Cabbage Soup is one of those comforting, soul-warming recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl. Packed with vibrant vegetables, a gentle blend of herbs, and a burst of freshness from lemon juice, this soup manages to be hearty and nourishing without ever feeling heavy. It’s a classic you’ll want to make on chilly days or whenever you crave something wholesome, filling, and easy to whip up. Every spoonful is a blend of savory broth, tender cabbage, and colorful veggies—all coming together to create the perfect, satisfying bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cabbage Soup is that you likely have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already. Each one brings something special—a pop of color, a hit of flavor, or that essential texture that makes the soup irresistible from start to finish.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the vegetables soften and bloom with flavor.
- Yellow onion: Creates that classic savory base to build all the other flavors on.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth and just the right kick.
- Carrots: Bring a subtle sweetness and gorgeous color.
- Celery: Lends traditional depth and an herby backdrop to every bite.
- Green cabbage: The star ingredient, giving the soup its signature body and gentle bite.
- Diced tomatoes with juice: Add tang, body, and a delicate acidity.
- Low-sodium vegetable broth: A flavorful base that ties all the vegetables together without overpowering them.
- Dried oregano: Brings earthiness and a nod to classic soup flavorings.
- Dried thyme: Adds herbaceous undertones that complement the cabbage beautifully.
- Paprika: Infuses a gentle smokiness and color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and elevating every other flavor in the pot.
- Lemon juice: A final squeeze of brightness that wakes up the whole bowl.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A finishing touch that gives your soup a pop of fresh color and fragrance.
How to Make Cabbage Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the onion, carrots, and celery. Let these veggies mingle for about 5 to 6 minutes until they’re just starting to soften—their savory flavors will lay the foundation for your delicious Cabbage Soup.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Now, sprinkle in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute. Stir frequently to avoid burning. This step boosts the aroma and depth, making the soup even more welcoming.
Step 3: Introduce the Cabbage
Add your chopped green cabbage to the pot. Give it a good stir and cook for 5 more minutes. As the cabbage wilts, it starts to take on those lovely savory flavors—this is where your Cabbage Soup truly starts coming together.
Step 4: Build the Broth
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (juice included) and the low-sodium vegetable broth. Stir it all together and watch your pot transform into a colorful, hearty soup base.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Season the pot with dried oregano, thyme, paprika, a nice pinch of salt, and several cracks of black pepper. Bring everything to a cheerful boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the soup bubble away, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cabbage and other veggies are perfectly tender.
Step 6: Finish and Adjust
Right before serving, stir in the lemon juice. This lifts the flavors and adds a fresh zing that brings everything together. Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Ladle the steaming Cabbage Soup into bowls and, if you like, scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top for that final flourish. Settle in and enjoy!
How to Serve Cabbage Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens every bowl and adds a touch of elegance. Feel free to get creative—try a dollop of vegan yogurt for extra creaminess, a few chili flakes for heat, or even thinly sliced green onions to ramp up the freshness.
Side Dishes
Cabbage Soup thrives alongside a hunk of crusty bread, tangy rye toast, or a crisp garden salad. For a heartier meal, serve it with warm whole-grain rolls or pair it with a classic grilled cheese (vegan or dairy—your choice!).
Creative Ways to Present
Transform Cabbage Soup into a showstopper by serving it in bread bowls for a rustic touch or ladling it into small mugs for a cozy appetizer. Hosting guests? Set up a DIY soup bar with toppings like croutons, seeds, and more fresh herbs, so everyone can customize their own bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Cabbage Soup cool to room temperature before moving it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
Freezing
Cabbage Soup is a freezer-friendly superstar! Portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. Freeze for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour your soup into a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You can also microwave individual servings—just cover the bowl and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I add protein to Cabbage Soup?
Absolutely! Add drained canned beans, cooked lentils, or even plant-based sausage for a hearty upgrade. Just stir them in during the last 10 minutes of simmering, so they heat through without getting mushy.
Does this Cabbage Soup taste good with extra greens?
Yes! Stir in a handful of spinach or chopped kale in the final few minutes of cooking. The greens wilt beautifully in the hot broth and add extra color, vitamins, and flavor.
How do I keep the cabbage from getting mushy?
Be sure to simmer just until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight bite. If you prefer it crisper, check the soup after 20 minutes; if you like it softer, let it cook a bit longer.
Can I use different vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! This recipe is very forgiving. Swap or add in veggies like zucchini, bell pepper, green beans, or potatoes to suit your taste or whatever’s in your fridge.
Is Cabbage Soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes—Cabbage Soup only gets better as it sits! Its flavors deepen and meld, making your make-ahead meal even tastier throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one recipe to bring cozy comfort and vibrant nutrition to your dinner table, it’s this Cabbage Soup! I know you’ll fall for its flavor, simplicity, and the way it welcomes all sorts of tasty variations. Give it a try this week and see why it has earned a spot in my regular meal rotation!
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Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A hearty and healthy cabbage soup recipe that is full of flavor and perfect for a light meal. This vegan soup is packed with vegetables and herbs, creating a satisfying dish that is low in calories but high in nutrition.
Ingredients
Vegetable Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small green cabbage, chopped
Broth and Seasonings:
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Cabbage: Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the chopped cabbage and cook for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cabbage and vegetables are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- This soup is naturally low in calories and great for meal prep.
- Add cooked beans or lentils for extra protein.
- You can also stir in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for added greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
