There’s something truly magical about a big pot of Healing Cabbage Soup simmering on the stove—the aroma alone hints at restoration and comfort! This is the kind of soup that brings family together on a chilly evening, satisfies cravings without guilt, and packs a vibrant punch of nourishing vegetables in every spoonful. Healing Cabbage Soup isn’t just about filling your belly, but about making you feel wholesome and recharged from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is purposefully selected to bring both flavor and nutrition to your bowl. The combination makes Healing Cabbage Soup a true celebration of simple, honest food that delivers comforting warmth and plenty of color.
- Cabbage: The star of the show, cabbage brings a mellow sweetness and plenty of nutrients, as well as heartiness without heaviness.
- Carrots: For natural sweetness, bright color, and extra vitamins—carrots add balance and chew.
- Celery: A must for classic soup flavor, celery adds a crunchy freshness that lifts the entire pot.
- Onion: This foundational aromatic brings depth and an irresistible fragrance to the base.
- Garlic: Three cloves give a kick of flavor and a little immune-boosting magic at the same time.
- Red Bell Pepper: Sweet and colorful, red pepper adds brightness and a touch of vitamin C.
- Green Bell Pepper: Slightly bitter and grassy, green pepper adds complexity you’d miss otherwise.
- Diced Tomatoes (canned): These bring acidity, body, and a little natural sweetness to the soup.
- Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth: The liquid gold that binds it all together—choose your favorite for optimal flavor.
- Olive Oil: For gently sautéing vegetables, adding flavor, and making the soup silky.
- Salt: To enhance every ingredient and round out the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Just enough for warmth and depth.
- Dried Oregano: Herbaceous and earthy, oregano brings savory Mediterranean undertones.
- Dried Basil: Basil infuses the broth with sunny, fragrant notes.
- Paprika: A little smoky sweetness makes each bite pop.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle heat—add more or less depending on your spice tolerance.
- Lemon Juice: Just a squeeze brightens everything up and finishes the soup beautifully.
- Fresh Parsley: Tossed in at the very end, parsley brings a lovely green finish and a burst of fresh flavor.
How to Make Healing Cabbage Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, stirring often. Let them sizzle and soften for about five minutes—this patient step unlocks their flavors and creates a comforting, fragrant foundation for the entire Healing Cabbage Soup.
Step 2: Add the Peppers
Next, toss in the chopped red and green bell peppers. Cook for an additional three minutes, stirring occasionally. The peppers will infuse the other vegetables with color and a sweet, fresh aroma that signals even more flavor is on its way!
Step 3: Wilt the Cabbage
Stir in your chopped cabbage and let it cook with the other veggies for about five minutes. You’ll notice the cabbage begin to soften and wilt slightly—this gentle pre-cooking makes it tender but not mushy in the final Healing Cabbage Soup.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings
Pour in the diced tomatoes and low-sodium vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, paprika, and, if you like a gentle kick, some crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine everything—at this moment, your soup is starting to look and smell incredible!
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. Give the soup a stir every so often, and let the vegetables cook until they’re all deliciously tender and the flavors are mingling in a way that can only be described as healing bliss.
Step 6: Finish with Lemon and Parsley
Just before serving, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and scatter over the chopped parsley. This final flourish brightens the Healing Cabbage Soup and turns it into an inviting, aromatic dish that looks as vibrant as it tastes.
How to Serve Healing Cabbage Soup
Garnishes
The finishing touches can make your Healing Cabbage Soup truly shine. A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a thin slice of lemon floating atop each bowl makes everything feel fresh and special. Some people love a dollop of Greek yogurt or a few twists of cracked black pepper as well for added creaminess and punch.
Side Dishes
Cabbage soup is hearty on its own, but a slice of crusty sourdough, whole grain toast, or a scoop of cooked brown rice turns it into a complete meal. If you’re feeling extra, pair it with a green salad for texture contrast or even a simple avocado toast for more nutrition and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving Healing Cabbage Soup in individual cocottes or mismatched vintage mugs transforms an ordinary meal into a cheery gathering. For a fun twist, serve it over a scoop of quinoa or with a big, bright swirl of pesto on top to add herby pizzazz. Presentation is a celebration—let your inner artist shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Healing Cabbage Soup is made for make-ahead magic. After it cools, simply transfer the soup to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days, and actually develops an even deeper flavor by the next day as the ingredients get to know each other better!
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Once cooled, ladle into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Label with the date and you’ll have grab-and-go healing meals ready for the next month or two. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour your soup into a pot on the stove and warm gently over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave single servings—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between each to ensure even warmth. The soup tastes just as delightful reheated as it did fresh.
FAQs
Is Healing Cabbage Soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Not only does it keep well for several days, but the flavors deepen with time. You can portion it into individual containers for quick, nourishing lunches all week long.
Can I add protein to this soup?
Definitely. Healing Cabbage Soup is delicious as is, but a can of drained beans, cooked lentils, or some shredded rotisserie chicken will boost the protein content and make it heartier without sacrificing the soup’s soul-soothing qualities.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Healing Cabbage Soup freezes like a dream. Cool it completely, store in portioned containers or bags, and you’ll always have a warming bowl on hand for busy or chilly days.
Can I swap or add vegetables?
Feel free to riff on the recipe! Zucchini, spinach, kale, or even diced potatoes all make tasty additions. Just keep an eye on cooking times and add quicker-cooking veggies toward the end for best results.
Is Healing Cabbage Soup gluten-free and vegan?
It’s both! The soup checks the boxes for gluten-free and vegan diets, making it a wonderful choice for a wide range of eaters. Plus, the flavors are universally loved—perfect for sharing!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wondered whether a simple bowl of soup can truly uplift your day, let Healing Cabbage Soup be your answer. Packed with veggies, flavor, and warmth, it’s a dish I turn to again and again. Don’t hesitate—give this nourishing recipe a try, and let it bring a little extra comfort and cheer to your table.
Print
Healing Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
This Healing Cabbage Soup is a nutritious and comforting dish filled with wholesome ingredients that are perfect for a nourishing meal. Packed with vegetables and flavorful herbs, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients
Cabbage Soup:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Bell Peppers: Add the bell peppers and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Cook Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for 5 minutes until slightly wilted.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Season with salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Final Touch: Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley just before serving.
Notes
- This soup can be made ahead and freezes well.
- Add beans or shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Adjust seasonings to taste for more flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
