Rice Soup with Red Cabbage

Rice Soup with Red Cabbage Recipe - Delicious and Savory

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Rice Soup with Red Cabbage is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This recipe combines the sweetness of red cabbage with the richness of pancetta and the earthiness of potatoes to create a delicious and satisfying soup.

History

This recipe has its roots in traditional Italian cuisine, where cabbage is a popular ingredient in many dishes. The addition of rice to the soup adds a hearty texture and makes it a filling meal on its own.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
2 oz (57 g) minced pancetta
2 medium white onions, finely chopped
1 small red cabbage, cut in half and julienned
2 large peeled potatoes, diced small
2 tbsp tomato paste dissolved in 2 cups dry white wine
2 qt (1.89 liters) boiling hot chicken broth
1.5 cups long grain rice
1 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and sauté pancetta and onions for 8 minutes.
Add cabbage and stir for 5 minutes.
Add tomato paste dissolved in wine.
Add all the boiling hot broth.
Adjust heat to low and simmer covered for 1 hour.
Stir in rice and cook covered for 15 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.
Pour into a tureen and bring to the table.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the pancetta and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add some diced carrots or celery for extra flavor and texture.
Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to customize the flavor of the soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely chop the onions to ensure they cook evenly and add flavor to the soup.

- Cutting the cabbage into thin strips, or julienne, helps it cook faster and evenly in the soup.

- Dissolving the tomato paste in white wine adds a depth of flavor to the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the pancetta and onions before adding the cabbage helps to develop the flavors in the soup.

- Simmering the soup covered allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pancetta, you can use bacon or ham as a substitute.

- Any type of rice can be used in this recipe, but long grain rice works best for a light and fluffy texture.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a pop of color and flavor. Serve in a large soup tureen for a rustic and inviting presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. A light and refreshing salad with a lemon vinaigrette dressing complements the flavors of the soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rice Soup with Red Cabbage contains approximately 300 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

The main sources of carbohydrates in this recipe are the rice and potatoes. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

The olive oil and pancetta in this recipe provide healthy fats that are important for brain function and overall health. Moderation is key when consuming fats.

Proteins

While this recipe is not high in protein, the pancetta does provide some protein. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

Red cabbage is a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber. Potatoes are rich in potassium and vitamin C. These vitamins and minerals are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork (pancetta) and may not be suitable for those with pork allergies. Be sure to check for any other allergens in the ingredients used.

Summary

Overall, this recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Rice Soup with Red Cabbage is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a balance of flavors and textures, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Rice Soup with Red Cabbage. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I had just come back from visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins. She had cooked me a delicious dinner, and I couldn't help but ask for the recipe for the soup she had made. Mrs. Jenkins was more than happy to share her secret with me, and I eagerly wrote it down in my old recipe book.

The next day, I decided to try my hand at making the soup myself. I gathered all the ingredients - rice, red cabbage, onions, carrots, chicken broth, and a few spices - and set to work in my cozy little kitchen. As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the house with a warm and comforting aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Mrs. Jenkins had taught me well, and I was thrilled to have a new recipe to add to my repertoire.

Over the years, I have made this Rice Soup with Red Cabbage countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. Sometimes I add a touch of garlic for extra flavor, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. Each time I make the soup, it transports me back to that autumn evening with Mrs. Jenkins, and I am grateful for the knowledge she passed on to me.

But Mrs. Jenkins was not the only person who contributed to my culinary education. My own grandmother, who was an excellent cook herself, taught me many recipes when I was a young girl. I remember spending hours in her kitchen, watching her work her magic with a handful of simple ingredients. She taught me the importance of patience and attention to detail, and instilled in me a love of cooking that has stayed with me all these years.

One of my favorite recipes that my grandmother taught me was her famous Chicken and Rice Soup. It was a simple dish, but one that never failed to warm the soul on a cold winter's day. The secret, she told me, was in the homemade chicken broth, which she made from scratch using a whole chicken, onions, carrots, and celery. The broth simmered on the stove for hours, filling the house with a rich and savory aroma that was impossible to resist.

As I grew older and started my own family, I continued to experiment with different recipes and flavors, drawing inspiration from the people and places I encountered along the way. I remember a trip to Italy where I learned how to make a traditional risotto with red cabbage, a dish that has since become a family favorite. The creamy rice, tender cabbage, and Parmesan cheese blended together beautifully, creating a dish that was both comforting and elegant.

I also learned a new twist on my Rice Soup with Red Cabbage recipe from a dear friend who hailed from Mexico. She taught me how to add a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro to the soup, giving it a fresh and zesty flavor that was unlike anything I had tasted before. I was amazed by how a few simple ingredients could transform a familiar dish into something entirely new and exciting.

As the years passed, my collection of recipes grew, each one a cherished memory of the people and places that had shaped my culinary journey. I have passed on these recipes to my own children and grandchildren, hoping to inspire them to explore the world of cooking and create their own delicious dishes.

So the next time you find yourself craving a warm and comforting meal, why not give my Rice Soup with Red Cabbage recipe a try? I promise it will not disappoint. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass it on to someone special, just like Mrs. Jenkins did for me all those years ago. Happy cooking!