, allowing you to prepare your soup quickly with little effort.
- Chopping Board: A stable surface makes slicing vegetables safer and more efficient.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts, which helps the vegetables cook evenly and enhances flavor release.
Ingredients
Easy cabbage soup recipe for weight loss diet. Low-calorie, nutritious, vegan, gluten-free and perfect for a 7-days cabbage soup diet plan.
Produce
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 0.25 cups celery (chopped)
- 2 cups cabbage (chopped)
- 0.5 cup green bell pepper (chopped)
- 250 g tomatoes
Seasonings & Liquids
- 3 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp mixed herbs
- 0.5 tsp roasted red chilli flakes
- Salt (to taste)
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp green chilli sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp red chilli sauce
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
How to Make Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss
Step 1: Prepare Your Instant Pot
Start the Instant Pot in sauté mode. Add the olive oil followed by the chopped onions.
Step 2: Sauté Onions
Cook until the onions are softened.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Add the carrots and celery. Cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes
Stir in the tomatoes and cook for another few minutes until they break down slightly.
Step 5: Season Your Soup
Add salt to taste along with mixed herbs, red chili flakes, green chili sauce, red chili sauce, cayenne pepper (if using), and black pepper powder. Mix well.
Step 6: Add Cabbage and Peppers
Incorporate the green bell peppers and chopped cabbage into the mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly.
Step 7: Pressure Cook
Pour in the water and close the lid of the Instant Pot. Ensure the steam vent is closed. Set to high pressure for 5 minutes.
Step 8: Release Pressure
Once done, let it cool down for about 5-7 minutes before gently releasing the steam using a long-handled spoon.
Step 9: Serve Hot
Ladle out your vegetable soup while hot and enjoy!
This Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss not only tastes great but will also aid your dietary journey!
How to Serve Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss
Serving cabbage soup can be a delightful experience. This nutritious soup is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance your weight loss journey.
Pair with Fresh Herbs
- Cilantro or Parsley: Finely chop fresh herbs and sprinkle on top before serving for a burst of flavor.
- Basil: A few fresh basil leaves can add an aromatic touch that complements the soup’s vegetables.
Add a Protein Boost
- Chickpeas: Toss in some canned chickpeas for added texture and protein, making it more filling.
- Tofu: Diced firm tofu can add a creamy texture while remaining vegan-friendly.
Incorporate Whole Grains
- Quinoa: Serve the soup over a bed of quinoa for added nutrition and fiber.
- Brown Rice: A scoop of brown rice can make the meal heartier without adding too many calories.
Serve with a Side Salad
- Mixed Greens: A light salad with mixed greens and a vinegar-based dressing pairs wonderfully with this dish.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw made from shredded cabbage can echo the flavors of the soup.
How to Perfect Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss
Perfecting your cabbage soup for weight loss involves simple adjustments. Here are some tips to enhance flavor and nutrition:
- spices: Experiment with spices like cumin or paprika to elevate the taste profile.
- Fresh veggies: Use seasonal vegetables to maximize freshness and nutritional value.
- Low-sodium broth: Substitute water with low-sodium vegetable broth for richer flavor without excess salt.
- Lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon just before serving can brighten up the flavors significantly.
Best Side Dishes for Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss
Complementing cabbage soup with side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Whole Grain Bread: Serve with whole grain bread for added fiber and satisfaction.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans provide additional nutrients without extra calories.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These can add natural sweetness and are rich in vitamins, making them an excellent pairing.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that works well as a base under the soup.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds healthy fats, making the meal more satiating.
- Hummus Dip: Pair with veggie sticks for a crunchy contrast that complements the warmth of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
Not chopping ingredients evenly: Unevenly chopped vegetables can cook at different rates, leading to some being undercooked while others are overdone. Make sure to chop all ingredients into similar-sized pieces.
Ignoring seasoning: Cabbage soup can taste bland without proper seasoning. Be sure to add salt, spices, and herbs to enhance the flavors. Taste and adjust as needed.
Using old cabbage: Fresh cabbage contributes to the soup’s taste and texture. Always check for freshness before using, as wilted or spoiled cabbage can ruin your dish.
Overcooking the soup: Cooking for too long can lead to mushy vegetables. Follow the recommended cook time closely for the best texture and flavor.
Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing onions and other vegetables first builds a deeper flavor base for your soup. Don’t skip this important step!
Not storing properly: Improper storage can spoil your delicious cabbage soup quickly. Ensure you store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cabbage soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat until warm.
Microwave: Pour the soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Stovetop: Transfer the soup to a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss:
How does cabbage soup help with weight loss?
Cabbage is low in calories but high in fiber, which helps you feel full longer. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to lose weight.
Can I customize my cabbage soup?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables or proteins like beans or lentils for variety while keeping it healthy.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes! This Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss is entirely vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for various diets.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 2 servings, making it perfect for a light meal or appetizer.
Can I use other types of cabbage?
Yes! While green cabbage is commonly used, you can substitute with red or Napa cabbage if you prefer their flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. It’s perfect as part of a weight loss plan or simply as a nutritious meal option. Give this easy recipe a try and enjoy its satisfying flavors!
Soup
Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss
Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss is a nourishing and flavorful option that aligns perfectly with your health goals. This easy-to-make, low-calorie soup is vegan and gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for light meals or as part of the 7-day cabbage soup diet plan. Packed with fresh vegetables, this hearty soup offers essential vitamins and minerals while keeping calories in check. You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have available, ensuring a satisfying dish that supports your weight loss journey. Enjoy it hot as a filling appetizer or as a wholesome meal throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 0.25 cups celery (chopped)
- 2 cups cabbage (chopped)
- 0.5 cup green bell pepper (chopped)
- 250 g tomatoes
- 3 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp mixed herbs
- 0.5 tsp roasted red chilli flakes
- Salt (to taste)
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp green chilli sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp red chilli sauce
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and sauté chopped onions until softened.
- Add carrots and celery; cook until slightly softened.
- Stir in tomatoes and cook until they break down.
- Season with salt, mixed herbs, chili flakes, and black pepper.
- Mix in green bell peppers and cabbage thoroughly.
- Pour in water; close the lid and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
- Release pressure gently after cooking; serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (500g)
- Calories: 117
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 235mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
