Red cabbage soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a starter or a main course. Here’s a simple recipe to make red cabbage soup:

Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized red cabbage, shredded
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
– Optional toppings: sour cream, fresh herbs

Instructions:
1. Heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the shredded red cabbage to the pot and stir well to combine with the other vegetables. Cook for a few minutes until the cabbage starts to wilt.

4. Pour in the vegetable broth and water, ensuring that the cabbage and vegetables are fully covered. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage and vegetables are tender.

6. Once the soup is cooked, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids.

7. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the consistency is too thick, you can add more vegetable broth or water to achieve the desired thickness.

8. Serve the red cabbage soup hot. You can garnish it with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top, if desired.

Enjoy your homemade red cabbage soup! It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad.