Healthy Cabbage Vegetable Soup Recipe

When the weather takes a chilly turn or you’re craving something warm, comforting, and nourishing, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of soup. Cabbage Vegetable Soup is a delightful option that’s packed with flavor and nutrients, yet light on the stomach. The beauty of this dish is that it brings together simple, wholesome ingredients that combine perfectly to create a meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. It’s the kind of soup that you can easily whip up when you want something quick and nutritious, or even make ahead to enjoy throughout the week. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile-feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making a delicious, healthy cabbage vegetable soup that will have your taste buds dancing and your body feeling nourished. We’ll dive deep into each section, from ingredients to expert tips, so you can make this recipe your own and customize it however you like.

This cabbage vegetable soup is a perfect blend of fresh vegetables, savory seasonings, and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s low-calorie, packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a great option for anyone looking to eat healthier without compromising on taste. The cabbage is the star of the show, bringing a subtle sweetness and crunch, while the other vegetables add layers of texture and flavor.

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and the steps to create this wholesome, nutritious soup:

Ingredients Needed

Green Cabbage (1 Medium Head)

The main ingredient! Cabbage adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a great texture to the soup. It’s high in fiber, vitamin C, and contains antioxidants that help promote gut health.
Carrots (2-3 Medium-sized)

Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, a potent antioxidant that supports healthy vision and skin. They also add a sweet, earthy flavor to balance the dish.
Celery (2 Stalks)

Celery adds a refreshing crunch and subtle bitterness, offering a nice contrast to the sweetness of the carrots.
Onion (1 Medium)

Onions are essential for building flavor. They bring a rich, savory base to the soup and are full of immune-boosting compounds like quercetin.
Garlic (3 Cloves, Minced)

Garlic is a key aromatic, providing a pungent depth of flavor. Plus, it’s loaded with antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system.
Vegetable Broth (4 Cups)

A good vegetable broth is the foundation of the soup. It adds depth and richness without overpowering the freshness of the vegetables.
Diced Tomatoes (1 Can, 14.5 Oz)

Tomatoes provide acidity and a slight sweetness to balance the flavors. They also pack a punch with vitamins A and C, as well as lycopene-an antioxidant that supports heart health.
Olive Oil (1 Tablespoon)

Olive oil is great for sautéing the vegetables and bringing out their natural flavors. It’s also heart-healthy, containing monounsaturated fats.
Herbs & Spices (to Taste)
- Bay Leaf (1)
- Thyme (1 teaspoon)
- Oregano (1 teaspoon)
- Salt & Pepper
  
  These herbs and spices help build flavor complexity without needing any extra ingredients. The bay leaf imparts an earthy flavor, while thyme and oregano add depth and warmth.
Optional Add-ins
- A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar to brighten up the flavors.
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish to add a fresh burst of flavor at the end.

Cooking Instructions

Prep Your Vegetables

Start by chopping your cabbage into thin strips, your carrots into rounds or half-moons, your celery into small pieces, and your onion into small dice. Mince the garlic and set it aside.
Sauté The Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the garlic, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Cook The Vegetables

Add the carrots and celery to the pot. Stir them with the onions and garlic, letting them cook for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
Add The Cabbage

Toss the chopped cabbage into the pot, stirring to combine. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, allowing it to wilt slightly.
Pour In The Broth And Tomatoes

Add the vegetable broth and canned diced tomatoes, including the juices. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a simmer.
Season The Soup

Add the bay leaf, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to distribute the spices evenly. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Taste And Adjust

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you like, you can add a squeeze of lemon or a bit of vinegar to brighten the flavors.
Serve & Garnish

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an added pop of flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Cabbage: Not only is cabbage low in calories, but it’s also high in fiber, making it great for digestion. Its high vitamin C content helps support the immune system, and it’s loaded with antioxidants that fight oxidative stress and inflammation.
Carrots: Aside from being rich in vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, carrots are also a great source of fiber. The natural sugars in carrots also bring a touch of sweetness to balance the savory broth.
Celery: Celery is low in calories but packed with antioxidants and vitamins. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, which helps in reducing inflammation and protecting against chronic diseases.
Garlic: Garlic is known for its ability to combat infections, lower blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol. It’s a staple in many traditional dishes because of its health benefits and strong flavor.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes bring both flavor and health benefits. They are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Expert Tips

Use a variety of vegetables: While cabbage is the star of this soup, feel free to add in other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or potatoes for more variety and texture.
Make it heartier: If you’re craving something more filling, you can add beans, lentils, or a handful of quinoa to the soup. These will add extra protein and fiber, making the soup even more satisfying.
Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the vegetables with an immersion blender. This will give the broth a creamier texture while keeping the soup chunky.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick that complements the sweet vegetables.

Recipe Variations

Meat Lovers’ Version: For those who enjoy meat, you can add cooked ground turkey or chicken breast. You can even use a ham bone or sausage to enhance the flavor of the broth.
Vegan Version: This soup is already vegan-friendly, but you can make it even more satisfying by adding extra beans or tofu for added protein.
Keto-Friendly: To make this soup low-carb, skip the carrots and use cauliflower as a substitute. This will keep the soup low in carbs while still offering plenty of flavor and texture.

Final Words

Cabbage vegetable soup is a versatile, healthy, and delicious dish that can easily fit into any meal plan. Whether you’re trying to eat more vegetables, watching your calories, or just looking for a comforting meal, this soup has you covered. It’s nourishing, hearty, and can be made in large batches for meal prep, so you always have something ready when hunger strikes.

With its rich flavors, satisfying textures, and abundant health benefits, this soup is a keeper. Plus, it’s simple enough to make on a weeknight and is easily customizable to suit your taste.

Healthy Cabbage Vegetable Soup Recipe