I love this soup! I think the idea for it originated with my parents trying a cabbage soup diet when I was a kid. I loved it then too. I was the skinniest girl you can imagine, but woo hoo I loved it when my parent’s went on this diet.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 head of cabbage
- 2 celery sticks
- 2 medium onions
- 2 carrots (I use the equivalent in baby carrots and save myself the time.)
- 2 potatoes
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes
- 2 quarts chicken broth (I use Better Than Buillon and water.)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Cilantro
- Fresh squeezed key lime juice
In a 4 quart dutch oven heat the broth. While the broth is heating peel, chop and add the vegetables. Add remaining ingredients and heat to boiling. Turn down and simmer until vegetables are to desired tenderness. Serve with chopped cilantro and fresh squeezed lime juice.
I still have not gotten back into all of my pre-pregnancy clothes–grr! So I’ve been making this soup and eating it for one meal a day. For a strict diet you would probably leave out the potatoes, but I especially like to include them. Since I’m nursing I also eat an ounce of cheese or a handful of nuts with it. This cuts the amount of calories I’m consuming way back. Now, if I could just snack on apples or carrots rather than crackers and chips I might get somewhere! 
I’m linked with Time to Sparkle, Time Warp Wife and Raising Homemakers.
You can also make it with chicken or beef or even fish if you like it. The basic seasoning and vegetables are the same. But then it has more calories. It took my husband years to be convinced to put lime juice in his soup, and when he finally did, he admitted it made all the difference! We also put chayote squash in it.
I’m going to try this! I’m an old cabbage soup dieter from way back and always liked this. never thought to put the Mexican spin on it. I would probably drop the potatoes from mine and add some beef. I’ve been liking the del Real products and their shredded beef is so good and convenient. I think it might work well in this.
I like your recipes Esther
So far I’ve tried your salsa, mex beans, and pork taco meat.
Good reviews on all.
I’m about ready to head out for the store so I’ll pick up a head of cabbage and veggies. I think I’ll put everything in a crock pot and let it simmer.
How I love soups. This one sounds so delicious. I’ll have to try it.
[...] I shared my Mexican Cabbage soup recipe with you. It’s been fun to hear from so many who tried it and liked it! I had really been [...]