GERMAN CABBAGE AND RICE SOUP

[German Cabbage and Rice Soup]
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SERVES 4

This Cabbbage and Rice Soup is based on a traditional German recipe. It is quick, very easy to make, healthy and absolutely delicious. See the notes below for a few possible alterations, including a vegetarian version.

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons butter, preferably unsalted

4-5 cups shredded cabbage

1 large onion, chopped (about 1-1/2 cups)

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 cups water

Salt and pepper to taste

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

3/4 cup uncooked long grain rice

Shredded Swiss cheese for garnish, about 1 cup

Heat butter in large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add cabbage and onions. Cover; cook until cabbage is golden-brown, stirring often, about 10 minutes. (Cabbage heads tend to have different amounts of moisture depending on several factors, including the time of year. You might need to add a little moisture or, conversely, you might have to remove the lid to get it to brown.). Add broth, water, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cover and simmer about 15 minutes. Add rice. Continue to simmer, covered for about 20 minutes, stirring often. Taste for seasoning. Serve in individual soup bowls. Pass shredded cheese separately.

Notes: For a vegetarian version, just replace the chicken broth with a low-sodium vegetable broth, You can substitute half of the butter with olive or canola oil. Since I seldom cook with white rice anymore, I use brown in this recipe. Check the box for cooking times. What I use takes about 50 miutes to cook, so I just add it with the broth and cook the soup for an adiditional 15 minutes. Use a really good Swiss cheese, such as Gruyere, Emmantaler or my favorite, Jarlsberg. The more flavorful the cheese, the less you will need.

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