Worth the Wait Cabbage Soup

Yield: Serves 12 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 1½–2 hours

Cabbage is both a nourishing and inexpensive way to feed a large group of people. The secret to this recipe is the addition of light brown sugar. It adds a sweetness to the dish that prevents the cabbage from tasting too bland.

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ red onion, chopped

2 carrots, sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

8 cups chopped green cabbage

8 cups beef broth

2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes

1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste

1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

3–4 sprigs thyme

1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed

1–2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, and garlic and cook for 5 minutes.

2. Stir in the cabbage, broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, until the vegetables are tender.

3. Add the vinegar and more salt and pepper, if needed. Remove the thyme sprigs.

4. Ladle into bowls and serve.