Cabbage Soup Recipe
If you’re longing for a hearty, nourishing bowl of comfort, look no further than this Cabbage Soup. Packed with vibrant vegetables and bold flavors, it’s a true celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most soul-satisfying way. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, a healthy meal-prep option, or the perfect dish to warm a chilly day, this Cabbage Soup promises to delight with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its humble, accessible ingredients that create something so much greater than the sum of their parts. Each component brings essential texture, color, and flavor to the table, making this Cabbage Soup as wholesome as it is delicious.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the vegetables caramelize, infusing the soup with a gentle, savory undertone.
- Onion: The aromatic backbone, onion brings a subtle sweetness and depth to every bite.
- Carrots: Their natural sweetness and tender texture brighten up the soup beautifully.
- Celery: Fresh and slightly peppery, celery gives essential crunch and earthy flavor.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves ramp up the fragrance and warmth, making each spoonful deeply satisfying.
- Green cabbage: The star of the show, cabbage becomes incredibly tender and almost buttery as it cooks.
- Diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes add vibrant color, tang, and just the right amount of acidity.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that ties all the ingredients together.
- Dried thyme: Classic, woodsy, and aromatic—just a teaspoon changes everything.
- Paprika: For gentle smokiness and a hint of warmth that takes the soup up a notch.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing the flavors into perfect balance.
- Bay leaf: An earthy background note that makes homemade soup taste just right.
- Lemon juice: Just a splash at the end lifts the whole soup with a fresh, tangy brightness.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top, it adds a burst of color and a pop of herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Cabbage Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion has turned slightly translucent. This step lays down the flavor foundation for the entire Cabbage Soup, so take your time and let those veggies get golden and fragrant.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much—it only needs a quick sizzle to release all that wonderful aroma and flavor.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. It might look like a lot at first, but it will cook down beautifully. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to soften and shrink in volume, taking on the flavors of the aromatics.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (including their juices) and your choice of vegetable or chicken broth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper, and drop in the bay leaf. Stir everything together well. The combination of herbs and spices is what infuses this Cabbage Soup with cozy, comforting depth.
Step 5: Simmer and Meld the Flavors
Bring the pot to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. This is when the magic happens: the cabbage softens, the flavors meld, and the soup takes on its rich, golden hue. Be sure to give it an occasional stir so everything cooks evenly.
Step 6: Finish and Adjust
Remove the bay leaf and stir in the lemon juice for that essential bright finish. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the hot Cabbage Soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy every nourishing spoonful!
How to Serve Cabbage Soup
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh parsley on top is classic, adding a pop of color and fresh herby flavor. You can also try a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or even a few chili flakes for a touch of heat. These finishing touches make each bowl of Cabbage Soup feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This soup is delightful when paired with crusty bread for dunking, a warm baguette, or even a slice of sourdough toast. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a simple salad or a baked potato. The soup’s lightness makes it a lovely starter or a filling main course.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving Cabbage Soup in rustic bread bowls or cute mini cocottes. If you’re meal-prepping, portion the soup into mason jars for grab-and-go lunches. For a family dinner, bring the whole pot to the table and let everyone ladle their own, inviting that sense of cozy communal dining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, let the Cabbage Soup cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep for up to five days, making it a wonderful option for workday lunches or quick, homemade dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
Cabbage Soup freezes remarkably well! Ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving an inch or so of space for expansion. It will keep its freshness for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or by running the container under cool water before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the soup gently in a saucepan over medium heat until piping hot, stirring occasionally. If reheating microwave portions, cover them with a lid or microwave-safe wrap and heat in 60-second intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens up too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I add protein to Cabbage Soup?
Absolutely! Stirring in white beans, shredded chicken, cooked ground turkey, or even sliced sausage can make the soup even more satisfying and protein-rich, turning it into a complete one-pot meal.
Can I use purple cabbage instead of green?
You can swap in purple cabbage for a fun color twist. The flavor is similar, although your Cabbage Soup will have a beautiful rosy hue and the broth may darken—as delicious as it is striking!
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, as written, this Cabbage Soup is naturally vegan if you use vegetable broth and skip any non-vegan garnishes. If you swap in chicken broth or add meat, of course, it will no longer be vegan.
Does this soup work for meal prep?
Cabbage Soup is practically made for meal prep! It tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge, and portioning it ahead makes for easy, healthy meals all week long.
What other vegetables can I add?
This soup is super flexible. Try tossing in chopped potatoes, bell peppers, green beans, or even a handful of baby spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra veggies and color.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Cabbage Soup a place at your table! It’s that rare recipe that feels comforting and nourishing at the same time, and I can’t wait for you to experience just how joyful a simple bowl of soup can be.
Print
Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty cabbage soup recipe that is both delicious and nutritious. This vegan soup is packed with vegetables and flavorful herbs, making it a perfect choice for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetable Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup:
- 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in garlic, cabbage, diced tomatoes, broth, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, simmer for 25–30 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors are blended.
- Finish: Remove bay leaf, stir in lemon juice, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with parsley.
Notes
- This soup is naturally low in calories and can be customized with beans, turkey, or rice for added protein and heartiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
