Hearty & Healthy Cabbage Soup: The Ultimate Cozy, Nutritious Meal
Every spoonful of this homemade cabbage soup is a warm embrace, brimming with a colorful medley of healthy vegetables gently simmered in a rich, flavorful herby-tomato broth. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that nourishes both your body and your soul. Whether you’re seeking a light yet satisfying dinner, a wholesome lunch, or a delightful starter, this easy cabbage soup recipe delivers on all fronts.
Why Our Hearty Cabbage Soup Recipe Stands Out
This particular cabbage soup recipe isn’t just another vegetable soup; it’s a testament to simple, wholesome cooking that yields extraordinary flavor. It’s wonderfully healthy, deeply comforting, and packed with an abundance of tender green cabbage, sweet onion, aromatic garlic, crisp celery, juicy tomatoes, vibrant carrots, and fresh green beans. These garden-fresh ingredients are then elevated with a sprinkle of dried herbs, creating a rich, flavor-packed base that sings with every spoonful. Imagine cozying up with a bowl of these good-for-you ingredients, all simmered together to perfection in just a single pot – a true weeknight warrior meal!
Cabbage, often an underestimated vegetable, is truly a nutritional powerhouse. It’s packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and various antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for a healthy diet. This recipe transforms humble cabbage into a star, offering a satisfying and naturally low-calorie soup. But cabbage’s versatility extends far beyond soup; it’s a fantastic foundation for hearty main dishes like our cabbage rolls or a flavorful side such as fried cabbage. Don’t overlook this incredible veggie – it has so much to offer in terms of both taste and nutrition!
What makes this specific recipe exceptional is the careful balance of ingredients and the simplicity of its preparation. The combination of diced tomatoes with dried thyme and parsley creates a robust, herbaceous broth that complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables. It’s a recipe designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, perfect for busy individuals or anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet without sacrificing taste or comfort. This is truly the best easy cabbage soup you’ll find!
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Cabbage Soup
Crafting a delicious cabbage soup starts with quality ingredients. Below is a snapshot of what you’ll need to create this comforting bowl of goodness. For precise measurements, a printable recipe card is available at the end of this post, detailing all ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Detailed Ingredient Guide & Smart Substitutions
VEGGIES – The foundation of any great vegetable soup! Our recipe calls for yellow onion, garlic, green cabbage, celery, carrots, and green beans. These ingredients contribute significantly to the soup’s body, texture, and nutrient profile. A 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes adds a lovely acidity and depth to the broth. We specifically recommend using green cabbage because it becomes wonderfully tender and sweet when cooked, absorbing the flavors of the broth beautifully. However, this is a highly versatile dish, so don’t hesitate to experiment! You can easily substitute or add other vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers, zucchini, diced potatoes (for a heartier soup), spinach, or kale for an extra boost of greens. Feel free to tailor the vegetable mix to your preference, making this truly your own healthy cabbage soup.
STOCK – The choice of stock plays a crucial role in the final flavor of your soup. We suggest using either low-sodium vegetable stock for a completely vegetarian/vegan option or low-sodium chicken stock for a richer flavor profile. Using low-sodium ensures you can control the saltiness of your soup and season it to taste. If you’re a fan of homemade broths, feel free to substitute with your own vegetable or chicken stock for an even deeper, more nuanced flavor. The broth forms the heart of this cozy meal, so choose a quality stock!
AROMATICS & SEASONINGS – Beyond the fresh vegetables, a blend of dried herbs and spices is key to developing that signature comforting flavor. Dried thyme and dried parsley provide a classic herbaceous backbone, while salt and ground pepper enhance all the natural flavors. Don’t underestimate the power of these simple additions to transform your soup from good to truly great!
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Delicious Cabbage Soup
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large 6-quart soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your finely chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Sauté them gently for 3-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, creating a savory base for your cabbage soup.
- Next, introduce the bulk of your vegetables and seasonings to the pot. Add the chopped green cabbage, sliced celery, diced tomatoes (undrained), chopped carrots, fresh green beans, salt, dried thyme, dried parsley, and ground pepper. Stir everything together well, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with the aromatic base.
- Pour in enough vegetable or chicken stock to just barely cover all the vegetables in the pot. Bring the soup to a robust boil over medium-high heat, leaving the pot uncovered. This initial boil helps to meld the flavors and begin the cooking process for the harder vegetables.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Then, cover the pot and lower the heat to its lowest setting, allowing the soup to gently simmer for an additional 20 minutes. This slow simmer is crucial for developing deep flavors and ensuring all vegetables become tender.
EXPERT TIP – If you prefer your cabbage and other vegetables to be exceptionally soft and melt-in-your-mouth, simply continue to cook the soup, covered, for an additional 15 minutes. This extra simmering time will break down the cabbage further and deepen the overall taste of your healthy cabbage soup.
