Cabbage Soup Recipe

The cabbage soup diet has been around for a long time, because it offers a fairly painless way to lose 5 pounds in a few weeks. It can't be used for any longer than that, because there isn't enough nutrition.

I thought it would be fun to put up a recipe for a fantastic cabbage soup. It's very low in fat and calories, and is chock full of life-giving nutrition. (However, I still don't suggest that you eat nothing else for a week. Variety really is the spice of life, after all.)

This soup is from the cookbook by Joe Famularo - Good & Garlicky Thick & Hearty Soul-Satisfying More-Than-Minestrone Italian Soup Cookbook. Just the title is a big mouthful!

Lentil Soup With Squash, Cabbage, and Cauliflower

Ingredients:

1/2 cup green lentils, picked over
2 cups thinly sliced savoy cabbage
1 cup sliced cauliflower florets
1 cup peeled, diced (1/2 inch) butternut squash
1 large onion, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch dice
1 medium carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium rib celery, thinly sliced
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
8 cups water
4 ounces small pasta
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Place the lentils in a medium-size saucepan with water to cover by 2 inches, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to a very slow simmer. Cook, covered, until the lentils are tender, about 40 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Place the cabbage, cauliflower, butternut squash, onion, carrot, celery, 1/4 cup of the cheese, and the water in a large soup pot. Add the lentils and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a very slow but steady simmer and cook, covered, until all the vegetables and the lentils are very soft, 45 minutes to 1 hour.

About 10 minutes before the soup is done, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Stir in the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot and pas the remaining cheese.

Low fat changes -

You may wish to leave out the olive oil - I do, and the soup is still wonderful. I also leave out the cheese for the topping, but the 1/4 cup of cheese cooked in the soup makes the soup, so don't leave it out unless you have to.

If you like this recipe, be sure to see the rest of these wonderful soup recipes in Mr. Famularo's book.

Jonni Good is the author of most of the original articles on this site. Jonni always looks for the easy way to solve common health problems, by working with human nature. Her books have helped hundreds of people lose weight, get fit, and regain their health - with less struggle. Please take a moment to visit her other sites:

Do You Gain Weight... Even when you eat less than your thinner friends? Learn why it happens, and how to use nutritious, satisfying food to break the metabolic pattern that causes some people to gain weight too easily.

Sugar Cravings and Addiction – Describes a simple program to help people break their addiction to sugar and fat. This book has been popular ever since it came out in 2003, and has helped hundreds of people lose their cravings for sugar and other simple carbs. Once the cravings are under control, it's easier to stick with your diet and regain your health.

Weight Lifting for Absolute Beginners – A guide to lifting weights for strong muscles and bones.

The Easy-Does-It Diet – A guide to creating your own delicious and healthy frozen diet meals. Eat healthy, low-fat meals without paying extra for store-bought frozen diet food.

Disclaimer: This site and the articles contained here are for information purposes only. The authors have made every effort to make sure the information is accurate, but no health decisions should ever be made based on this or any other website. Please contact your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.

Cabbage Soup Recipe

Lentil Soup With Squash, Cabbage, and Cauliflower

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