What's For Dinner: Cabbage Soup

As January settles in, a quiet hush often descends upon the world outside, inviting us to find our own pockets of warmth within. For those of us who cherish these moments of gentle stillness, there's a particular comfort in a meal that asks for presence more than frantic activity. Cabbage soup, with its humble ingredients and reassuring aroma, feels like a warm hug for the soul, a gentle reminder of the simple blessings we often overlook in the hustle.

There's something profoundly grounding about chopping vegetables, each slice a small act of attentiveness. It’s a space where thoughts can drift, prayers can form, and gratitude can take root. In a world that constantly demands our outward attention, preparing a meal like this is an invitation to simply be – to be present with the aromas, the textures, and the knowledge that sustenance is being lovingly prepared. This isn't about rushing; it's about the quiet satisfaction of creating warmth from simple gifts.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced or diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 head green cabbage (about 2 lbs), cored and chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 6-8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften slightly.
3. Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir well and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the cabbage to wilt down a bit.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the vegetable broth. Add the dried thyme and bay leaf (if using).
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
6. Remove the bay leaf (if used). Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired. Serve with a warm crusty bread for a truly comforting experience.

As the soup simmers, filling your home with its inviting fragrance, take a moment. Perhaps with a book, a warm drink, or just a quiet thought of thankfulness. In these bowls of warmth, we find not just nourishment for our bodies, but a gentle reminder of the enduring beauty in quiet moments and simple provisions. May it bring you peace and comfort as you navigate the days ahead.

What simple comfort are you savoring in these quieter moments of the year?

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Photo by Artem Beliaikin (@neiroreelsmaker)

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