Best Easy Minestra di Cavolo Recipe

Cabbage soup simmered with beans and potatoes is hearty northern Italian winter fare. A vegetarian high protein mediterranean dish that supports weight loss and calorie deficit family meals.

Cook 60 min Difficulty NORMAL 210 kcal
#vegetarian #high protein #mediterranean #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • cabbage 4 cups
  • cannellini beans 2 cups
  • potatoes 2 pieces
  • carrot 1 piece
  • celery 2 stalks
  • yellow onion 1 piece
Seasonings/Sauce
  • extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp
  • sea salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • vegetable broth 6 cups
  • fresh thyme 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 36 g 68%
Protein 12 g 23%
Fat 3 g 9%
Serving size 350g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmer appears, then add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables turn translucent.

  2. 2

    Add chopped cabbage and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir, and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to slightly wilt.

  3. 3

    Pour in the vegetable broth and season with sea salt, black pepper, and thyme. Increase heat to bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low.

  4. 4

    Add cannellini beans, cover, and simmer gently for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Ensure potatoes are tender but not mushy.

  5. 5

    Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot, optionally garnishing each bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and extra pepper for flavor enhancement.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient that defines Minestra di Cavolo?
Cabbage is the central ingredient in Minestra di Cavolo, giving the soup its identity and hearty flavor. Beans and potatoes further add substance, but the cabbage’s mild sweetness and texture are what distinguish this dish.
Q. What heat control is most important during cooking?
Proper heat management is crucial for texture and flavor. Start by sautéing the vegetables over medium heat to develop aroma and soft texture, then switch to a gentle simmer after adding broth and beans. This ensures potatoes cook evenly and starches are released gradually for a rich broth.
Q. How can I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?
Monitor the simmer duration and avoid high heat after the potatoes are added. Stir occasionally, but keep the soup at a low, steady simmer. Test potato doneness with a fork—stop cooking when just tender, so they maintain shape in the soup.
Q. What nutrition advantages does this cabbage soup offer?
Each 350g serving contains about 210 kcal, 36g carbohydrates (68%), 12g protein (23%), and only 3g fat (9%). It's high in protein thanks to the beans, vegetarian, and Mediterranean, making it suitable for calorie deficit meal plans and those seeking plant-based nutrition.
Q. Is this Minestra di Cavolo recipe suitable for diabetics?
Yes, each serving has 36g carbohydrates and is composed mostly of low glycemic vegetables and beans. The recipe qualifies as diabetic friendly, with a balanced carb level below the threshold and no high glycemic ingredients as main components.
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