Warm up with a bowl of our incredibly easy cabbage soup recipe! This comforting soup is a kitchen staple, known for its healthy, low-calorie appeal and simple preparation. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, this versatile recipe fits perfectly into any meal plan. Get ready to enjoy a flavorful and nourishing dish that comes together quickly.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Soup Recipe
This amazing cabbage soup recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks and beginners alike. You will adore it because:
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, you can have a delicious meal on the table in about 30 minutes.
- Budget-Friendly: It uses common, inexpensive ingredients found in any grocery store, making it perfect for meal planning.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit any taste or dietary need.
- Naturally Wholesome: Packed with fresh vegetables, this soup is nourishing, low in calories, and rich in beneficial nutrients.
- Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps and clear instructions make this a foolproof recipe for new cooks.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your next favorite cabbage soup recipe:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 large carrot, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon salt
½ cabbage, chopped
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
4 to 6 cups vegetable broth, depending on your preferred thickness
1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
Cracked black pepper, to taste
Notes & Substitutions
You have plenty of flexibility with this simple cabbage soup recipe. Use green cabbage for a classic taste, or try savoy or napa cabbage for a slightly different texture. For diced tomatoes, regular canned tomatoes work well, but fire-roasted add a smoky depth. Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian, but chicken broth is a great alternative if preferred. Feel free to adjust the minced garlic to your liking and experiment with other dried herbs like thyme or marjoram.
Equipment
Making this cabbage soup recipe is straightforward and requires only a few basic kitchen tools. You will need:
A large pot or Dutch oven (4-6 quart capacity)
A sharp knife
A cutting board
A wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to prepare your delicious cabbage soup recipe in no time. This recipe yields 4 servings and takes only 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time.
- Cook the vegetables. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook these vegetables, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the aromatics. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt. Continue cooking for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. This step truly builds the base flavor for your amazing cabbage soup recipe.
- Incorporate the cabbage. Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir it well to combine with the other vegetables and seasonings. Let the cabbage sweat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to wilt and soften.
- Let it simmer. Pour in the vegetable broth and the canned diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, or until all the vegetables, especially the cabbage, are tender to your liking.
- Finish and serve. Remove the cabbage soup recipe from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, fresh parsley, and cracked black pepper. Give it one last stir to combine all the flavors. Ladle the warm soup into bowls and serve immediately.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the best results with your cabbage soup recipe every time with these helpful tips. To chop cabbage efficiently, quarter the head, remove the core, then slice or dice as desired. For a thicker soup, reduce the broth or let it simmer longer; for a brothier soup, add extra warmed broth. Prevent overcooked or mushy cabbage by adding it during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering. Enhance flavor by adding a bay leaf during simmering or a dash of smoked paprika. Cabbage is nutrient-rich, offering anti-inflammatory properties and aiding digestion, making this soup a fantastic healthy choice. To learn more about the nutritional benefits of cabbage, including its anti-inflammatory properties and aid in digestion, check out this article on Healthline.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This cabbage soup recipe is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your warm cabbage soup recipe with a slice of crusty bread for dipping, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a side of whole-grain crackers. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream also adds a lovely creamy touch.
Storage Instructions
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. This soup freezes beautifully! Store it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Leave a little headspace if using containers, as the liquid will expand.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
Recipe Variations
- Meaty Additions: Brown 1 pound of ground beef, turkey, or chicken with the aromatics for a heartier cabbage soup recipe. Cooked sausage or shredded chicken can be stirred in during the last few minutes of simmering.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Boosts: Add a can of rinsed and drained cannellini beans, lentils, or diced firm tofu during the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra protein and fiber.
- Extra Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, or even a handful of spinach or kale stirred in at the very end until wilted.
- Heartier Options: Stir in ½ cup of uncooked small pasta, diced potatoes, or cooked rice during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering to make the soup more filling.
Nutrition
Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving for this healthy cabbage soup recipe. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
FAQ
Can I make this cabbage soup in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?
Yes, for an Instant Pot, sauté vegetables, then add remaining ingredients (except lemon and parsley) and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. For a slow cooker, combine everything (except lemon and parsley) and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
What is the best type of cabbage for this recipe?
Green cabbage is the classic choice, offering a mild flavor and good texture. However, savoy or napa cabbage also work beautifully, providing a slightly softer bite.
Can I add meat to this vegetarian cabbage soup?
Absolutely! Brown ground beef, turkey, or chicken before adding the other vegetables. You can also stir in cooked shredded chicken or diced sausage towards the end of the cooking process for a heartier meal.
How long does cabbage soup last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, your homemade cabbage soup recipe will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep.
Is cabbage soup good for weight loss?
Cabbage soup is naturally low in calories and high in fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied. This makes it a great option for supporting weight management goals as part of a balanced diet. To learn more about how a diet rich in fiber can aid in weight management, you can refer to information from the Cleveland Clinic.
Conclusion
This delightful cabbage soup recipe truly embodies simplicity, health, and incredible flavor. It’s a testament to how quick and easy cooking can be, proving that delicious meals don’t need to be complicated. Packed with vibrant vegetables and warming spices, it’s the perfect nourishing dish for any day of the week. We encourage you to whip up a batch of this comforting soup soon. Share your creations with us, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for more beginner-friendly recipes and time-saving cooking tips!
