Love this recipe? Save it to Pinterest before you forget!
Why You'll Love This hearty one pot lentil and cabbage soup for family meal prep in january
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
- Nutritious: Lentils and cabbage are packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making this soup a nutritious and filling option.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite spices, herbs, or ingredients to make this recipe your own.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup can be made in large batches and refrigerated or frozen for up to 5 days.
- Budget-Friendly: Lentils and cabbage are affordable ingredients, making this recipe a cost-effective option for families.
- Comforting: The combination of tender lentils and crunchy cabbage is a match made in heaven, providing a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Perfect for Winter: This hearty soup is perfect for cold winter nights, providing a warm and nourishing meal to cozy up with.
- Make-Ahead: This recipe can be made ahead of time, allowing you to prepare it on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are lentils, cabbage, onions, garlic, and diced tomatoes. The lentils provide a boost of protein and fiber, while the cabbage adds a nice crunch and flavor. The onions and garlic add a depth of flavor, and the diced tomatoes provide a burst of juicy sweetness. When selecting these ingredients, choose fresh and high-quality options to ensure the best flavor and texture. For the lentils, look for green or brown lentils, as they hold their shape well and provide a nice texture. For the cabbage, choose a firm head with crisp leaves. You can also use other types of cabbage, such as red or Savoy, for a different flavor and texture.
How to Make hearty one pot lentil and cabbage soup for family meal prep in january
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the onions and garlic.
Add 1 large onion, chopped, and 3 cloves of garlic, minced, to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Add 1 cup of brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained, and 1 large head of cabbage, chopped, to the pot. Stir to combine.
Add 1 can of diced tomatoes and 4 cups of vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Results
Choose fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Cook the lentils until they are tender, but still hold their shape. Overcooking can make them mushy and unappetizing.
Add aromatics like onions, garlic, and carrots to the pot for added depth of flavor.
Use a high-quality vegetable broth to add flavor to the soup. You can also use chicken or beef broth for a different flavor profile.
Add your favorite spices and herbs to the pot to give the soup a unique flavor. Some options include cumin, paprika, and thyme.
Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a filling and satisfying meal.
Cool the soup to room temperature, then freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheat the soup over low heat, stirring occasionally, to prevent scorching or burning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Not Rinsing the Lentils: Failing to rinse the lentils can result in a soup that is cloudy or gritty. Make sure to rinse the lentils before adding them to the pot.
Fix: Rinse the lentils in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water, then drain and add to the pot.
-
Overcooking the Cabbage: Overcooking the cabbage can make it mushy and unappetizing. Cook the cabbage until it is tender, but still crisp.
Fix: Add the cabbage to the pot in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, or until it is tender but still crisp.
-
Not Seasoning Enough: Failing to season the soup can result in a bland or unappetizing flavor. Make sure to season the soup with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste.
Fix: Taste the soup as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Add salt, pepper, and other spices to taste, and don't be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations.
-
Not Using the Right Broth: Using a low-quality broth can result in a soup that is lacking in flavor. Choose a high-quality broth that is low in sodium and made with wholesome ingredients.
Fix: Choose a high-quality broth that is low in sodium and made with wholesome ingredients. You can also make your own broth from scratch for added flavor and nutrition.
Variations & Substitutions
Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon or sausage for a vegetarian option.
Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, omit the bacon or sausage, and use a vegan-friendly broth or stock for a vegan option.
Use gluten-free broth or stock and omit the bacon or sausage for a gluten-free option.
Add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the pot for an extra kick of heat.
Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the pot for a smoky flavor.
Add diced tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning to the pot for an Italian-style soup.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Store the soup at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Make sure to cool the soup to room temperature before storing it.
Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate.
Store the soup in the freezer for up to 3 months. Cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw and reheat.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! This soup is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity. Just be sure to use gluten-free broth or stock and omit the bacon or sausage.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can make this soup in a slow cooker. Simply brown the onions and garlic, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Can I add other ingredients to this soup?
Yes! Feel free to add your favorite ingredients to this soup. Some options include diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers. You can also add cooked sausage or bacon for added protein.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes! This soup is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Simply omit the bacon or sausage and use a vegan-friendly broth or stock. You can also add other plant-based protein sources, such as tofu or tempeh.
Can I make this soup in a Instant Pot?
Yes! You can make this soup in an Instant Pot. Simply brown the onions and garlic, then add all the ingredients to the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 10-15 minutes.
How do I reheat this soup?
You can reheat this soup over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it.
hearty one pot lentil and cabbage soup for family meal prep in january
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups chopped cabbage
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat Oil and Sauté Onion. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it's translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add Garlic and Cook. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add Cabbage and Cook. Add the chopped cabbage and cook until it's slightly wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add Carrots and Celery. Add the chopped carrots and celery and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Add Lentils, Broth, and Tomatoes. Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Step 6: Bring to a Boil and Simmer. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Step 7: Serve and Enjoy. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Storage tip: Let the soup cool, then refrigerate or freeze for later use.
- Make ahead: Prepare the soup up to a day in advance, then reheat and serve.
- Substitution: Use red or yellow lentils if you prefer a slightly different texture.
- Pro tip: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of brightness and flavor.
