Warm up with a bowl of this incredibly comforting and healthy cabbage soup. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly evening or a light lunch. This easy recipe brings together nourishing vegetables and savory broth for a truly flavorful experience. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, offering a versatile option for quick weeknight dinners or efficient meal prepping. Get ready to discover your new favorite go-to soup!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Soup
This wholesome cabbage soup is packed with goodness and designed for simplicity. Busy parents and beginner cooks will appreciate its straightforward approach and delicious results.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and simple steps mean dinner is on the table fast.
- Healthy and Hearty: Loaded with fresh vegetables, it’s nutritious, satisfying, and filling.
- Uses a Whole Head of Cabbage: A great way to use up that abundant vegetable economically.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples and fresh, affordable produce.
- Deliciously Flavorful: Savory broth, aromatic vegetables, and a hint of tang create a robust taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes a large batch that stores well for easy lunches or dinners all week.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your comforting cabbage soup. Fresh vegetables, pantry staples, and aromatic seasonings combine for a truly delicious result.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 celery rib, diced
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can cooked white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 garlic cloves, grated
- 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 1 small green cabbage, about 1 pound (9 cups chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily customize this hearty soup to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. For the cabbage, green cabbage works best, but savoy or Napa cabbage also make tasty additions. Instead of white beans, try cannellini beans, great northern beans, or even red lentils for a different texture. Feel free to swap Yukon Gold potatoes with red potatoes or sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness. Vegetable broth is ideal, but chicken broth works too; just choose a low-sodium option to control the salt. Experiment with dried herbs like oregano or marjoram if you don’t have thyme. Apple cider vinegar can stand in for white wine vinegar, adding a similar bright acidity to the stew.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this delicious recipe.
- Large Dutch oven or pot (6-quart minimum)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Instructions
Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions to create your flavorful cabbage soup.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, diced onion, and diced celery to the pot. Stir in ¾ teaspoon of sea salt and several generous grinds of fresh black pepper. Cook these aromatic vegetables, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes until they soften slightly.
- Add the 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar to the pot and stir it in. Next, pour in the two cans of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, the 4 cups of vegetable broth, and the drained and rinsed can of cooked white beans. Stir in the 4 grated garlic cloves, the 2 diced Yukon Gold potatoes, the 9 cups of chopped green cabbage, and the 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
- Cover the pot with a lid. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes and cabbage are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the lid and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to your preference. Ladle the warm soup into bowls, garnish each serving with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately. This simple meal is perfect for any day of the week.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the best results with your cabbage soup using these helpful tips.
- Perfectly Tender Cabbage: Avoid overcooking the cabbage; it should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Boost Flavor: Sautéing the carrots, onion, and celery well develops a deep flavor base. Don’t rush this step.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving and modify salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed.
- Add a Kick: For a bit of heat, stir in a pinch of red chili flakes with the other seasonings.
- Make it Creamy: Blend a cup or two of the finished soup with an immersion blender, then stir it back in.
- Prevent Mushy Potatoes: Cut potatoes uniformly in size so they cook evenly at the same rate.
- Too Thin? Simmer the soup uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly.
- Too Thick? Simply add a little more vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile cabbage soup pairs wonderfully with many sides and adapts easily to dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions: Serve generous bowls of this comforting soup alongside a slice of crusty bread or a warm whole wheat roll for dipping. A simple green salad or a light sandwich also makes a great accompaniment.
Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Ensure it cools completely before storing to maintain freshness.
Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.
Variations:
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken, ground turkey, or browned Italian sausage during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
- Other Vegetables: Incorporate chopped bell peppers, spinach, or kale in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spice It Up: A dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can add another layer of flavor.
- Herb Variations: Try adding a bay leaf during simmering (remove before serving) or fresh dill at the end.
- Dietary Modifications: For a low-sodium option, use salt-free broth and adjust salt to taste. To make it oil-free, sauté vegetables in a splash of water or broth instead of oil.
Nutrition
This flavorful cabbage soup is not just delicious but also incredibly nutritious. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber from all the fresh vegetables.
According to Healthline, cabbage is a great source of Vitamin C and K and contains powerful antioxidants.
The beans contribute plant-based protein and additional fiber, making it a satisfying and healthy meal. This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary needs. Always check a nutritional calculator for exact figures based on your specific ingredients.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210-250 kcal |
| Protein | 10-12g |
| Total Fat | 5-7g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5-1g |
| Carbohydrates | 35-40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9-12g |
| Sugars | 8-10g |
| Sodium | 600-750mg |
FAQ
Can I use other types of cabbage for this cabbage soup?
Yes, absolutely! While green cabbage is traditional, savoy cabbage or even Napa cabbage work well. They might cook slightly faster, so keep an eye on tenderness.
Is this recipe suitable for a weight loss diet?
Absolutely. This cabbage soup is packed with fiber-rich vegetables, naturally low in calories, and very filling, making it an excellent choice for a healthy eating plan.
How can I make this soup thicker?
For a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot. Alternatively, blend about a cup of the soup with an immersion blender and stir it back in.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, you can! For a slow cooker, sauté aromatics first, then combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function, then pressure cook on high for 8-10 minutes with a quick release.
What are common toppings for cabbage soup?
Fresh herbs like parsley or dill are classic. A dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese (if not vegan), or a swirl of pesto can also add wonderful flavor.
How do I prevent the cabbage from being bland?
Ensure you properly season the soup with enough salt and pepper, and don’t skip the white wine vinegar. Sautéing the aromatics deeply also builds a strong flavor base for the entire pot of soup.
Conclusion
This easy cabbage soup is truly a winner! It’s a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something incredibly delicious and deeply nourishing. Perfect for meal prepping or a cozy dinner, its versatility and flavor will make it a regular in your kitchen. We hope you enjoy making and savoring this comforting dish. Please try this recipe soon and share your thoughts in the comments below!
Delicious & Easy Cabbage Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 carrots chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 celery rib diced
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can cooked white beans drained and rinsed
- 4 garlic cloves grated
- 2 Yukon Gold potatoes diced
- 1 small green cabbage about 1 pound (9 cups chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the carrots, onion, celery, salt, and several grinds of pepper; cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the vinegar, then add the tomatoes, broth, beans, garlic, potatoes, cabbage, and thyme. Cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until the potatoes and cabbage are tender.
- Season the soup to taste, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.