A cozy, filling, and nutrient-packed soup that’s low in carbs but high in protein—perfect for meal prep, fat-loss goals, or a light but satisfying dinner.
🧾 Ingredients
🥩 Protein base
- 300–400g chicken breast (or turkey mince / lean beef)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper to taste
🥬 Vegetables
- ½ large green cabbage (shredded)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (optional, use lightly for lower carbs)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 3–4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes (no sugar added)
🥣 Broth & seasoning
- 5–6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt & pepper to taste
💪 Protein boost options (choose one or combine)
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (extra)
- OR 1 cup cooked lentils (moderate carb option)
- OR 2 boiled eggs per serving (for serving)
- OR ½ cup cottage cheese stirred in at the end
- OR 1 scoop unflavored collagen or protein powder (mix carefully into broth)
🔥 Instructions
1. Cook the protein
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chicken (or turkey mince).
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove and set aside (if using whole pieces, shred later).
2. Build the flavor base
- In the same pot, add onion, garlic, celery, and bell pepper.
- Sauté for 3–5 minutes until slightly softened and fragrant.
3. Add liquids & seasoning
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
- Add paprika, oregano, thyme, chili flakes, and bay leaf.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Add cabbage
- Add shredded cabbage gradually (it will look like a lot but reduces quickly).
- Stir and let simmer for 10–15 minutes until cabbage softens.
5. Add protein back in
- Return cooked chicken to the pot.
- Let everything simmer together for another 5–10 minutes so flavors combine.
6. Final adjustments
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spice level.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
🍲 Serving Ideas
- Top with shredded chicken for extra protein
- Add a boiled egg on top for a keto-friendly boost
- Sprinkle parmesan or feta for richness
- Serve with chili oil if you like heat 🔥
💛 Tips
- The longer it simmers, the better it tastes.
- For ultra low-carb, skip carrots or use very little.
- Great for meal prep—flavor improves after 24 hours.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
⚡ Why it works
- High protein keeps you full longer
- Cabbage adds bulk with almost no carbs
- Broth-based = light but satisfying
- Perfect for weight management or clean eating
