Portuguese Cabbage Soup (Sopa de Repolho)

1. In a large soup pan filled with the water, add the carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, chicken cube, salt, and 1 cup of cabbage. Let it come to a boil  and cook on medium heat for 30 minutes.
2. When vegetables are cooked, puree the soup with a blender to your desired consistency.
3. Add the remaining cabbage, rice and olive oil and cook for another 30 minutes on medium heat.
4. Add more water if you find the soup has thickened too much.
5. Add fresh cracked pepper and crushed red pepper if desired before serving.

Recipe & Photo Credit: Tia Maria's Blog, portuguesediner.com/tiamaria