Paula Deen Cabbage Soup Food

UN-STUFFED CABBAGE SOUP WITH MEATBALLS

Steps:

• For the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, rice, salt, pepper, cumin and 1/2 onion, minced. Form into 1-inch balls and set aside while you make the soup.
• For the soup: In a 6-quart pot, sweat the garlic in the olive oil until white in color. Add 1 cup minced onions and sweat until translucent. Then add 1 1/2 cups water, the carrots, tomato paste, brown sugar, ketchup and whole tomatoes with juice. Season with salt and pepper and simmer at a lively bubble for 10 minutes. Crush the whole tomatoes with a potato masher or fork. Continue to simmer until the carrots are tender, about 10 more minutes.
• Working in batches, transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth but not pureed. Return the soup to the pot. Remove the cabbage ribs and cut the leaves crosswise into 1/4-inch ribbons. Add the cabbage to the soup and stir to incorporate. Add the bay leaf and simmer over medium-high heat for 10 minutes more (the cabbage should be reduced in size). Add water to thin the soup to the desired consistency. Add the meatballs and simmer for 25 minutes. Add the lemon juice and raisins 10 minutes before serving.
• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sour cream and dill.

OLD-WORLD CABBAGE SOUP

Steps:

• Place chopped cabbage into an 8-quart soup pot.
• Microwave diced carrot in 2 tablespoons water for 6 minutes on high.
• Microwave diced celery in 2 tablespoons water for 4 minutes on high.
• Add the microwaved vegetables to the pot. Add minced sweet onion, celery, and ketchup. Add juice cocktail, vegetable broth, chicken broth, and tomatoes. Fill each can with water, and add the water to the mixture. Cover, and bring to a boil. Continue boiling for 30 minutes.
• Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 2 to 3 hours.
• Serve with slices of a French baguette. Have salt, black pepper, and Tabasco available to season to taste at the table.