Are you craving a hearty, nutritious soup that packs a flavor punch and will transport you straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy? Look no further than this incredible Minestrone with Cabbage and Chickpeas! This isn't just another soup recipe - it's a culinary journey that combines traditional Italian cooking with wholesome, plant-based ingredients that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you. Perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or when you simply need a bowl of pure comfort, this recipe promises to become your new go-to meal that's both deliciously satisfying and incredibly nutritious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Next, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Stir well and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
- Stir in the shredded green cabbage and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes, until the cabbage wilts down and reduces in volume.
- Add the drained chickpeas and the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice) to the pot. Mix everything together to combine the flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the thyme. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Season the minestrone with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes if needed.
- Once ready, remove the pot from heat and ladle the minestrone into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Enjoy your hearty Minestrone with Cabbage and Chickpeas hot, accompanied by crusty bread if desired.
Tips
- Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Don't rush the sautéing process - taking time to develop flavors by slowly cooking onions, carrots, and celery creates a deeper taste profile.
- For extra richness, consider adding a parmesan rind while simmering to enhance the umami flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can partially mash some chickpeas or add a small amount of tomato paste.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance - the flavors will continue to develop overnight.
- Feel free to customize with additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach for more nutrition and variety.
- Use fresh thyme if possible, as it provides a more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Serve with a drizzle of good quality olive oil and extra fresh parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
