Cream Of Cabbage Soup Recipe

Cabbage often gets overlooked in the world of vegetables, but it’s actually one of the most versatile and nutritious ingredients you can have in your kitchen. One of the best ways to enjoy cabbage’s subtle flavor and natural sweetness is through a creamy, comforting Cream of Cabbage Soup. This dish blends the richness of cream with the earthiness of cabbage, creating a soup that is both hearty and satisfying. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly evening or when you’re in the mood for something light yet filling.

Let’s explore why this soup is not just a simple recipe, but a fantastic option for anyone looking to indulge in something a little different. This soup is a perfect balance of healthy vegetables and creamy goodness, with plenty of room for customization to suit your tastes.

Creating a Cream of Cabbage Soup is a delightful experience, and when you follow this recipe, you’ll find yourself with a velvety, smooth, and flavorful bowl of goodness that you’ll want to make again and again. The recipe itself isn’t complicated, but it yields an unbelievably rich and satisfying result that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Ready to give it a try? Let’s get started!

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to pull off this creamy, comforting dish:

1 medium head of cabbage: This is the star of the show! Cabbage adds a mild sweetness and texture to the soup. You can use green or Savoy cabbage, depending on your preference.
2 tablespoons butter: For sautéing the onions and garlic, which brings out a deep, savory base flavor.
1 large onion: Adds a bit of sweetness and depth to the soup.
2 cloves garlic: Garlic makes everything better, giving your soup a more aromatic, robust flavor.
3 medium potatoes: These will give the soup a creamy consistency and provide a nice balance to the cabbage’s flavor.
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth: For the soup base. It’s best to use a low-sodium broth so you can control the seasoning.
1 cup heavy cream: For that luxurious, creamy finish that makes the soup rich and velvety.
1 teaspoon thyme: A hint of herbal flavor without overpowering the cabbage.
Salt and pepper: To taste, of course. These are your essential seasonings to balance the flavor.
1 tablespoon flour (optional): If you want a thicker texture, a tablespoon of flour can be used to create a roux before adding the broth.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s talk about the steps. It’s really straightforward, and you’ll be rewarded with a comforting soup in no time.

Prepare the Cabbage: Start by removing the outer leaves from the cabbage, then cut it into quarters. Remove the tough stem and slice it into thin strips. Set it aside.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large pot, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it for 4-5 minutes, or until it’s soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. This builds the aromatic base for your soup.
Cook the Potatoes and Cabbage: Add the sliced cabbage and chopped potatoes to the pot. Stir them around for a minute or two, allowing them to pick up the flavors from the onion and garlic.
Add the Broth and Simmer: Pour in the broth, making sure the vegetables are covered. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes until the potatoes and cabbage are tender.
Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot. If you don’t have one, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches. Purée the soup until it’s smooth and creamy.
Stir in the Cream: After blending, return the soup to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, then season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Simmer and Serve: Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to incorporate the cream, then serve hot.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down why each ingredient is crucial in this soup and how it contributes to the flavor:

Cabbage: Cabbage has a mild, almost sweet taste when cooked, which becomes even more pronounced when puréed. It’s also incredibly healthy, rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for a comforting, yet nourishing soup.
Butter & Garlic: Butter gives the soup a rich, smooth texture, while garlic adds a lovely, savory depth. Together, they lay the foundation for a flavorful soup.
Potatoes: Potatoes are great for creating a creamy consistency. They also help balance out the flavor, giving the soup some body without overpowering the cabbage.
Heavy Cream: The cream is what elevates this soup from simple to luxurious. It adds a velvety texture that’s both indulgent and comforting.
Herbs: Thyme is the perfect herb here-its mild earthy flavor complements the cabbage without overshadowing it, adding just the right touch.

Expert Tips

To elevate your Cream of Cabbage Soup to the next level, here are a few expert tips:

Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: You want the cabbage to be tender, but not mushy. Overcooking it will lead to a soupy mess, so keep an eye on it as it simmers.
For Extra Creaminess: If you want an even creamier texture, try adding a splash of whole milk or half-and-half along with the heavy cream. This will make it even smoother.
Make It Vegan: Swap the butter for olive oil or coconut oil, and use coconut milk instead of cream. You’ll get a slightly different flavor, but it will still be creamy and satisfying.
Blend in Batches: If you’re using a regular blender instead of an immersion blender, be cautious of the hot liquid. Let the soup cool slightly before blending, and always blend in batches to avoid splattering.

Recipe Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can experiment with these variations to make the soup your own:

Add Bacon: For a smoky, savory touch, sauté some bacon along with the onions and garlic. Crumble it into the soup before serving.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some finely chopped fresh chili peppers for a little heat. This can give the soup a nice balance between creamy and spicy.
Add Greens: Kale or spinach can be added to the soup for a more nutrient-dense dish. Just stir them in toward the end of cooking, and they’ll wilt into the soup without losing texture.
Cheese: For extra richness, stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese right before serving. The cheese will melt into the soup, creating an even creamier texture.

Final Words

This Cream of Cabbage Soup is more than just a quick meal-it’s a celebration of simplicity and comfort. With a few everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that’s not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients. Whether you’re trying to make the most out of a humble cabbage or craving a soup that’s both creamy and healthy, this recipe is a winner.

It’s easy to make, incredibly adaptable, and perfect for both busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, if you’re looking to stretch it out, it reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for days to come.

Cream Of Cabbage Soup Recipe