Cabbage Soup FAQs & Chef’s Tips for Success
Storing leftover cabbage soup is incredibly easy, making it perfect for meal prep. Simply transfer the cooled soup into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for 4-5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until thoroughly warmed through.
Absolutely! Cabbage soup freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for long-term storage and convenient future meals. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty Ziploc bags, ensuring to leave a little headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat until it’s piping hot.
If you prefer a thicker, more substantial broth in your cabbage soup, there are several simple methods to achieve this. One effective way is to stir in a few tablespoons of tomato paste along with the diced tomatoes; its concentrated nature adds both flavor and body. Alternatively, you can create a slurry by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch or all-purpose flour with an equal amount of cold water, then slowly whisk this into the simmering soup until it reaches your desired consistency. For a creamier, naturally thicker soup, you could also blend a portion of the soup (about 1-2 cups of the cooked vegetables and broth) until smooth, then stir it back into the pot.
Our cabbage soup recipe is wonderfully vegetarian-friendly as is, but it’s also incredibly adaptable! To add protein and make it even heartier, consider stirring in cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, ground turkey, or browned sausage (Italian sausage or a mild breakfast sausage works well). If you prefer to keep it meatless but still want to add substance, try incorporating some white rice, diced potatoes, lentils, chickpeas, or your favorite canned beans. For an extra layer of flavor in the broth, a bay leaf simmered with the vegetables can do wonders. A dash of smoked paprika can add a subtle smoky depth, while a pinch of red pepper flakes will introduce a gentle heat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite spices!
While our recipe specifies green cabbage for its tenderness and mild flavor, most varieties of cabbage will work well. Savoy cabbage will also yield tender results with a slightly crinkled texture, while red cabbage will give your soup a beautiful purple hue and a slightly bolder flavor (though it might bleed color into the broth). Napa cabbage, with its delicate leaves, cooks quickly and provides a milder taste. Choose whichever fresh cabbage you prefer or have available!
Yes, with a few adjustments! For a slow cooker, sauté the onion and garlic on the stovetop first for best flavor, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender. For an Instant Pot, use the “Sauté” function for onion and garlic, then add remaining ingredients and cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 5-7 minutes with a quick release. The cooking time for cabbage in a pressure cooker is much shorter, so keep that in mind to avoid overly soft vegetables.
Perfect Pairings for Your Cabbage Soup
This heartwarming cabbage soup is a complete meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a few thoughtful additions. For a burst of freshness, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of bright, chopped fresh parsley right before serving. The vibrant green not only adds color but also a delightful herbaceous aroma. To make it a more substantial meal, serve your soup alongside slices of warm, crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for dipping. If you’re looking for extra richness, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a creamy tang, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese offers a savory finish. Enjoy it warm, straight from the pot, for the ultimate comforting experience!
More Delightful & Healthy Soup Recipes
If you loved this healthy cabbage soup, you’ll be thrilled to explore our other comforting and easy-to-make soup recipes that are perfect for any occasion:
- Hearty Lentil Soup
- Classic Split Pea Soup
- Easy & Creamy Tomato Soup
- Wholesome Healthy Vegetable Soup
- Elegant Cream of Asparagus Soup
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Cabbage Soup
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion chopped, about 1 1/2 cups
- 4 cloves garlic minced, about 1 tablespoon
- ½ large head of green cabbage chopped, 9-10 cups
- 6 cups low sodium vegetable stock or chicken stock. 6-7 cups
- 2 ribs celery chopped, 2 cups
- 28 ounces diced tomato 1 can
- 1 large carrot chopped, 1 1/2 cups
- 1 cup fresh green beans cut into 1 inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- fresh parsley optional as garnish
Things You’ll Need
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6 quart soup pot
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Chef’s knife
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Cutting board
Before You Begin
- Our cabbage soup recipe is vegetarian-friendly, but you can always add in a protein like bacon, chicken, or crumbled sausage to beef it up. If you don’t want to add meat, try stirring in some white rice, diced potatoes, beans, or chickpeas for an even heartier soup. Add a bay leaf for further flavor in the broth.
- If you like a thicker broth in your cabbage soup try adding a few tablespoons of tomato paste to the mix. This should help thicken it up. You can also try adding cornstarch or flour.
- Low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock work well here. Substitute with homemade stock if desired.
- Store leftover cabbage soup in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Reheat on the stovetop.
- To freeze, transfer the cooled soup to an air-tight container or large ziptop bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on medium-low on the stovetop until warmed through.
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat, then add in chopped onion and garlic.
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Add cabbage, celery, diced tomato, carrot, green beans, salt, dried thyme, dried parsley, and ground pepper.
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Add enough stock to almost cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil uncovered.
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Cook uncovered on medium/medium-low for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cover and simmer on lowest setting for 20 minutes.
NOTE – if you want your cabbage to be softer, cook covered for an additional 15 minutes.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.