Cabbage and Bacon Soup

Cabbage and Bacon Soup

Cabbage and Bacon Soup is a hearty, flavorful soup that combines the earthy taste of cabbage with the savory, smoky goodness of bacon.

This dish is simple, comforting, and perfect for a cozy meal, making use of affordable ingredients that are packed with flavor. The combination of tender cabbage, crispy bacon, and a rich broth makes for a filling and satisfying soup.

Here’s a simple recipe for Cabbage and Bacon Soup:

Cabbage and Bacon Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

Bacon: 6-8 slices, chopped into small pieces

Cabbage: 1 small or half of a large head, shredded

Onion: 1 medium, chopped

Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced

Carrot: 1 large, peeled and diced (optional for sweetness)

Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced (optional for extra heartiness)

Vegetable or chicken stock: 4 cups

Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (if needed)

Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon

Salt and pepper: to taste

Bay leaf: 1 (optional)

Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

Chop the bacon into small pieces. Shred the cabbage, peel and dice the potatoes (if using), chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Dice the carrot (if using).

Cook the Bacon:

In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat (if needed, depending on the fat content of your bacon). Add the chopped bacon and cook for 5-7 minutes until it’s crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set them aside, leaving some of the bacon fat in the pot.

Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pot with the bacon fat, add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Add the diced carrots and potatoes, stirring occasionally. Let them cook for 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.

Add the Stock and Simmer:

Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock, add the dried thyme, and the bay leaf (if using). Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

Add the Cabbage:

Add the shredded cabbage to the pot and stir to combine. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and wilted.

Return the Bacon:

Add the crispy bacon back into the soup, stirring it into the broth. Cook for a further 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.

Season the Soup:

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer more depth, you can add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips:

For extra flavor: You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the richness of the soup.

Make it heartier: If you want a more filling soup, add extra potatoes or include some beans, like cannellini beans or kidney beans, for added protein.

Smoked bacon: Using smoked bacon adds even more depth to the flavor, but regular bacon works just fine if you prefer a milder taste.

Cabbage and Bacon Soup is a comforting, savory dish that combines the richness of bacon with the mild earthiness of cabbage. It’s simple to make but full of satisfying flavor. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch and is sure to warm you up on a cold day!