If you’re searching for a bowl of pure comfort and vibrant nutrition, look no further than Cabbage Soup. This classic, veggie-packed meal comes together quickly and bursts with flavor from carrots, celery, tender green cabbage, bright tomatoes, and a dash of fragrant herbs. Wholesome and delicious, it’s a cozy hug in a bowl that’s equally perfect for a chilly evening or a healthy lunch — and it’s about to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cabbage Soup lies in its simple, colorful ingredients. Each one brings a unique flavor and texture, creating a harmonious dish with minimal fuss. Here’s what you’ll need and a little insight into how each ingredient makes this soup truly special:
- Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing vegetables, lending rich flavor and a silky mouthfeel.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and depth as it softens in the pot.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings a warm aromatic note that brightens every spoonful.
- Carrots (3, sliced): Offer a natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- Celery (2 stalks, sliced): Infuses the soup with classic savory flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- Green cabbage (4 cups, chopped): The star ingredient delivers heartiness and a satisfying tender bite after simmering.
- Diced tomatoes with juice (14.5-ounce can): Boosts acidity and adds a rich, tomatoey base to the broth.
- Vegetable broth (6 cups): Provides a deeply savory backbone that ties all the flavors together.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds a Mediterranean-inspired earthiness.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Contributes an herbal, almost floral quality that pairs beautifully with cabbage.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a subtle smokiness, elevating the soup from simple to spectacular.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Season as you go for perfectly balanced flavor in every bite.
- Optional zucchini (1, diced): Toss in for extra green goodness and variety in texture.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Stir in at the end for a pop of brightness that wakes everything up.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): Fresh and herby, it makes the colors and flavors sing at the finish.
How to Make Cabbage Soup
Step 1: Start with the Aromatics
Begin by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once sizzling, toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are softened and the onion is starting to turn golden and fragrant. This initial step gives your Cabbage Soup a flavorful foundation that can’t be rushed!
Step 2: Bring on the Garlic
Sprinkle in the minced garlic and let it cook just for about a minute. You’ll notice a blossoming aroma as the garlic mellows and releases its signature punch — don’t let it brown, just stir until the kitchen smells incredible.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Add the chopped green cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juice, and pour in the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in your oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Bring this fragrant mixture up to a boil, then reduce the heat so it simmers gently. Let the Cabbage Soup bubble away uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, giving the vegetables plenty of time to become deliciously tender.
Step 4: Add Zucchini, If You Like
If you’re including zucchini, add it in the last 10 minutes of simmering. This ensures it stays brightly colored and just-cooked, adding another layer of flavor and texture to the soup. If you skip the zucchini, no worries — your Cabbage Soup will still be hearty and satisfying.
Step 5: Finish with Citrus and Herbs
Once everything is perfectly cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice for a fresh, tangy lift. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. You’ll be amazed how that final hit of brightness ties everything together.
How to Serve Cabbage Soup
Garnishes
Top your bowl with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley — its fresh, herby note really pops against the cozy savoriness of the Cabbage Soup. A squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce can be lovely, too, if you’re in the mood for a little zing or heat.
Side Dishes
Cabbage Soup is delightful on its own, but it’s also fantastic alongside crusty sourdough bread, a hunk of whole grain toast, or a crisp green salad. For more protein, try serving it with a scoop of cooked beans stirred in or some shredded cooked chicken if you like to keep things hearty.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Cabbage Soup in rustic mugs for a cozy lunch, or ladle it into wide, shallow bowls to show off its gorgeous colors. For a party or gathering, offer a toppings bar with sliced green onions, red pepper flakes, lemon wedges, and even a swirl of non-dairy yogurt or sour cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cabbage Soup tastes absolutely fabulous the next day, as all those flavors have time to mingle and deepen. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, Cabbage Soup freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 3 months — perfect for meal-prep or busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, or pop individual portions in the microwave. Add a splash of extra broth or water if it thickens up, and refresh with a sprinkle of parsley if you like.
FAQs
Can I add other vegetables to Cabbage Soup?
Absolutely! This soup is endlessly adaptable. Try adding bell peppers, potatoes, green beans, or whatever you have on hand — just adjust cooking times to ensure everything is tender.
Is Cabbage Soup good for meal prep?
Yes! Cabbage Soup actually gets better after a day or two in the fridge, making it a perfect meal-prep staple for healthy lunches or quick dinners all week long.
How do I make Cabbage Soup higher in protein?
You can stir in a can of drained beans (like cannellini or chickpeas) near the end of cooking, or add cooked chicken if you don’t mind breaking from the vegan theme. Both are delicious and filling!
Can I make Cabbage Soup spicy?
Definitely — add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne when simmering, or swirl in a little hot sauce just before serving for a customizable kick.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
No problem at all. Regular paprika or even a tiny bit of chili powder will do the trick; you’ll just miss the gentle smokiness, but the soup will still be amazing!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something fresh, wholesome, and soul-warming, give Cabbage Soup a try. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make, and how that humble cabbage can transform into a star. I can’t wait for you to savor your first spoonful!
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Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
This hearty and healthy cabbage soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. Packed with vegetables and flavorful herbs, it’s a satisfying meal on its own or as a starter. Easy to make and great for meal prep.
Ingredients
Vegetable Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add Ingredients: Add cabbage, diced tomatoes with juice, vegetable broth, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Final Touches: If using, add zucchini in the last 10 minutes of cooking. Stir in lemon juice before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- This soup stores well and tastes better the next day.
- You can add beans or cooked chicken for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
