Easy Cabbage Soup Recipe

Cabbage soup. Simple, hearty, and utterly satisfying. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re craving a cozy bowl of comfort food or looking for a healthy meal that’s packed with nutrients, cabbage soup delivers it all.

The beauty of cabbage soup lies in its simplicity. It’s a dish that’s been passed down through generations and is commonly found in many cultures, each adding their own unique twist. But no matter how you prepare it, one thing’s for sure: cabbage soup is a wholesome, delicious way to warm up from the inside out.

Let’s dive into how you can create a flavorful and nutritious cabbage soup with minimal effort. Whether you’re a cooking pro or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy cabbage soup recipe will become your go-to dish.

Easy Cabbage Soup Recipe

This recipe is a straightforward, no-fuss approach to making cabbage soup. The ingredients are common pantry staples, and the steps are simple to follow, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 medium head of cabbage (green or purple)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth if you prefer)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional spices: A pinch of dried thyme, oregano, and a dash of red pepper flakes
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your personal preferences. You could add some beans for extra protein or throw in a handful of spinach for added green goodness.

Cooking Instructions

Making cabbage soup is a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to get you from raw ingredients to a piping hot bowl of deliciousness:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

   • Slice the cabbage into thin strips, discarding the tough outer leaves and core. Chop the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.

2. Sauté The Veggies

   • In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes). This step enhances the flavor base of your soup.

3. Add The Rest Of The Vegetables

   • Add the diced carrots, celery, and cabbage to the pot. Stir everything together, letting the vegetables cook down for a couple of minutes.

4. Add The Liquids

   • Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.

5. Season The Soup

   • Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices (thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes) to taste. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.

6. Simmer The Soup

   • Let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should be tender, and the flavors will have melded together beautifully. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

7. Garnish And Serve

   • Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

While the ingredients for cabbage soup may seem simple, each one contributes to the overall flavor and nutritional profile of the dish.

• Cabbage: The star of the show! Not only is cabbage low in calories, but it’s also packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Cabbage provides a mild flavor that softens as it cooks, giving the soup a wonderful, tender texture.
• Carrots: These orange beauties bring a subtle sweetness to the soup, balancing the savory elements. They’re also rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that supports eye health and boosts the immune system.
• Celery: Celery adds a refreshing, crunchy texture and a slight earthiness. It’s a great source of vitamins K and A, and it helps balance the richness of the other ingredients.
• Onion & Garlic: These two aromatic ingredients form the foundation of many great soups. Onions provide a natural sweetness when cooked, while garlic offers a savory depth and a hint of spiciness. Both are great for boosting the immune system.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes bring acidity and depth to the soup, balancing out the sweetness of the carrots and the richness of the cabbage. They also add a dose of vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant with potential cancer-fighting properties.

Expert Tips

Want to elevate your cabbage soup to the next level? Here are a few expert tips:

• Don’t overcook the cabbage: Cabbage becomes mushy if overcooked, which can result in a soupy mess. Aim for just enough simmering time to make it tender but still with a bit of bite.
• For extra flavor, use homemade broth: If you have the time, making your own vegetable or chicken broth will significantly boost the soup’s flavor. Homemade stock is richer and more robust compared to store-bought options.
• Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice: A touch of acidity can brighten the soup and bring out the flavors. Try adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
• Let the soup sit: Like most soups, cabbage soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. If you can, make it a day ahead for an even tastier meal.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of cabbage soup lies in how easily you can make it your own. Here are some variations you might want to try:

• Add beans: If you want to add some protein and make your soup more filling, throw in a can of white beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas.
• Spicy Cabbage Soup: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or fresh chopped chilies to give your soup a kick. The heat complements the sweetness of the cabbage beautifully.
• Beef Cabbage Soup: For a heartier version, brown some ground beef (or even stew beef) in the pot before adding the veggies. This adds richness and depth to the soup.
• Vegetarian/vegan option: Simply swap the vegetable broth for a vegan variety, and skip any animal-based ingredients. For a more satisfying vegan version, add some quinoa, lentils, or tofu cubes.
• Add potatoes: Diced potatoes give the soup a creamy texture and make it even more filling. Just make sure to simmer them until they’re tender.

Final Words

Cabbage soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or bringing it to a family dinner, it’s a comforting dish that never disappoints. It’s nutritious, easy to prepare, and adaptable to nearly any dietary preference.

Whether you stick to the classic version or make a few tweaks, this cabbage soup is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With its hearty flavors and vibrant, nutrient-packed ingredients, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.