Green Cabbage Soup Recipe

Cabbage soup is one of those classic comfort foods that doesn’t just nourish the body, but also brings a sense of nostalgia. Whether you’ve had it for dinner growing up or discovered it as an adult looking for a hearty, low-calorie meal, there’s something irresistibly cozy about a steaming bowl of cabbage soup. This green cabbage soup recipe is no exception, offering a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that you can enjoy any time of year.

But cabbage soup isn’t just about its taste-it’s about its flexibility. You can tweak it in so many ways to fit your tastes or dietary needs. And the beauty of cabbage? It’s incredibly affordable, widely available, and full of nutrients. So, let’s dive into how to make the perfect bowl of green cabbage soup!

This green cabbage soup is a perfect balance of savory and hearty, with a touch of sweetness from the cabbage itself. It’s incredibly easy to make and works well for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or even as a meal prep option for the week ahead. Best of all, it’s full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthy choice for anyone looking to add more veggies into their diet.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to get started on this comforting green cabbage soup recipe. It’s simple, wholesome, and everything you need for a delicious bowl of soup.

1 Medium Head Of Green Cabbage

Cabbage is the star of the show here, offering both bulk and flavor. It cooks down nicely to create that wonderful soft texture in the soup.
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

Used for sautéing the vegetables and adding a touch of healthy fat.
1 Medium Onion, Chopped

Onion brings a subtle sweetness to balance the cabbage’s earthiness.
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced

Garlic adds a nice depth of flavor, enhancing the overall savory profile of the soup.
3 Medium Carrots, Sliced

Carrots bring a sweet crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the soft cabbage. They also help to brighten up the color of the soup.
2 Stalks Celery, Chopped

Celery adds a mild, slightly peppery taste that complements the cabbage and other veggies.
1 Large Potato, Peeled And Diced

Potatoes make the soup heartier and provide that filling, starchy component that makes this a satisfying meal.
4 Cups Vegetable Broth

The broth serves as the base of the soup, providing richness and moisture. You can swap this for chicken broth if you prefer.
1 Can (14.5 Oz) Diced Tomatoes

The tomatoes add a little acidity and a burst of color to the soup. Plus, they help to deepen the overall flavor.
1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme

A mild herb that brings a subtle, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cabbage.
Salt And Pepper, To Taste

These are essential for seasoning the soup and enhancing the natural flavors of the vegetables.
1 Bay Leaf

Bay leaves offer a touch of herbal aroma that enriches the broth.
Optional: Fresh Herbs Like Parsley Or Dill For Garnish

These can add a nice, fresh finishing touch when serving.

Cooking Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how you can make the perfect green cabbage soup from start to finish.

Prep The Vegetables

Start by chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, slicing the carrots, dicing the potato, and chopping the celery. Mince the garlic and chop the onion, so everything is ready to go.
Sauté The Aromatics

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. This step is crucial for developing a base flavor.
Add The Vegetables

Toss in the carrots, celery, and potato. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes, letting the veggies begin to soften.
Simmer The Soup

Add the chopped cabbage to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
Final Touches

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving. If you’re adding fresh herbs, sprinkle some on top of the soup just before serving for a pop of freshness.
Serve And Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a slice of whole-grain bread for a fuller meal.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this green cabbage soup plays a role in contributing to the soup’s texture, flavor, and nutritional value:

Cabbage: This veggie is a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber. It’s low in calories but high in antioxidants, which help combat inflammation and support digestion.
Carrots: Packed with beta-carotene (which converts to vitamin A in the body), carrots are great for eye health. They also provide a subtle sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Potatoes: Besides adding heartiness, potatoes are rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. They also contribute to the soup’s creamy texture once cooked.
Tomatoes: Loaded with lycopene, a potent antioxidant, tomatoes support heart health and provide the soup with a natural acidity and vibrant color.
Herbs and Seasonings: Thyme, bay leaves, garlic, and onion enhance the soup’s savory depth while also bringing their own nutritional benefits-garlic, for example, is known for its immune-boosting properties.

Expert Tips

To elevate your cabbage soup game, consider these expert tips:

Use fresh cabbage: While pre-shredded cabbage is convenient, fresh cabbage has better flavor and texture. Plus, you can control how finely or coarsely you chop it.
Add a dash of vinegar: A splash of vinegar (white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar) at the end of cooking brightens up the flavor and enhances the soup’s acidity. Just a teaspoon or two will do!
Simmer for flavor: The longer you let this soup simmer, the more the flavors will develop. If you have time, let it simmer for up to an hour for a richer taste.
Make it a meal: To turn this soup into a more substantial dish, you can add cooked beans (like white beans or chickpeas) or even a few handfuls of spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Freezing leftovers: This soup freezes really well, so if you make a big batch, feel free to store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Just reheat when ready to serve!

Recipe Variations

Green cabbage soup is versatile, and you can easily modify the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some variations to try:

Meat Version: If you prefer a meatier soup, you can add sausage, ground turkey, or beef. Brown the meat before adding the vegetables to the pot.
Spicy Cabbage Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to introduce a bit of heat to the soup. It’s an easy way to give the dish a fiery twist.
Low-Carb Version: For a lower-carb soup, swap out the potatoes for cauliflower. It will give the soup a similar texture but with fewer carbs.
Vegan Version: The recipe as written is already vegetarian, but to make it fully vegan, just make sure the broth is plant-based and skip any optional dairy garnishes like cheese or cream.

Final Words

Green cabbage soup is one of those dishes that’s both humble and satisfying, offering comfort and nourishment in every spoonful. It’s simple, packed with nutrients, and can be customized to your liking. Whether you’re making it for a light lunch, a family dinner, or prepping it for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to impress.

Not only is it a healthy meal option, but it’s also a fantastic base for experimenting with flavors. So, don’t hesitate to make it your own by adding proteins, spices, or other vegetables. The possibilities are endless!

Green Cabbage Soup Recipe