Cabbage Soup is the ultimate comfort food for anyone craving something both nourishing and delicious. Packed with vibrant veggies and brimming with flavor, this classic recipe is my go-to whenever I want a hearty meal that won’t weigh me down. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even as part of a meal prep plan, you’ll find that every spoonful hits the spot. Plus, it’s easily adaptable for any dietary needs, and the way the flavors meld together is simply irresistible—truly, this is a soup you’ll want to make on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about making Cabbage Soup is how accessible and fuss-free the ingredients are. Each has a simple role to play, from building the rich, savory broth to adding pops of natural sweetness and color.
- Olive Oil: Adds a hint of richness and helps develop flavor as you sauté the vegetables.
- Onion: Brings savory depth and a subtle sweetness as the aromatic base of your soup.
- Garlic: Delivers that irresistible, warming aroma and taste every great soup needs.
- Carrots: Offer natural sweetness and a beautiful burst of orange color.
- Celery: Adds a classic, earthy flavor and helps build balanced flavor alongside the carrots and onions.
- Green Cabbage: The star of the show—its tender texture and mild taste soak up all the other flavors.
- Zucchini: Lends extra nutrition and a gentle, almost creamy bite once cooked.
- Diced Tomatoes with Juice: Brings tang, a hit of acidity, and a lovely broth color.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth: The base that brings all the veggies together with savory goodness—choose veggie for vegan.
- Dried Oregano: Provides a subtle herbal note that rounds out the flavor.
- Dried Thyme: Adds a gentle, woodsy aroma that’s perfect for soup.
- Paprika: For a whisper of smokiness and extra color.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors (taste and adjust as you go).
- Fresh Parsley (Optional): A bright green garnish that adds freshness to the final bowl.
How to Make Cabbage Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally—the onions should become soft and translucent, releasing their signature sweetness. This simple step lays the groundwork for all of the lovely flavor to come.
Step 2: Add More Veggies
Next, toss in your garlic, carrots, and celery. Stir and let them cook for another five minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften a bit and start mingling their flavors. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point—just the way it should when Cabbage Soup is on the menu!
Step 3: Build the Body of the Soup
Add the chopped cabbage, diced zucchini, and the entire can of diced tomatoes (juice and all) to the pot. Stir well, then pour in your vegetable or chicken broth. Watch as your soup transforms, with all those gorgeous colors swirling together.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the dried oregano, thyme, paprika, plus a good pinch of salt and cracked black pepper. Stir everything together, bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the Cabbage Soup cook for 25 to 30 minutes, until the vegetables are just-tender and the kitchen smells impossibly cozy.
Step 5: Taste and Finish
Before you serve, taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper if you need to. This is your moment to make the flavors really pop. If you like, scatter in a little fresh parsley for a touch of color and brightness.
How to Serve Cabbage Soup
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh parsley is a favorite finishing touch—it adds a spark of green and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor. For extra flair, a little sprinkle of grated Parmesan, a squeeze of lemon, or a swirl of olive oil can all work wonders, depending on your mood.
Side Dishes
Cabbage Soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread, warm rolls, or even a simple green salad. If you want to make it a heartier meal, serve it alongside a grain like quinoa or brown rice, or add beans or leftover rotisserie chicken right into the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Cabbage Soup in individual bread bowls or small mugs for cozy gatherings. If you’re entertaining, offer a DIY soup bar with toppings like croutons, fresh herbs, or chili flakes so everyone can customize their own bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Cabbage Soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days—a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Freezing
Cabbage Soup is wonderfully freezer-friendly! Divide cooled soup into freezer-safe containers (leave a little space at the top for expansion) and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If you’re reheating just a bowlful, the microwave works great—just cover loosely and heat in bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I add protein to my Cabbage Soup?
Absolutely! This soup welcomes beans, shredded chicken, or even sliced sausage for a heartier spin. Simply stir your chosen protein into the soup once the vegetables are nearly tender, and simmer until heated through.
Is Cabbage Soup good for meal prep?
It’s fantastic for meal prep. The flavors only get better after a day or two, and it holds up well in the fridge or freezer. Portion into jars or containers for easy grab-and-go meals all week long.
Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, red cabbage is a delicious alternative—it has a slightly earthier flavor and a striking color. Just note that your soup broth may take on a pinkish hue, which is both fun and tasty!
How can I make my Cabbage Soup spicier?
If you like a little heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili when you add the herbs and spices. A splash of hot sauce at the table also does the trick!
What makes this Cabbage Soup healthy?
Loaded with a mix of fiber-rich vegetables and low in calories, Cabbage Soup is not only filling but also naturally gluten-free and vegan (when using vegetable broth). It’s comfort food you can truly feel good about eating any night of the week.
Final Thoughts
I hope this easy Cabbage Soup brings warmth and joy to your table as it does to mine. Give it a try soon—it’s fresh, comforting, and full of possibilities. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a family favorite in your kitchen, too!
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Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty cabbage soup recipe packed with nutritious vegetables and flavorful herbs. This vegan and gluten-free soup is perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetable Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- ½ head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional:
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Add cabbage, zucchini, diced tomatoes, and broth. Season with oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- This soup is naturally low in calories and great for meal prep.
- Feel free to customize with beans, chicken, or sausage for added protein.
- Stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
