If you are on the lookout for a wholesome, flavorful, and comforting soup that fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle, then you have to try the Best Diet Cabbage Soup with Ground Turkey Recipe. This dish brings together tender cabbage, savory ground turkey, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a fragrant broth that warms you from the inside out. It’s a game-changer for anyone wanting to enjoy a satisfying meal without the guilt, and the fresh ingredients ensure every spoonful bursts with vibrant taste and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and nutrition. Each component plays a vital role—from the buttery richness that starts the base to the crisp, fresh cabbage ribbons adding texture and color. Having these essentials ready means you’re just moments away from creating something truly special.
- 3 tbsp butter: Kerrygold salted butter gives the soup a creamy, rich depth from the very start.
- 2 cups carrots: Adds sweetness and a lovely pop of color to balance the savory flavors.
- 1 cup celery: Brings a subtle crunch and aromatic freshness that brightens the broth.
- 1 large yellow onion (diced into 1/2-inch pieces): A foundational flavor builder essential for that comforting soup base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a punch of warmth and complexity in every bite.
- 1 lb ground turkey: Lean protein that keeps the soup hearty without weighing it down.
- 2.5 tsp dried thyme: Adds earthy floral notes that complement the cabbage beautifully.
- 6 cups chicken broth: Using Swanson ensures consistent saltiness and rich chicken flavor.
- 3 dried bay leaves: Infuses subtle herbal undertones during the simmering process.
- 6 cups cabbage (sliced into 1/4-inch thick ribbons): The star of the show, providing bulk, nutrition, and that classic cabbage soup goodness.
- 1.5 tbsp bouillon: Better Than Bouillon deepens the broth’s savory character with minimal effort.
- 1/8 tsp white pepper: Gentle heat that doesn’t overpower but rounds out the spices nicely.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes: Adds a slight kick to keep things interesting.
- Salt to taste: Essential to balance all the flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper to taste: Freshly cracked for a final peppery boost.
How to Make Best Diet Cabbage Soup with Ground Turkey Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Ground Turkey
Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté until they become tender and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial as it lays down the flavor foundation for your soup. Next, add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with your spoon, and cook it until it’s no longer pink. Browning the turkey infuses the soup with rich meaty flavor and ensures a satisfying texture.
Step 2: Add Herbs, Broth, and Bay Leaves
Now it’s time to season and build that savory broth. Stir in the dried thyme, chicken broth, bouillon, and bay leaves. Bring everything to a gentle boil before lowering the heat to a simmer. This simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a broth that’s both rich and aromatic. Let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes to deepen the taste.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cabbage and Spices
With the broth ready, add the sliced cabbage ribbons to the pot. Stir gently so the cabbage is immersed in the flavorful liquid. Sprinkle in the white pepper, pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Continue simmering the soup for another 15 minutes or until the cabbage becomes tender yet still holds a bit of bite. This preserves the vibrant texture and freshness that make cabbage soup so delightful.
Step 4: Final Taste and Adjust
Before serving, remove the bay leaves and give the soup a final taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes a tiny extra pinch of salt or pepper can make all the difference. This final step ensures your Best Diet Cabbage Soup with Ground Turkey Recipe is perfectly balanced and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Best Diet Cabbage Soup with Ground Turkey Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a handful of fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can elevate your soup with a burst of fresh flavor and a hint of richness. For a touch of creaminess without the guilt, a dollop of plain Greek yogurt works beautifully, adding silkiness and tang.
Side Dishes
This soup stands strong on its own, but pairing it with a crunchy whole-grain roll or a side salad packed with crisp greens and a light vinaigrette makes for a well-rounded meal that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your cabbage soup in rustic bread bowls for a cozy, inviting presentation that also adds an edible element to the meal. Or, layer it with warm crusty bread and a side of avocado toast for a fun and filling lunch spread that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cabbage soup stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making subsequent servings even tastier. Just make sure to cool it before sealing.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You might want to add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. Microwave reheating is fine too, just cover and heat in intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute if you prefer its milder flavor. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust any seasonings to your taste.
Is this cabbage soup recipe low in carbs?
Yes, the Best Diet Cabbage Soup with Ground Turkey Recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for a diet-friendly meal. The cabbage and lean turkey provide fiber and protein without the carb overload.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can, by swapping the ground turkey for a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or lentils and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavors will shift slightly but remain delicious and hearty.
How spicy is this soup?
The heat level is very mild, thanks to just a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you want it spicier, you can easily add more or include a dash of hot sauce when serving.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the turkey and sauté the veggies ahead, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, adding the cabbage in the last hour to keep it tender yet crisp.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Best Diet Cabbage Soup with Ground Turkey Recipe that makes you feel nourished, satisfied, and excited for your next bowl. It’s a recipe that’s as kind to your waistline as it is to your taste buds, bringing wholesome ingredients together in a soul-warming way. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to comfort food.
Print
Best Diet Cabbage Soup with Ground Turkey Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Best Diet Cabbage Soup with Ground Turkey is a wholesome, comforting, and flavorful low-calorie soup perfect for a healthy meal. Packed with ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it is a satisfying and hearty option for anyone seeking a nutritious and easy-to-make dish. The rich flavors come together beautifully without excess fats or carbs, making it an ideal dish for diet-conscious eaters.
Ingredients
Base
- 3 tbsp butter (preferably Kerrygold salted butter for a richer base)
Vegetables
- 2 cups carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups cabbage, sliced into 1/4-inch thick ribbons
Meat
- 1 lb ground turkey
Spices and Seasonings
- 2.5 tsp dried thyme
- 3 dried bay leaves
- 1.5 tbsp bouillon (Better Than Bouillon recommended)
- 1/8 tsp white pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Liquids
- 6 cups chicken broth (Swanson preferred for consistent salt levels)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Chop the carrots and celery into small pieces, dice the yellow onion into 1/2-inch pieces, mince the garlic, and slice the cabbage into 1/4-inch thick ribbons. This will ensure even cooking throughout the soup.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Cook ground turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot with the vegetables. Break it up using a spoon or spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. This step builds a rich meaty base for the soup.
- Add seasonings and herbs: Stir in the dried thyme, bay leaves, white pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the flavors infuse throughout the meat and vegetables.
- Pour chicken broth and bouillon: Add the 6 cups of chicken broth along with the 1.5 tablespoons of bouillon paste. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the broth to develop depth.
- Add cabbage: Stir in the sliced cabbage ribbons. Continue simmering the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still retains some texture.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper to your preference. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle soup into bowls and enjoy a warm, nutritious meal perfect for any diet plan.
Notes
- Butter adds richness but can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter fat option.
- Using ground turkey breast will reduce fat content further compared to dark meat.
- For extra spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes carefully to your heat preference.
- Leftover soup stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
- Ensure not to overcook the cabbage to keep slight crunch and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- This soup is naturally gluten free if you use gluten free bouillon and broth.
