Revamped Comfort Vegetable Soup
Embrace the wholesome taste of my family's cherished recipe, Revamped Comfort Vegetable Soup. Inspired by the original Weight Watchers 0 Points Vegetable Soup, this delightful mix of vibrant vegetables is not just low in calories but packed with flavor. My mother perfected this soup back in 1993, turning it into a beloved dish at her workplace soup cook-off, where it claimed the top prize. After my own adjustments and a dash of Cajun spice, this rendition combines nutritious ingredients like cabbage, zucchini, and a medley of aromatic vegetables. Perfect for cozy dinners or as a hearty snack, enjoy a bowl filled with a rich legacy that’s sure to warm your heart and keep your waistline in check.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1/2 large (cut in half, sliced very thin)
carrot
1 cup (sliced)
celery
1 1/2 ribs (sliced)
nonfat beef broth
3 (14 ounce) cans (none)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (or use Cajun stewed tomatoes, chopped)
cabbage
2 1/2 cups (shredded (cole slaw mix works great))
beef bouillon cubes
2 (none)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
cajun spices
1 teaspoon (if using cajun stewed tomatoes, omit)
basil
1/4 teaspoon (none)
zucchini
1/2 cup (sliced)
Instructions
1
Start by spraying a large saucepan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
Sauté the sliced onion, carrots, and celery over medium heat until they become tender, approximately 5 minutes. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
3
In the same saucepan, combine the nonfat beef broth, diced tomatoes, shredded cabbage, beef bouillon cubes, minced garlic, Cajun spices (if using), and basil. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
4
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to simmer and cover the saucepan. Allow the soup to simmer for about 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
5
After 30 minutes, add the sliced zucchini to the simmering soup. Continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes until the zucchini is tender.
6
Serve hot, and for an extra crunch, consider pairing the soup with fat-free saltines to keep it within Weight Watchers' guidelines.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Revamped Comfort Vegetable Soup?
It is a low-calorie, flavorful vegetable soup inspired by the original Weight Watchers 0 Points Vegetable Soup, featuring a mix of cabbage, zucchini, and Cajun spices.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a version my mother perfected in 1993, which won a workplace soup cook-off.
How many ingredients are in this soup?
The recipe calls for 11 main ingredients, including various vegetables, broth, and spices.
How do I prevent the vegetables from sticking to the pan?
You should spray a large saucepan with cooking spray before you begin sautéing the vegetables.
How long should I sauté the onion, carrots, and celery?
Sauté the aromatics over medium heat for approximately 5 minutes until they become tender.
What kind of broth is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 (14 ounce) cans of nonfat beef broth.
Can I use a specific type of tomato for extra flavor?
Yes, you can use regular diced tomatoes or substitute them with Cajun stewed tomatoes for more flavor.
Should I add Cajun spices if I use Cajun stewed tomatoes?
No, if you are using Cajun stewed tomatoes, you should omit the additional teaspoon of Cajun spices.
What is the best way to prepare the cabbage?
You can shred the cabbage manually, though using a pre-packaged cole slaw mix works very well.
How many beef bouillon cubes are needed?
The recipe requires 2 beef bouillon cubes to enhance the savory flavor of the broth.
How much garlic is in the soup?
The recipe uses 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
What dried herbs are included?
The soup uses 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil for seasoning.
When should I add the zucchini to the soup?
Add the sliced zucchini after the rest of the soup has simmered for 30 minutes.
How long does the zucchini need to cook?
Once added, the zucchini should simmer for an additional 10 minutes until it is tender.
Is this soup considered a low-calorie dish?
Yes, it is designed to be low in calories and aligns with Weight Watchers guidelines.
What is the recommended side dish for this soup?
For a crunchy texture that stays within dietary guidelines, consider pairing the soup with fat-free saltines.
What is the total simmering time for this recipe?
The total simmering time is 40 minutes: 30 minutes for the base and 10 minutes after adding the zucchini.
How do I start the cooking process?
Start by bringing the mixture of broth, tomatoes, cabbage, and seasonings to a rolling boil before reducing to a simmer.
Can I use different vegetables in this soup?
While the recipe specifies onion, carrot, celery, cabbage, and zucchini, the base is versatile enough to accommodate other garden vegetables.
Is there any fat or oil used in the cooking?
The recipe uses cooking spray instead of oil or butter to keep the fat content minimal.
How much cabbage is used?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of shredded cabbage.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be cut in half and then sliced very thin.
Does the soup need to be covered while simmering?
Yes, you should cover the saucepan while it simmers to let the flavors meld and prevent too much liquid from evaporating.
Is this soup spicy?
It has a dash of heat from the Cajun spices, but you can adjust the level of spice to your preference.
How much zucchini is added?
The recipe includes 1/2 cup of sliced zucchini.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, like most vegetable soups, the flavors often improve after sitting, making it a great meal-prep option.
How much celery is required?
You will need 1 1/2 ribs of celery, sliced.
Is this soup appropriate for a hearty snack?
Yes, its low calorie count makes it an excellent choice for a hearty, nutritious snack between meals.
What is the texture of the vegetables in the soup?
The vegetables are simmered until tender, with the zucchini added last to ensure it doesn't become overcooked or mushy.
Should the soup be served hot or cold?
The recipe is intended to be served hot as a comforting meal.