Cabbage Soup with Rye Bread and Cheese

Cabbage soup with rye bread and cheese is a comforting dish combining the hearty flavors of cabbage, rustic rye bread, and richly melted cheeses. This dish finds its origins in Eastern European cuisine, where it is savored for its simplicity and warmth. The blend of ingredients creates a balance of earthy flavors, making it an ideal meal for a cozy evening.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

700 g cabbage, cut into large pieces
300 g stale rye bread
30 ml grapeseed oil
6 cloves garlic
50 g white onion, cut into large pieces
1.5 liters broth
200 ml cider or white wine
100 g Emmental cheese, coarsely grated
30 g Grana Padano cheese, finely grated

Spices and Seasonings

2 sprigs rosemary or thyme
Sea salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparation Time

90 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
Heat the Oil: In a cast iron pot, warm the grapeseed oil over low heat.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the onions and garlic, and sauté for about 10 minutes until they are fragrant and translucent.
Add the Cabbage: Introduce the cabbage to the pot, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for another 10 minutes until slightly tender.
Simmer Broth and Wine: In a separate pot, gently heat the broth, cider or white wine, along with the rosemary or thyme sprigs.
Layer the Bread: Tuck slices of rye bread between the cabbage in the cast iron pot.
Add the Cheese: Generously sprinkle the Emmental cheese over the bread and cabbage layers.
Pour the Liquid: Pour the prepared broth and wine mixture into the cast iron pot, ensuring the cabbage is submerged.
Bake: Place the pot in the preheated oven. Cook until the cabbage is tender and the cheeses are melted, blending their flavors, roughly 40 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle more cheese on top before serving. Enjoy the delightful blend of textures and flavors.

Tips

Substitutions: If Emmental cheese is unavailable, Gruyère or Swiss cheese can be great alternatives.
Broth Choices: Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version, whereas chicken broth adds a deeper flavor.
Enhance Flavor: Adding smoked paprika to the sautéed onions can give the soup a slight smoky depth.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 390 kcal per serving
Protein: 14 g
Fats: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g

Variations

Gluten-Free: Replace rye bread with gluten-free bread slices.
Vegan Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese and vegetable broth to keep it vegan-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty soup with a light green salad for a balanced meal.
Serve with a glass of crisp white wine to complement the cheese and broth flavors.

Best Places

1. Café Leningrad - Known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere with a vast selection of comfort foods. Location: Stabu iela 18, Riga, Latvia.

2. The Soup Spoon - Offers a cozy environment and a wide range of traditional European soups. Location: 1302 E 17th Ave, Denver, USA.

3. Zupa Zadara - Celebrated for its local ingredients and unique approach to classic soups. Location: Slomškov trg 5, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

4. Pirogarnia - Specializes in a variety of Eastern European soup dishes, perfect for cold days. Location: Świętojańska 68, Gdynia, Poland.

5. Kaarma - A trendy spot known for innovative twists on traditional dishes. Location: St. Stephen's Green, Dublin, Ireland.

6. Soup Culture - Offers a unique dining experience with its signature range of soups. Location: Delftweg 183, The Hague, Netherlands.

7. Kitchen and Coffee - Famous for blending international flavors with traditional European base. Location: Parnell Square West, Dublin, Ireland.

8. Bistro Duet - Enjoy traditional flavors presented in a modern setting. Location: Calle de Serrano, 45, Madrid, Spain.

9. Levain Bakery - Known as much for its soups as its famous baked goods. Location: 167 W 74th St, New York, USA.

10. Zupa Zapa Kazimierz - Combines Polish authenticity with contemporary culinary trends. Location: Meiselsa 42, Kraków, Poland.