Description

Creamy Cabbage Soup is a heartwarming and comforting dish that combines the tender sweetness of cabbage with the rich, velvety texture of cream. This soup is perfect for chilly days, offering a cozy embrace in a bowl.

Ingredients

4 cups chicken broth

2 celery stalks, chopped

½ medium head of cabbage, shredded

1 sweet onion, chopped

1 carrot, peeled and chopped

¼ cup unsalted butter

3 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

2 cups half and half cream

1 cup milk

2 cups ham, cooked and cubed

½ tsp dried thyme

Chopped parsley for garnish, if desired

Instructions

In a large pot, add chicken broth, celery, cabbage, onions, and carrot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

In a separate bowl, stir together cream and milk.

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, salt, and pepper, stirring to form a smooth paste. Gradually add the cream and milk mixture, stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir until it reaches your desired thickness.

Gradually add the cream mixture to the vegetable mixture, stirring to combine. Add in the ham and thyme. Heat through.

Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Versatility: This recipe is highly adaptable. Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand or prefer. Leeks, potatoes, or even spinach can make great additions.
Dietary Adaptations: For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and plant-based alternatives for dairy and ham. To make it gluten-free, thicken the soup with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Flavor Enhancements: Consider roasting the cabbage before adding it to the soup for an extra layer of flavor. A dash of white wine can also add complexity to the broth.
Storage: The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, adding a bit of broth or water if necessary.
Serving Suggestions: Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill. A side of crusty bread or a light salad complements the soup beautifully, making for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Soup
Cuisine: American