If you’re craving something warm, wholesome, and packed with vibrant flavors, this Cabbage Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a delightful blend of hearty vegetables and comforting herbs simmered to perfection, creating a bowl of pure nourishment that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re looking for a light yet satisfying meal or a nutrient-rich soup to keep your wellness goals on track, this recipe delivers on taste and simplicity beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavor and texture. Each component adds its own personality, from the sweetness of carrots to the tender crunch of cabbage, making this soup both satisfying and colorful.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil to gently sauté the onions and garlic for a flavorful base.
- Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor as it softens.
- Garlic: Minced garlic provides a fragrant, savory kick.
- Carrots: Sliced for sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery stalks: Adds a subtle herbaceous crunch and balances the sweetness.
- Green cabbage: The star of the dish, chopped to tender perfection.
- Diced tomatoes with juices: Bring acidity and body to the broth.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that carries all the flavors.
- Dried thyme: Introduces an earthy, aromatic hint.
- Paprika: Adds a mild warmth and beautiful color.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper: For a bit of spicy complexity.
- Bay leaf: Infuses subtle herbal notes as the soup simmers.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens the soup with fresh green vibrancy upon serving.
How to Make Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens into a fragrant, translucent base that promises great flavor ahead. Stir in minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until you can smell its inviting aroma.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Next, toss in the sliced carrots, celery, and chopped cabbage. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, letting the vegetables mingle in the pot. This is where your soup begins to gain character and texture.
Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, including their juices, followed by six cups of your chosen broth. This creates a vibrant, flavorful liquid that the vegetables will bathe in.
Step 4: Season the Soup
Add dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper alongside a whole bay leaf. These seasonings infuse the broth with depth and layers of flavor that turn humble ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Bring everything to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, uncovered, for about 25 to 30 minutes. During this time, the veggies soften perfectly, and the flavors intensify, melding together beautifully.
Step 6: Final Touches
Remove the bay leaf, taste your creation, and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Just before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of fresh color and flavor.
How to Serve Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is an ideal garnish that adds a pop of green and a hint of herbal brightness. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you enjoy a touch of heat or a swirl of sour cream for creaminess.
Side Dishes
Pair this cabbage soup with crusty bread or warm, toasted garlic bread for dipping—this makes the meal more filling and adds pleasant textures. A simple green salad also complements the flavors nicely without overpowering the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in charming rustic bowls or mugs to enhance the cozy vibe. For a fun twist, ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls. You can even garnish with crispy bacon bits or toasted nuts to add crunch and a surprising depth of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cabbage soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
For meal prep convenience, this soup freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to three months. Just be sure to leave space for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Adding a splash of broth or water can help refresh the soup if it thickened after storage.
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Absolutely! Red cabbage will work nicely and add a lovely pop of color to your soup, along with a slightly different flavor profile that is delicious in its own way.
Is this Cabbage Soup Recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, the soup is completely vegan-friendly. It’s a nourishing and plant-based option full of vegetables and herbs.
Can I add protein to this soup?
Definitely! Adding cooked beans, like cannellini or chickpeas, or shredded chicken can boost the protein content and make the soup more substantial for a hearty meal.
How spicy is this soup? Can I adjust the heat?
This recipe has a mild warmth from paprika but is not spicy. To add heat, you can include cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce according to your taste.
Does the soup taste better the next day?
Yes! Like many soups, the flavors deepen and meld overnight, making the broth richer and the vegetables even more flavorful. It’s a great make-ahead dish for busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Soup Recipe is a delightful and nourishing dish that anyone can whip up with minimal effort and maximum love. The balance of fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and comforting broth makes it a forever favorite, whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in quiet self-care. Give it a try—you might just find a new staple that brightens your mealtime and warms your soul.
Print
Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This hearty and healthy cabbage soup is packed with fresh vegetables and warming spices, making it a perfect low-calorie, vegan meal. It combines tender cabbage, carrots, celery, and diced tomatoes in a flavorful vegetable broth with aromatic herbs for a comforting and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 can (14.5-ounce) diced tomatoes with juices
- 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
Spices and Herbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion: Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine vegetables: Add the sliced carrots, celery, and chopped cabbage; stir to combine well.
- Add liquids and spices: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the broth. Add dried thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and the bay leaf.
- Simmer soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
- Final touches: Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra protein, add cooked beans or shredded chicken to the soup.
- This soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
- It freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
