Chicken and Cabbage Soup

The great thing about this soup is that, besides being delicious, its low in calories. The cabbage in the soup makes it quite filling and one does not feel the need to add any other carbs (e.g. pasta) to their meal. It would make a great starter, but I personally like to treat it as my main course. The garnish of the fried garlic, though optional, adds tremendous flavor. I highly recommend this recipe to soup lovers.

Calories: About 250-300 per serving

Makes: About 3 large servings

2-3 boneless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips

1 tsp sesame oil (or olive oil)

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 tbsp chopped garlic

1 tbsp chopped ginger

6-7 cups chicken broth (or combination of 3 cups of broth with 3 cups of water)

3/4 cup finely chopped or shredded carrot

3 cups thinly sliced cabbage

3-4 lime leaves

3/4 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp fish sauce

2 tbsp rice vinegar

2 cups sliced mushrooms (optional)

1 cup sliced scallions/green onions

Juice of one lime

3 tbsp chopped cilantro/green coriander leaves

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tbsp thinly sliced garlic, fried till brown and crispy (optional)

Heat oil in a sauce pan and add the onions. When soft, add the garlic and ginger and saute till very slightly brown. Add the lime leaves, carrots and chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring continuously, for about 5 minutes and then add the soy sauce, fish sauce and rice vinegar. Then, pour in the broth and cook on medium heat till simmering. Add the cabbage and mushrooms and cook till chicken is done (about 15 minutes). Stir in the scallions, lime juice and cilantro and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with the fried garlic and serve hot.