Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Tangy Cabbage Delight Soup?
It is a vibrant and hearty soup inspired by traditional hot and sour soup, featuring cabbage, tomatoes, and a savory broth.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 generous servings.
What are the primary flavors in this soup?
The flavor profile is a balance of savory soy sauce, zesty seasoned rice vinegar, and a kick from red chili pepper flakes.
Is Spicy Tangy Cabbage Delight Soup vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian as long as you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Is this soup vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly when prepared with vegetable broth.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
The soup is very low in fat, containing only 0.8g per serving.
How much fiber does this soup provide?
Each serving provides 5g of dietary fiber.
What kind of cabbage should I use?
A standard green cabbage is recommended, but you can also use Savoy or Napa cabbage for different textures.
How do I prepare the seasoned rice vinegar?
Combine 3/4 cup white rice vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, and 2 teaspoons salt, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Can I substitute the straw mushrooms?
Yes, you can substitute straw mushrooms with fresh button mushrooms, shiitake, or wood ear mushrooms.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, the instructions specify adding petite diced tomatoes; keep the liquid if you want more tomato flavor.
Should I drain the straw mushrooms?
No, the recipe specifies using the straw mushrooms undrained to add more depth to the broth.
How long should the soup simmer?
The soup should simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the cabbage reaches your preferred tenderness.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Absolutely! Tofu, shrimp, or shredded chicken are excellent additions to make the soup more filling.
How do I shred the cabbage properly?
Quarter the cabbage first, remove the core, and then use a large chef's knife to shred the leaves.
Can I make this soup less spicy?
Yes, simply reduce the amount of hot red chili pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
What if I don't have seasoned rice vinegar?
You can use regular rice vinegar and follow the recipe's instructions to add sugar and salt to create the seasoned effect.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or baby corn would work well in this broth.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until steaming, or in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl.
How long will this soup stay fresh in the fridge?
It will stay fresh in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze this cabbage soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free tamari instead of standard soy sauce.
What is the category of this recipe?
It is categorized as a Clear Soup.
How much broth is needed?
The recipe calls for 5-6 cups of broth depending on your desired consistency.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of petite diced?
Yes, you can use about 15 oz of fresh, finely diced tomatoes.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 3.3g of protein in each serving.
When should I add the black pepper?
Freshly ground black pepper should be added just before serving for the best flavor.
Why do I need to sautรฉ the onions?
Sautรฉing the onions until translucent builds a sweet and savory base layer of flavor for the soup.
Is this soup good for a healthy diet?
Yes, it is low in calories and fat while being high in fiber and nutrients from the vegetables.