This soup is a complex blend of flavors and hearty components that come together beautifully with the satisfying crunch of a baguette or the cozy warmth of cornbread. It claims to create a symphony of flavors that will entice the taste buds. It is evidence of the high nutritious content and varied nature of plant-based food, demonstrating its extraordinary flavor and ease of preparation.

This dish makes a perfectly balanced, incredibly fulfilling dinner when served with a bright green salad. A harmonic blend of flavors is created with each delectable bite thanks to the salad’s kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and nutrients, which enriches the whole experience. Every taste is a celebration of superb flavor and sustaining health that are artfully combined.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, chopped
• 3/4 cup sliced carrots
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 quarts low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian herb seasoning
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pound cabbage, chopped
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 (15 ounce) cans great Northern beans
• fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Turn the heat down to medium and slowly reheat the olive oil in a Dutch oven. When the oil is heated, add the finely chopped carrots and leeks and let them gently sizzle. For about three minutes, stir them often so the aromas may seep out and the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic next, and stir quickly until the aroma fills the room, which should take around 30 seconds. This aromatic mixture of garlic, carrots, and leeks creates a richly delicious base in the Dutch oven that is ready to complement the subsequent items in your recipe.

Step 2

Slowly transfer the vegetable broth into the Dutch oven and allow it to infuse with the fragrant mixture of carrots, leeks, and garlic. Allowing the flavors to blend and permeate into the simmering stock, stir in the tomato paste and sprinkle in the Italian spice. 

Turn up the heat until the mixture achieves a low simmer, which will help the ingredients combine and intensify their complex flavor notes. After the mixture reaches a boiling point, place a lid on the Dutch oven and reduce the heat so that the simmer is slow and even. 

The vegetables are given the opportunity to soften and carefully absorb the complex tastes as they combine to create a harmonious whole through this slow cooking method. This melting phase, which extracts the complexity of flavor, usually lasts for ten minutes.

The soup’s full-bodied essence can be developed during this simmering stage, guaranteeing a balanced combination of tastes and soft veggies with each spoonful.

Step 3

Puree the softened vegetables with the liquid in the Dutch oven, very gently, using an immersion blender. Before beginning to purée, make sure the blender is completely submerged in the mixture for a velvety, smooth consistency. All of the components are combined during this blending process to create a rich, creamy soup foundation. 

When the soup reaches the right consistency, add a dash of salt and pepper to taste and let the flavors meld together to create the ideal harmony. By adding one last dash of spice, the soup’s flavor profile is enhanced and every spoonful is filled with comforting flavors and well seasoned.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to medium and stir until the mixture comes to a rolling boil. Add the cabbage to the saucepan, along with a pinch or two more of salt for seasoning and a sprinkling of red pepper flakes, if desired. Allow the mixture to come back to a boil while the flavors combine, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Over the following 20 to 25 minutes, let the cabbage soften and absorb the flavorful flavors of the simmering stock. The cabbage should be soft enough to handle at this point. 

Add the beans and boil for a further five minutes, or until the beans are heated through. In addition to adding layers of savory flavor, this cooking procedure guarantees a delicious combination of textures as the beans and cabbage cook to the perfect consistency.

Step 5

Serve this filling dish warm, beautifully plated, and ready to eat. If you would want to add a fragrant and herbaceous accent, you might garnish it with tiny sprigs of fresh thyme for an extra touch. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the food to give it a sense of richness and to improve the overall presentation and sensory experience. 

These finishing touches create a delicious and alluring meal that entices the senses and tantalizes the eyes. They also enhance the flavors.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

209	Calories
4g	Fat
35g	Carbs
11g	Protein

Show Full Nutrition Label

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