Great Cabbage Soup Recipe

Ah, cabbage soup! It’s one of those classic, comforting dishes that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re in the mood for a light, healthy meal or you’re looking to warm up on a cold day, cabbage soup is a perfect choice. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, low in calories, and can be customized in so many ways. So if you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful soup that’s easy to throw together, this cabbage soup recipe is for you!

Now, cabbage may not seem like the star of the show in many dishes, but when it’s cooked right, it has a sweetness and depth of flavor that shines through. This recipe is a great way to bring out that natural sweetness while still delivering a savory, rich soup. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

This cabbage soup recipe is not just tasty; it’s versatile and full of wholesome goodness. The base of the soup is a flavorful broth, and the cabbage soaks up all the savory goodness while still keeping its texture. With a few other simple ingredients, this soup becomes a complete meal in its own right. You can adjust it as needed, whether you want to add a bit more protein, spices, or fresh herbs.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious pot of cabbage soup:

1 medium head of cabbage – Cut into thin strips or shredded. This will form the base of your soup and add that satisfying crunch.
1 large onion – Chopped finely. Onions add sweetness and a savory depth to the broth.
2-3 cloves garlic – Minced. Garlic adds aromatic richness and helps elevate the flavors.
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth – This will provide the liquid base of your soup. You can choose the kind of broth that suits your preferences or dietary needs.
3-4 carrots – Sliced thinly. Carrots add a natural sweetness and color to the soup.
2-3 celery stalks – Chopped. Celery gives an earthy, fresh crunch.
1 can of diced tomatoes – This brings acidity and a slight tang to balance the flavors.
2 tablespoons olive oil – Used to sauté the veggies and bring everything together.
Salt and pepper – For seasoning, adjusting to your taste.
1 bay leaf – Adds depth and complexity to the broth.
Optional extras – Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary can be added for more flavor. You could also throw in a few dashes of hot sauce or a splash of vinegar to give it some zing.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get this soup cooking!

Prepare The Veggies

Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Slice the cabbage, chop the onion and garlic, and thinly slice the carrots and celery. The prep is the most time-consuming part, but once that’s done, everything else moves quickly.
Sauté The Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking them for 3-5 minutes until they become fragrant and soft. You want them to caramelize a little to bring out their natural sweetness.
Add The Veggies

Once your onions and garlic are softened, add the carrots and celery. Stir them into the pot and let them cook for another 5 minutes, just until they start to soften.
Pour In The Broth

Add the vegetable or chicken broth into the pot, along with the canned tomatoes (don’t drain them). Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, letting all the flavors mingle.
Add The Cabbage And Simmer

Add the shredded cabbage to the pot, stirring to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you like. Let the soup simmer for another 30-40 minutes until the cabbage is tender, and the flavors are well developed.
Finish And Serve

Once your cabbage is tender and the soup smells amazing, taste it for seasoning. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or a dash of vinegar for extra flavor. Remove the bay leaf, and your soup is ready to serve!

Ingredient Insights

Let’s dive into some of the star ingredients and talk about why they’re so great for this cabbage soup.

Cabbage: It’s the unsung hero of many healthy recipes. Cabbage is packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Plus, it’s low in calories and helps make the soup feel hearty without weighing you down.
Carrots: Not only do they add sweetness to balance the savory broth, but they’re also full of beta-carotene, which supports healthy skin and vision. Carrots bring a beautiful color to your soup, making it visually appealing as well as tasty.
Garlic and Onion: These two ingredients are staples in many savory dishes because they form the flavor base of so many recipes. Garlic has antimicrobial properties, while onions are full of vitamins and minerals that boost heart health and immunity.
Broth: The broth is where all the magic happens! It’s what carries the flavors and provides the richness. You can go with a low-sodium option if you’re watching your salt intake or opt for homemade broth if you’re feeling ambitious.

Expert Tips

Add More Protein: To make the soup a bit heartier, consider adding lean protein like shredded chicken, turkey, or even ground beef. You could also throw in some beans or lentils for a plant-based protein boost.
Use Fresh Herbs: If you’re looking to elevate the flavor of your cabbage soup, adding fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary can take it to the next level. Fresh herbs bring a fragrance and depth that dried herbs can’t always replicate.
Go Low and Slow: Letting the soup simmer on low heat for an extended period of time helps the flavors meld and deepens the overall taste. If you have the time, try letting it cook for an hour or more, stirring occasionally.
Add Some Zing: For a bit of extra brightness, consider adding a squeeze of lemon or a dash of apple cider vinegar. This will cut through the richness of the soup and give it a tangy twist.

Recipe Variations

This cabbage soup recipe is super adaptable. Here are a few variations to suit different tastes:

Spicy Cabbage Soup: Add a chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to introduce some heat.
Beef Cabbage Soup: Brown some ground beef or add chunks of stew meat for a heartier, meaty version.
Vegetarian Cabbage Soup: Skip the chicken broth and meat, and load up on more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
Cabbage Soup with Beans: Add a can of cannellini beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas for added protein and fiber.

Final Words

Cabbage soup is one of those perfect, go-to meals that you can whip up on a busy weeknight or make in advance for meal prep. It’s filling, low-calorie, and super customizable depending on your tastes or dietary preferences. You can enjoy it as-is or get creative with different additions and variations. Whether you prefer a traditional, simple cabbage soup or a more robust version with extra protein and heat, it’s a dish that’ll never disappoint.

Great Cabbage Soup Recipe