Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, or to taste
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, or more to taste
- 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 (32 ounce) carton unsalted chicken stock
- 2 ½ cups water
- 2 teaspoons browning sauce (such as Kitchen Bouquet®)
- 1 head green cabbage, coarsely chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 4 dashes Louisiana-style hot sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pinch Cajun seasoning (such as Tony Chachere's), or to taste
Reasons You'll Love It
This soup is packed with bold flavors and spices that warm you up on a chilly day. It’s hearty and full of vegetables, making it both nutritious and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for anyone looking for a meat-free meal.
Tips For Better Flavor
- Use fresh or smoked paprika to deepen the smoky flavor.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage; keep it slightly crisp for the best texture.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice preference by adding more or less.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage; keep it slightly crisp for the best texture.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice preference by adding more or less.
Step 1
Warm some oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook them until they’re soft and just starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until it smells amazing. Season everything with a bit of salt and pepper. Then pour in the chicken stock, water, and browning sauce.
Step 2
Bring the soup up to a boil, then turn the heat down to low. Stir in the cabbage, diced tomatoes, hot sauce, bay leaf, and Cajun seasoning. Let it all simmer gently until the cabbage is nice and tender and the liquid has reduced by about half, which should take around 25 to 30 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you need to before serving.
Best Pairings For This Dish
Serve this soup with crusty bread or warm cornbread to soak up the flavorful broth. A side of steamed rice or a simple green salad also pairs well and adds a fresh contrast to the spicy soup.
Leftover Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will develop even more after a day. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
