How do I add flavour to bland cabbage soup?

In this article, we are going to answer the question: “How do I add flavour to bland cabbage soup?” Here are some ways that will help you add flavour to bland cabbage soup along with a step-by-step guide to do so. 

How do I add flavour to bland cabbage soup?

The best way to add flavour to bland cabbage soup is to toss it up with herbs and spices to enhance its fragrance, taste and intensity. Mixing in finely chopped fresh basil and oregano lends a distinct taste to the soup. 

Since cabbage soup is super adaptable, adding leftover pulled pork, braised beef or shredded chicken to it will only make it more delicious. While cabbage takes centre stage in this soup, supporting ingredients like onion, celery, carrots, tomatoes can add tons of flavour and texture to it. 

Furthermore, incorporating acidic elements in the cabbage soup will give it an umami flavour that is absolutely irresistible. Adding some white wine—chardonnay, soave or even cooking wine would suffice. You can also lift this simple recipe by roasting some garlic until golden brown and adding it to the soup.

What do you need to prepare delicious cabbage soup?

Here are the ingredients you need to prepare delicious cabbage soup.

  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil 
  • 1 large Onion, chopped
  • 2 Carrots, chopped
  • 2 Celery Stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Chilli Powder
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground Black Pepper
  • 1 can White Beans, drained and rinsed 
  • 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1 sprig of Thyme 
  • 4 cups Chicken or Vegetable stock 
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ Cabbage 
  • 1 can Tomatoes (or 3 Tomatoes, chopped)
  • 1 tsp Red Chili Flakes
  • 2 tbsp freshly chopped Parsley, plus more for garnish

A step-by-step guide to add flavour to bland cabbage soup

  1. In a large pot (or dutch oven) over medium heat, heat 2 tbsps of olive oil. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and season it with salt, pepper and chilli powder.
  1. Cook the vegetables until they are soft for around 5-6 minutes, stirring often in between. 
  1. Incorporate the white beans, garlic, and thyme and cook it until the garlic is fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds. 
  1. Add your preferred stock (chicken or vegetable) with a little water and bring the broth to a simmer. 
  1. Finally, add the tomatoes and cabbage and cook it till the cabbage is wilted for about 6 minutes. 
  1. Take the soup off the heat and stir in the red chilli flakes and parsley. 
  1. Season with salt and pepper as per your taste. Garnish with more parsley, when serving.

Other FAQs about the versatile vegetable cabbage

Can you freeze a head of cabbage?

How to preserve cabbage (in 5 authentic ways)?

The secret to add flavour to bland cabbage soup

  • Double the recipe. The more ingredients you have, the more options you have to add flavour to bland cabbage soup.
  • Sweat the vegetables as much as possible to extract their flavour.
  • Take into account the cooking times for each component. Cut the vegetables into spoon-sized chunks. In your soup, use just enough salt to bring out their flavour, but do not make the broth overtly salty.
  • Consider adding a spoonful of tomato paste to your cabbage soup. It will almost definitely give it a rich, delicious flavour.
  • Garlic, ground fennel seeds (or other spices), pepper, and salt can all be added to the cabbage soup to enhance its taste.
  • If you want to give your cabbage soup a little additional zing, add some citrus flavouring. Acidity in a soup may have a big influence since it adds a strong back note to the meal.
  • To increase the flavour profile of the soup, you may also add lemon juice, wine, Worcestershire sauce, pesto, or even fish sauce.
  • Another thing to remember is to extend your cooking time. The longer it cooks, the more flavour the ingredients release and then infuse into the cabbage soup.
  • A longer cooking period brings the flavours together and intensifies them. However, it is advised that you keep the pot simmering not for more than 25 minutes.

Mistakes you should avoid while making cabbage soup

  • Boiling the cabbage soup instead of letting it simmer
  • Inadequate or excessive use of salt
  • Omitting the addition of water to the stock
  • Overcooking the vegetables
  • Adding the tomatoes right at the start
  • Not including enough garnish

Final Thoughts

While cabbage soup is on the milder side when compared to other soups, as you can see, there are several methods to enrich its flavour. You may add ground meat, plant-based proteins, more vegetables, other spices and so forth. Needless to say, this is a comforting soup that you will enjoy.

Other FAQs about Soup that you may be interested in.

Can you eat Campbell’s tomato soup without adding water?

Can you eat chicken noodle soup without heating it?

Can you eat canned soup without heating up?

How to thaw frozen soup?

Conclusion 

In this article, we have answered the question: “How do I add flavour to bland cabbage soup?” Shared above are some ways that will help you add flavour to bland cabbage soup along with a step-by-step guide on how to do so. 

References

https://www.mashed.com/316020/the-big-mistake-youre-making-with-cabbage-soup-from-scratch/

https://www.marthastewart.com/343492/cabbage-vegetable-soup