A Nutritious and Satisfying Meal!
If you’re looking for a delicious, light, and nutritious meal, this diet soup is perfect for you. Packed with vegetables and flavorful spices, this soup is low in calories yet filling enough to keep you satisfied. Whether you’re following a weight loss plan or simply want a warm and comforting dish, this diet soup is ideal for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to make in either an Instant Pot or a slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for Instant Pot version)
- 1 cup diced onions
- 3 ribs of celery, sliced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 6 cups water
- 2 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Base
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 cups chopped cabbage
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can green beans, drained
Instructions for Instant Pot:
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. When the display shows HOT, add the olive oil, followed by the diced onions, sliced celery, and carrots. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, until they soften and become aromatic. This step enhances the flavor of the soup by caramelizing the onions and vegetables.
2. Add Water and Scrape the Pot
Pour in the 6 cups of water, and make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent any vegetables from sticking or burning. Keeping the Instant Pot on the sauté setting will allow the water to warm up while you add the remaining ingredients.
3. Add Seasonings and Vegetables
Now, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients: Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Base, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, kosher salt, chopped cabbage, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and green beans. Stir the mixture well to combine all the flavors.
4. Pressure Cook
Cover the Instant Pot and ensure the lid is securely in place, with the valve set to sealing. Select the SOUP button and set the cooking time for 10 minutes. If your Instant Pot doesn’t have a soup button, use the pressure cook button set to low pressure for the same amount of time.
5. Natural Release
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5-10 minutes before moving the valve to venting. Carefully remove the lid once the pressure has fully released.
6. Stir and Serve
Stir the soup thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot. This flavorful and nutrient-packed soup is ready to be enjoyed!
Instructions for Slow Cooker:
1. Combine Ingredients
For the slow cooker version, there’s no need to sauté the vegetables or use olive oil. Simply add all the ingredients—onions, celery, carrots, water, Better Than Bouillon, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, kosher salt, chopped cabbage, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and green beans—directly into the slow cooker. Stir everything to combine.
2. Cook on Low
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let the soup cook for about 8 hours. During this time, the flavors will slowly meld together, resulting in a rich and flavorful broth.
3. Stir and Serve
Once the cooking time is complete, give the soup a good stir. Then, ladle it into bowls and serve hot. The slow-cooked vegetables and broth will be tender and flavorful, making for a satisfying meal.
Why This Diet Soup Is So Effective
This diet soup is more than just a low-calorie meal option—it’s filled with essential nutrients. The combination of cabbage, green beans, and carrots provides a hefty dose of vitamins and fiber, which can help you feel full longer without consuming excess calories. The spices, like black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning, elevate the flavors without adding extra fat or calories.
Additionally, Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Base offers a rich, savory flavor that intensifies the taste of the soup without the need for high-fat stocks or broths. With the added flexibility of using either an Instant Pot or a slow cooker, this soup can be prepared to fit your cooking schedule, making it a convenient meal option for busy weekdays.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Make a Big Batch: This soup freezes exceptionally well. Consider making a large batch and freezing individual portions for easy meal prep during the week. Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to switch up the vegetables depending on what you have on hand. Zucchini, spinach, or even bell peppers would make excellent additions or substitutions to this recipe.
- Add Protein: While this soup is delicious as is, you can add protein like shredded chicken, tofu, or lentils to make it even more filling and nutritionally balanced.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce when serving.
- Serve with a Side: Pair this diet soup with a slice of whole-grain bread or a side salad for a complete meal that still aligns with your healthy eating goals.
Conclusion
This diet soup is not only a nutritious, low-calorie option, but it’s also flavorful, comforting, and easy to make. With just a few ingredients and either an Instant Pot or slow cooker, you can enjoy a hearty meal that fits into almost any diet plan. The combination of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices creates a broth that is rich in taste while being light on calories. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick dinner, this diet soup is a versatile, satisfying choice that won’t leave you feeling deprived.
Enjoy your bowl of warmth and comfort!