Are you craving a comforting, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal that's ready in minutes? Look no further! This Instant Pot cabbage soup recipe is your answer. Forget hours of simmering on the stove; we're harnessing the power of the Instant Pot to whip up a flavorful and nutritious soup that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. This easy recipe is packed with vegetables, making it a fantastic addition to your healthy meal plan. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients to create a depth of flavor that will surprise you.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, shredded
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional: 1 cup cooked sausage, diced (for added protein)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Soup Perfection
Follow these simple steps for a flawlessly delicious cabbage soup:
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Sauté the Vegetables: Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add the olive oil and then sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes. This step builds a fantastic base of flavor.
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Add the Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the shredded cabbage, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. If using, add the cooked sausage now.
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Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Quick Release: After the natural pressure release, carefully quick release any remaining pressure. Remove the bay leaf.
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Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. This soup is equally delicious on its own or with a side of crusty bread.
Tips and Tricks for Soup Success
- For a smoother soup: Blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving for a creamier texture.
- Add protein: Ground beef, chicken, or beans are great additions for extra protein.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations: Tailor it to Your Taste
- Vegetarian Cabbage Soup: Omit the sausage for a completely vegetarian version.
- Hearty Cabbage Soup: Add 1 cup of cooked lentils or chickpeas for extra fiber and protein.
- Spicy Cabbage Soup: Add a chopped jalapeño pepper along with the other vegetables for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, without sausage)
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Protein: Approximately 5g
- Fat: Approximately 5g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20g
- Fiber: Approximately 5g
This Instant Pot cabbage soup is a simple yet satisfying dish, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. It's a delicious and healthy option that the whole family will enjoy. Try it today and experience the ease and flavor for yourself!