cabbage soup

Usually I don't make soup much during warm weather...but lately,since it's gotten wintery...there has been a batch of some kind of soup every week. We still had a half pint of chili left in the fridge when I decided to make a pot of cabbage soup.

Cabbage Soup
1 medium head cabbage
3 Tblsp. butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 medium potatoes, diced
4 to 8 ounces chopped ham
3 - 4 cups chicken broth
salt, pepper, bay leaf - other favorite seasonings

Melt butter in your soup pan and saute onions and carrots until softened.

Add potatoes and ham, stirring and browning about 3 or 4 more minutes. ( I leave the potato skins on..it's easier and they are good for you!)

Add chicken broth and water, if necessary, to cover. ( I used Knorr chicken bouillon this time but I prefer to use a soup base paste product - not as salty).  Bring to a boil and add cabbage and spices.

Reduce heat and simmer until all vegetables are tender (an hour or more). Adding more broth and/or water if needed.  Add seasonings to taste.

Here are a couple of seasoning products I use quite a bit...

Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning - it's not a cajun spice but a nice blend with a little heat. It has salt in it so be careful not to over do it with plain salt too.

A splash or two of Balsamic Vinegar improves almost any dish as well.

I like making soup...cook once and have meals for days!  It's easy for husbands to heat up a bowl full while you are away at quilt group!