Gut Healing Cabbage Soup .

This hearty soup is infinitely adaptable and can be adapted to create a great base for soups, stews and casseroles. It provides the body with an easily digestible source of vitamins and minerals as well as fibre. The cabbage contains high amounts of the amino acid glutamine which will heal the gut. Add anti-inflammatory herbs and spices such as ginger, turmeric, garlic, black pepper and cayenne for the perfect anti-inflammatory dish.

Swap the protein source to taste, try lentils, chickpeas, organic chicken or tofu. Not into celery? Leeks, fennel and kale would be great here too.

Ingredients

Serves 6

  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 2 carrots, chopped

  • 2 stalks celery, minced

  • 1/2 tsp. chilli powder

  • 1/4 tsp. turmeric

  • Small thumb of ginger, minced

  • Pinch of sea salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed

  • 1 tsp. thyme leaves

  • 1 l low-salt chicken (or vegetable) stock

  • 500 ml water

  • 1/2 large head cabbage, chopped

  • 1 400g tin chopped tomatoes

  • Pinch red pepper flakes

  • 2 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish

 Directions

  • In a large pot (or casserole dish) over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and season with salt, pepper, chilli powder, turmeric and ginger. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are soft, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in beans, garlic, and thyme and cook until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add stock and water, and simmer for 30 mins. 

  • Stir in tomatoes and cabbage and simmer for another 15-20mins. 

  • Remove from heat and stir in red pepper flakes, and parsley. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with more parsley (or fresh herbs of your choice).

    Source: adapted from a recipe by Lauren Miyashiro: https://www.delish.com/uk/cooking/recipes/a28782356/best-cabbage-soup-recipe