Description
Hearty and comforting Crockpot Cabbage Soup packed with nutritious vegetables and flavorful herbs, perfect for an easy make-ahead meal that warms you up during chilly days.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Extras
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the cabbage, dice the onion, peel and slice the carrots, and chop the celery. Mince the garlic to prepare for cooking.
- Sauté the Aromatics (Optional): Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their aroma. This step enriches the flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- Combine in the Crockpot: Transfer the chopped cabbage, sautéed vegetables if used, diced tomatoes with juices, and vegetable broth into the crockpot. Add dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until all vegetables are tender and flavors meld together beautifully.
- Taste and Adjust: Remove the lid and taste the soup. Add extra salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Serve: Discard the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Enjoy your wholesome crockpot cabbage soup!
Notes
- Sautéing the vegetables before slow cooking adds depth of flavor but is not mandatory.
- You can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth if not vegetarian.
- Adjust the cooking time based on your crockpot’s heat settings and vegetable size.
- For a spicier soup, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
