Hearty Cabbage Stew: A Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Delight

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (make sure it's gluten-free)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the cabbage, carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes. Mince the garlic.

2. Sauté the Vegetables (Optional): In a large pot, you can optionally heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened (about 5 minutes). This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped for a completely oil-free recipe.

3. Add the Cabbage and Potatoes: Add the chopped cabbage, diced potatoes, and the can of diced tomatoes (with juice) to the pot.

4. Pour in the Broth: Add the vegetable broth to the pot. Stir in the paprika, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Cook the Stew: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

6. Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Enjoy your hearty, comforting cabbage stew!

This stew is perfect for a cozy meal and can easily be customized with additional vegetables or beans for added protein.