Cream Cabbage Soup Easy Recipe

Cream cabbage soup is one of those comforting dishes that seems to have fallen under the radar of modern cooking trends, but once you try it, you’ll wonder why it isn’t more popular. This dish is like the unsung hero of comfort food, effortlessly combining the earthy, hearty flavor of cabbage with the rich, velvety smoothness of cream. It’s warming, satisfying, and oh-so-soul-soothing.

What makes this soup stand out is its simplicity and versatility. It’s easy to prepare, it doesn’t require exotic ingredients, and yet, it can be elevated to restaurant-level quality with a few subtle tweaks. Whether you’re looking to serve it as a side dish, a light meal, or a starter for your dinner party, cream cabbage soup has a charm that makes it a versatile go-to recipe in your kitchen arsenal.

So, let’s break down how to make this simple yet delicious soup and why you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation. We’ll start with the basic recipe, dive into what you’ll need, and then get into some expert tips, ingredient insights, and variations to suit your preferences.

Ready to whip up this amazing dish? Here’s an easy, straightforward recipe that gives you the perfect base for your cream cabbage soup. You can always tweak it with different spices or extra veggies, but this is where it all starts.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need for this classic cream cabbage soup:

1 medium head of cabbage – shredded (or roughly chopped)
1 medium onion – diced
2 tablespoons butter – for sautéing
3-4 cups vegetable broth – or chicken broth if preferred
1 cup heavy cream – for that rich, creamy texture
2-3 medium potatoes – peeled and diced (optional but adds nice creaminess)
2 garlic cloves – minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme – or fresh thyme if available
Salt and pepper – to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing (optional for added depth)
1 teaspoon lemon juice – optional, for a touch of brightness at the end
Fresh parsley – chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get into the cooking process. Don’t worry, this soup is as easy as it gets!

Prep the vegetables: Begin by shredding or chopping your cabbage into small strips. Dice the onion and garlic, and peel and chop the potatoes if you’re using them. Having everything ready to go will make the process smoother.
Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes). If you’re using olive oil, add it to the pot now for a richer flavor.
Cook the cabbage: Toss in the cabbage and sauté for another 3-4 minutes, just until it starts to soften. The cabbage will shrink down significantly, so don’t worry if it looks like a lot at first.
Add the broth and potatoes: Pour in your vegetable or chicken broth, then add the diced potatoes (if using). Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Blend the soup: Once the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Be careful though, as hot liquid can splatter.
Add the cream and seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness if you like.
Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and maybe even a drizzle of extra cream if you want to go all out. Serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup plays a critical role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a deeper look into why they matter:

Cabbage: Often overlooked as a vegetable, cabbage has a mildly sweet flavor that intensifies once it’s cooked. It’s rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making it a nutrient powerhouse for your body.
Potatoes: If you’re wondering why potatoes, they provide a starchy component that naturally thickens the soup, giving it a silky smooth consistency. Plus, they absorb the flavors from the broth and seasonings, contributing to the soup’s depth.
Heavy Cream: The key to making this soup indulgent and creamy, without being too heavy. It adds richness without overpowering the cabbage’s natural flavor. For a lighter version, you can swap in half-and-half or even milk, but cream is what takes this soup to the next level.
Thyme: A quintessential herb that pairs beautifully with cabbage. Thyme adds an earthy, slightly citrusy flavor, balancing the richness of the cream.
Lemon Juice: If you’re hesitant about this addition, trust me on this one. A touch of lemon juice at the end can really brighten up the soup and cut through the richness. It’s a subtle addition that makes a big difference.

Expert Tips

Here are some pro tips that will make your cream cabbage soup even better:

Use a good quality broth: The broth is the foundation of this soup, so it’s worth investing in a high-quality vegetable or chicken broth. Homemade broth, if you have it on hand, will elevate this soup in a way store-bought ones can’t.
Make it ahead of time: This soup actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Make it in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat it gently when you’re ready to serve.
Adjust consistency: If you like your soup a little thinner, just add extra broth or water until you reach your preferred texture. For a thicker soup, blend less or add extra potatoes.
Don’t skip the garnishes: Fresh parsley or even a swirl of cream on top can turn this humble soup into a visually appealing dish that’s perfect for serving guests.
Make it vegan: To make a dairy-free version, swap the butter for olive oil, the heavy cream for coconut milk or a vegan cream substitute, and use a vegetable broth to ensure it’s fully plant-based.

Recipe Variations

One of the beautiful things about this recipe is its adaptability. Here are some ideas to switch things up:

Add bacon or sausage: If you’re a fan of savory, smoky flavors, consider adding crispy bacon bits or cooked sausage to the soup. The richness will pair wonderfully with the cabbage.
Spicy version: For a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. It will add a zing that contrasts nicely with the creamy base.
Cheesy version: A sprinkle of grated cheese like sharp cheddar or parmesan can make this soup even more decadent. Just stir it in once you’ve blended the soup for that melty goodness.
Veggie-packed version: For more texture and added nutrition, throw in some extra veggies like carrots, celery, or leeks. These will add a nice bite and increase the veggie quotient.

Final Words

This cream cabbage soup is all about simplicity. It’s one of those dishes where fewer ingredients lead to a greater focus on flavor. But while it may not require much effort, the end result is anything but basic. Whether you’re seeking comfort on a cold winter day or want a light yet hearty meal that won’t weigh you down, this soup hits the mark every time.

Cream Cabbage Soup Easy Recipe