Cha~Cha Cabbage Soup

"Beautiful soup, so rich and green
Waiting in a hot tureen!
Who for such dainties would not stoop?
Soup of the evening, beautiful soup!
Beautiful soup! Who cares for fish
Game, or any other dish?
Who would not give all else for two
Pennyworth of beautiful soup?"
Lewis Carroll, ‘Alice in Wonderland’

About twenty years ago...OK, maybe more then twenty, my room-mate Carol was dieting and she found the recipe for a "negative calorie" soup, "Cabbage Soup". Basically during digestion, your body burns more calories then is actually in the soup.  It was not hard for me to fall in love with the soup in spite of it's dietary promises. Full of cabbage and other yummy veggies, seasoned with salsa, it had my favorite flavor profile ~ savory and spicy. *Don't panic! not too spicy*.

One of my other favorite soups is "Taco Soup".  A version of chili, taco soup is also very low in calories. I like to healthy mine up and make it with ground turkey instead of beef. Besides, the turkey counteracts the chips and cheese I like to garnish with...right?!?

So, playing with recipes in my head, which is one of my favorite pass times. And now since starting Weight Watchers; working on recipes that are low calorie, low point, filling and most of all recipes that will appeal to my taste buds, I married the two soups and came up with "Cha~Cha Cabbage Soup". This soup has close to the negative calories of "Cabbage Soup" but brings in the protein and spices of "Taco Soup" It is also SOOOO SIMPLE and economical! If you can cut up veggies, you can make this soup.  Not to mention, one batch is going to feed you or you and your family, for several meals. WHOOP!

Now, this recipe is not precise. Trust your taste buds and use your imagination. I will give you my basic version and list some options to change it up a wee bit if you want. The point values are based on the basic version. If you add, cheese, meat, a starch vegetable...etc. remember to adjust your points. Even then, this is still a great Weight Watchers option that is made up of "Super Foods", so adding more protein or a wee bit more starch, is not going to kill you!

Cha~Cha Cabbage Soup

Groceries you will need:

• 1 ~ Large head of green cabbage, chopped
• 1 ~ Large onion, diced
• 1 ~ Medium head of cauliflower, chopped *I like to chop mine up, not leave in florets it adds a certain texture and thickness*
• 1 ~ 28 Oz. can, diced tomatoes *use quality products for quality taste*
• 1 ~ 28 Oz. can, tomato sauce
• 2 ~ Envelopes, McCormick Taco Seasoning Mix
• Chicken Broth, Bouillon Cubes or "Better Then Bouillon" *whatever you have handy*
• 2 ~ 15 Oz. cans, kidney beans
• 1 ~ 16 Oz. bag, frozen cut green beans
• 2 ~ C. frozen corn

Yields approx. 40 Cups

How it's done:

1. In large soup pot or dutch oven *5 1/2 to 7 Qt.* combine cabbage, onion, cauliflower, tomatoes, tomato sauce and taco seasoning. 
2. Add enough chicken broth or water to just cover all ingredients.  Unless I have some home-made broth in my freezer I generally will use water and "Better Then Bouillon" to keep cost down.  The size of your cabbage and cauliflower is going to determine how much liquid you end up needing, so I can't really give you a precise amount. 
3. Bring to a boil and then reduce to simmer until veggies are tender. *20-30 minutes*
4. Add kidney beans, frozen green beans and corn, cook till heated through, generally 8-10 minutes.
5. Grab your spoon and EAT UP!

Can you smell the tomatoey, veggy goodness?!

If I have some extra Weight Watchers points I want to spend, I add a wee drizzle of olive oil and a smattering of parmesan cheese...heaven in a bowl!

Here are some other add ins you can try, remember this will effect point values:

• Cooked ground turkey, beef or chicken
• Rotisserie Chicken *shredded up*
• Potatoes *use red potatoes, they are best in broth base soups*
• Peas
• Black beans
• Carrots
• Rice, brown or white
• Pasta *Whole Grain Rotini is yummy, and adds a nutty element*
• Are you a vegan or vegetarian? Use vegetable broth or "Better the Bouillon Veggie Base" in lieu of chicken broth.

Yummy garnishes:

• Parmesan Cheese
• Cheddar Cheese...OK, any kind of cheese!
• Croutons
• Olive Oil
• Corn Chips
• Sour Cream or Cream Fresche

Kick arss meal!: 1 C. of Cha~Cha Cabbage Soup over a medium baked potato, topped with wee bit of cheese, sour cream, or both.  Fiber and protein, satisfying like a seven course meal!

Now, what about the points you ask?  Well, I used the Weight Watchers online calculator for the *Points Plus* program and per two cup serving, you are only spending TWO POINTS!!!!  *with no garnish*.

I hope you enjoy the marriage of two of my favorite soups.  As always, let me know if you have any questions.

Please feel free to share my recipes with family and friends...PIN AWAY, if you like!  I only ask that you credit the source as I work on my cookbook and try and grow my business.  Thanks so much!

Photo's of Taco Seasoning and Bullion were taken from companies prospective websites.