Cabbage soup has always been my go-to whenever I need a comforting and nourishing meal that’s incredibly simple to make. I remember my mom making a big pot of this on chilly autumn evenings, the aroma of savory vegetables filling our entire house. It’s more than just a soup; it’s a hug in a bowl! This healthy cabbage soup recipe is one of my favorites because it’s so versatile and forgiving. You’ll find it’s an easy cabbage soup to whip up, even on your busiest nights. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Soup
This soup is a winner for so many reasons! It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly and packed with nutritious vegetables, offering amazing cabbage soup benefits.
- Deliciously savory and comforting taste
- Ready in under an hour for a quick meal
- Packed with vitamins and fiber for your health
- An economical choice for feeding a crowd
- A hit with the whole family, even picky eaters
- Supports a healthy lifestyle, similar to the cabbage soup diet
- Great for a satisfying meal on the cabbage soup diet
Cabbage Soup Ingredients
Gathering the ingredients for this amazing vegetable cabbage soup is a breeze, and they all come together to create a truly satisfying meal. You’ll need 2 tablespoons olive oil to start our sauté, followed by 1 large onion, diced, 2 medium carrots, chopped, and 2 stalks celery, diced for our aromatic base. We also add 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper for seasoning.
Next, we build flavor with 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander. The star, of course, is 1 head green cabbage, chopped, which gives this soup its name and bulk. We then add 1 28-ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes for a touch of smoky sweetness, and 1 small zucchini, halved and sliced for extra texture. Finally, 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth provides the liquid base, and 2 tablespoons red or white wine vinegar adds a bright finish. Don’t forget 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness!
How to Make Cabbage Soup
Making this delicious soup is a straightforward process that results in a wonderfully flavorful meal. Here’s how to make cabbage soup:
- Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, grab a large pot or Dutch oven and place it over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Step 2: Once the oil is shimmering, add your diced onion, chopped carrots, and diced celery. Season them with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Sauté these aromatics until they start to soften and become fragrant, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Now, it’s time to add the spices that will make this soup sing! Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, and ground coriander. Cook for just about one minute more, stirring constantly, until the spices are wonderfully fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Give it a good stir to combine with the other vegetables. Cover the pot and let the cabbage cook down for about 3 minutes. You’ll notice it starting to wilt slightly.
- Step 5: Pour in the can of fire-roasted tomatoes, the sliced zucchini, and the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir everything together well. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with any additional salt and pepper you feel it needs. This is a key part of how to make cabbage soup taste amazing.
- Step 6: Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. This allows the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Step 7: Just before serving, stir in the red or white wine vinegar. This adds a subtle tang that brightens up all the flavors. Give it a final taste to ensure it’s perfect, then ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy your homemade cabbage soup!
Pro Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup
To elevate your homemade soup, try these simple tricks:
- Don’t overcook the cabbage; aim for tender-crisp for the best texture.
- Using fire-roasted tomatoes adds a lovely depth of flavor that store-bought plain diced tomatoes can’t quite match.
- A splash of red wine vinegar at the end really brightens everything up – don’t skip it!
- Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process, especially before serving.
What’s the secret to perfect Cabbage Soup?
The secret to a truly perfect bowl of this soup, making it the best cabbage soup recipe, lies in building layers of flavor from the start. Sautéing your aromatics (onion, carrots, celery) until softened and then blooming the spices before adding the liquid is key. That little bit of sautéing magic makes all the difference! For more on flavor building, check out this guide on building flavor in soups.
Can I make Cabbage Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is fantastic for cabbage soup meal prep. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just reheat gently on the stove.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cabbage Soup?
A common pitfall is overcooking the cabbage, which can make it mushy. Stick to the simmering time and check for tenderness. Also, ensure you taste and adjust seasonings before serving; the broth needs that final touch of salt and pepper to really shine.
Best Ways to Serve Cabbage Soup
This soup is so versatile, it can be enjoyed in so many ways! For a truly satisfying and hearty cabbage soup experience, I love serving it with a crusty piece of whole-grain bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful broth.
Another favorite pairing of mine is a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette, which adds a refreshing contrast to the soup. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, a grilled cheese sandwich or some savory crackers make excellent companions. This soup is fantastic on its own, but these pairings truly make it a complete meal! Consider pairing it with a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
Nutrition Facts for Cabbage Soup
This nourishing soup is a fantastic option for a light and healthy meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving (this recipe yields 6 servings):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
How to Store and Reheat Cabbage Soup
This soup is a meal prep dream! Once your delicious cabbage soup has cooled down, transfer it into airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. This makes it incredibly convenient for grabbing a healthy lunch or quick dinner throughout the week. For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the soup for up to 3 months. Just ensure the containers are freezer-safe.
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, reheating is simple. You can gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a bit thick, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Alternatively, a quick way to reheat a single serving is in the microwave. This makes cabbage soup meal prep incredibly efficient!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Soup
What are the main cabbage soup benefits?
This soup is packed with nutrients! The high fiber content from the cabbage and other vegetables aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, which is great for weight management. It’s also rich in vitamins A, C, and K, offering antioxidant properties. These cabbage soup benefits make it a winner for overall health and wellness.
Is this a good low calorie cabbage soup option?
Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be a wonderfully low calorie cabbage soup. The ingredients are naturally low in calories and fat, focusing on filling vegetables and broth. It’s a satisfying meal that won’t derail your healthy eating goals, making it perfect for anyone watching their calorie intake.
Can I add other vegetables to this cabbage soup?
Definitely! The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to toss in other vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers, green beans, or even a handful of spinach or kale. Customizing it makes it your own unique version of this comforting soup!
How does this recipe differ from the cabbage soup diet?
While this recipe shares many ingredients with the traditional cabbage soup diet, it’s designed to be a delicious and balanced meal rather than a restrictive short-term diet. We’ve included a wider variety of vegetables and seasonings for better flavor and nutrition, making it a satisfying meal you can enjoy regularly, not just for a few days.
Variations of Cabbage Soup You Can Try
This basic recipe is fantastic on its own, but it’s also a wonderful canvas for customization! You can easily transform this soup into a spicy cabbage soup by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the garlic. For those who love a richer, more decadent meal, consider making a creamy cabbage soup by stirring in a splash of half-and-half or coconut milk at the end, or even blending a portion of the soup before returning it to the pot.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, simply ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also add beans or lentils for extra protein and fiber, making it even more substantial. Experimenting with different herbs and spices, like a bay leaf or a touch of smoked paprika, can also add exciting new flavor dimensions to your favorite cabbage soup!
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Amazing Cabbage Soup in Under 1 Hour
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This hearty cabbage soup is a comforting and nutritious dish packed with vibrant vegetables, perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or a warming meal any time of year. It’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and makes for delicious leftovers.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 2 medium Carrots (chopped)
- 2 stalks Celery (diced)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1 head Green cabbage (chopped)
- 1 28-ounce can Fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 small Zucchini (halved and sliced)
- 4 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons Red or white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Sauté diced onion, chopped carrots, and diced celery with kosher salt and black pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, and ground coriander. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage, cover, and cook for 3 minutes.
- Combine fire-roasted tomatoes, sliced zucchini, and broth. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in red or white wine vinegar, then taste and adjust seasoning before serving hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- This cabbage soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to a week.
- To reheat, simply warm on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to regain its comforting consistency.
- Feel free to add or substitute vegetables according to your preferences.
- Avoid overcooking the cabbage to maintain its texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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