Imagine a soup so hearty and soul-warming that it transports you to a rustic French countryside kitchen with just one spoonful. This Leek and Cabbage Soup with a smoky twist is not just a meal, but a culinary journey that combines simple, fresh ingredients into a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your heart. Whether you're seeking comfort on a chilly evening or looking to impress your dinner guests with a sophisticated yet easy-to-make dish, this recipe is your perfect companion.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 leeks, sliced
- 1/2 head cabbage, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare your vegetables by thoroughly washing the leeks, cabbage, and potatoes. Slice the leeks into thin rings, chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, and cube the potatoes into roughly 1/2-inch chunks.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Incorporate the sliced leeks into the pot, stirring and cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become slightly wilted.
- Add the chopped cabbage and cubed potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the existing vegetables.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring all vegetables are mostly submerged. Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low-medium and simmer, covered, for approximately 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor profile.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Ladle into warm bowls and optionally garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Tips
- Clean your leeks thoroughly: Slice them and rinse between the layers to remove any hidden dirt or sand.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor profile and maximum nutritional value.
- Don't rush the sautéing process - allowing onions and garlic to caramelize develops a deeper, richer taste.
- For an extra layer of smokiness, consider adding a small amount of smoked ham or bacon when sautéing the onions.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup or add a splash of cream before serving.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance.
- Experiment with garnishes like fresh chives, a dollop of sour cream, or croutons for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
