Hearty Bowl of Cabbage and Lentil Stew
In the cold winter months, there's nothing quite like a hearty, comforting soup to warm you up. One such favourite is the cabbage lentil soup, a vegan dish that's packed with nutrients and offers a feeling of gratification and comfort, much like a warm hug.
This soup is part of the Healthy Words series, and it's easy to see why. The cabbage lentil soup is not only warm and comforting, but it's also high in fibre, protein, and vitamins, making it a nourishing meal option.
Here's a simple recipe to whip up this delicious soup at home:
Ingredients
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1-2 tablespoons miso paste (adds savory umami)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for brightness)
- Spices: cumin, coriander, black pepper, turmeric (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened (~5-8 minutes).
- Add diced carrots and cook a few more minutes until starting to soften.
- Stir in shredded cabbage and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly wilted.
- Add rinsed red lentils, spices if using, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for about 20-25 minutes until lentils and veggies are tender.
- In a small bowl, dissolve miso paste in a bit of hot broth from the pot, then stir it back into the soup. This preserves the beneficial probiotics in miso.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to add a gentle tang and enhance flavor.
- Adjust salt and seasoning to taste. For extra garnish, drizzle olive oil or sprinkle fresh herbs before serving.
The addition of vegetables like onion, garlic, tomatoes, and carrots to the soup increases its flavor and health benefits. The soup remains flavorful despite being dairy-free and vegan, thanks to the miso and apple cider vinegar.
This soup is simmered on the stove, making it a comforting meal that's easy to prepare. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a warming dinner, this cabbage lentil soup is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy!
This cabbage lentil soup, with its mix of vegetables and lentils, is a healthy meal option that offers nutritional benefits from elements like fiber, protein, and vitamins, making it suitable for those following a healthy diet and nutrition-focused regimens in health and wellness. The use of ingredients such as miso paste and apple cider vinegar in this recipe adds depth to the soup's flavor, making it both flavorful and suitable for those following dairy-free and vegan diets.
