Savoy cabbage soup

Here is the Italian recipe for savoy cabbage soup:

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized savoy cabbage
• 1 onion
• 1 carrot
• 1 stalk of celery
• 1 potato
• 100 g of smoked bacon (optional)
• Enough vegetable or meat broth
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by washing and cutting the cabbage into not too thin strips.
2. Peel and chop the onion, carrot, celery, and potato.
3. In a large pot, heat a drizzle of oil and if you choose to use the bacon, fry it until it becomes crispy.
4. Remove the bacon and set it aside. In the remaining fat, sauté the onion, carrot, and celery until they are soft.
5. Add the cut cabbage and potato, then cover with the vegetable or meat broth.
6. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the cabbage and potatoes are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the soup hot, adding the crispy bacon that you set aside and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Trivia

Savoy cabbage soup is a traditional dish in northern Italy, particularly popular in Lombardy and Trentino. It is a hearty and warm dish, ideal for cold winter evenings. You can enrich it as you prefer, for example by adding legumes or rice for an even richer and more complete version.