| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 5g | 1g | 25g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 4g | 5g | 0.3g |
Take a culinary journey to the subantarctic islands. No passport required. Wrap your taste buds around the flavors of the Kerguelen Cabbage Soup, a humble symphony of hearty vegetables, fragrant herbs, and subtle sweetness of fruit. This isn’t your commonplace soup recipe but an ode to the spirit of exploration and adventurous palates. Imagine the warmth of your grandmother’s home-cooked meals meeting the bold tastes of a distant continent. Yes, this soup is that special.
An Afro-Southern Fusion with a Twist
The Kerguelen Cabbage Soup, much like my Afro-southern roots, is a blend of worlds. It’s a soul-warming concoction that takes cues from the richness of Southern cooking, hints of West-African zest, while embodying the unique flavor of the namesake ingredient, Kerguelen cabbage. It’s the perfect recipe to curl up with on a rainy Atlanta day or to bring some adventurous flair to a dinner party.
For those unfamiliar, the Kerguelen Cabbage, found in the inhospitable climates of subantarctic islands, has an unusual and enticing taste profile that sets this soup apart. However, if you can’t lay hands on it, a regular cabbage works just as nicely.
Health and Nutritional Powerhouse
This soup lends more than just taste. It’s packed with an abundance of colorful veggies like carrots, potatoes, onions, and garlic, all simmering in a nutritious vegetable broth. It features a harmonious interplay of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that can boost immune function, improve digestion, and promote overall health. The addition of apple and a dash of orange juice gives you a touch of natural sweetness and adds a further vitamin kick. Here is a soul-satisfying treat that your body will thank you for!
A million miles away from the processed, fast-food culture we often find ourselves caught in, this recipe allows you to embrace eating mindfully and heartily. It’s also vegan-friendly, making it a versatile choice for different dietary preferences.
Culinary Companions and Pairings
On its own, the Kerguelen Cabbage Soup shines as a meal but it can also be a delightful companion to other dishes. The soup pairs well with crusty bread, turning it into an even more satisfying feast. Or why not serve it alongside a Spicy West African Chicken Soup? It offers a splendid contrast of flavors.
At the end of the day, cooking is about making connections and fostering joy. This soup has brought countless smiles to my kitchen and I hope it does the same for yours. So go forth and ladle up some love.
What You’ll Need
- 1 large Kerguelen cabbage or regular cabbage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carot, chopped
- 1 medium potato, chopped
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 large apple, cored and chopped
- 1 cup orange juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Method
Step One
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
Step Two
Next, add in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute more until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step Three
You can now add the chopped Kerguelen cabbage, carrot, and potato to your pot. Stir the ingredients together and let them simmer for about 5 minutes until they start to become tender.
Step Four
Pour the vegetable broth into the pot with your vegetable mixture. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes.
Step Five
Afterwards, add the chopped apple and orange juice to the soup. Let the soup continue to simmer for another 15 to 20 minutes until all your ingredients are well cooked.
Step Six
Taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. Let it simmer for a few more minutes for the flavors to blend together.
Step Seven
Once your soup is ready, remove it from the heat and serve hot. You can garnish it with chopped parsley before serving for added flavor and color. Enjoy your homemade Kerguelen Cabbage Soup!
