Hello, Optavia enthusiasts and soup lovers! 🥣 Are you craving a warm, comforting meal that aligns with your Optavia Lean and Green plan? Look no further! Today, we’re stirring up a delicious pot of Optavia-friendly unstuffed cabbage roll soup. This hearty dish captures all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but in an easy-to-make soup form. Let’s dive into this simple, nutritious, and utterly satisfying recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Soup
Before we get to the recipe, let’s talk about why this unstuffed cabbage roll soup is about to become your new favorite Lean and Green meal:
- Easy to Prepare: One-pot wonder that’s simpler than traditional cabbage rolls.
- Nutrient-Dense: Packed with vegetables and lean protein.
- Low-Carb: Fits perfectly into your Optavia plan.
- Comforting: Satisfies cravings for hearty, home-cooked meals.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Great for making ahead and reheating.
Now, let’s get cooking!
Optavia Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean or higher)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage (about half a medium head)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, no salt added
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional, for serving)
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Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge on the side if desired.
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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Tips for the Perfect Soup
- Choose the Right Beef: Opt for 93% lean or higher to keep the fat content in check.
- Don’t Overcook: Simmer just until the cabbage is tender to maintain texture and nutrients.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Freeze for Later: Portion into individual containers for easy future meals.
Customizing Your Soup
While this recipe is designed to fit into your Optavia plan, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences or nutritional needs. Here are some Optavia-friendly variations:
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Veggie Boost: Add extra non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Spice Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano.
- Texture Change: For a chunkier soup, reduce the amount of broth.
Remember to adjust your portions accordingly to ensure your meal still aligns with your Optavia Lean and Green guidelines.
Serving Suggestions
While this soup is a complete meal on its own, you might want to consider these Optavia-friendly serving ideas:
- Pair with a side salad of mixed greens for extra vegetables.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein.
- Sprinkle with a small amount of shredded low-fat cheese for extra flavor.
Meal Prep and Storage
This unstuffed cabbage roll soup is perfect for meal prepping:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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Wrapping Up: Soup’s On!
There you have it, Optavia friends – a delicious, comforting unstuffed cabbage roll soup that fits perfectly into your healthy lifestyle. This soup is proof that eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. It’s a warm hug in a bowl that will keep you on track with your weight loss goals.
Remember, variety is the spice of life, even on a structured plan like Optavia. For more meal ideas, check out our Optavia-friendly recipe collection or learn how to hack your Optavia fuelings for endless variety.
Now, we’d love to hear from you! Have you tried making this unstuffed cabbage roll soup? Did you add your own twist to the recipe? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below – let’s inspire each other to make healthy eating delicious and fun!
Until next time, happy cooking and stay fabulous! 🥘✨
