The Best Easy Cabbage Soup Recipe

Discover the ultimate comfort in a bowl with this easy cabbage soup recipe! It is truly a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for any meal. This vibrant soup is packed with wholesome vegetables, offering fantastic health benefits in every spoonful.

Numerous studies highlight that cabbage, a cruciferous vegetable, is rich in vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to overall well-being.

Best of all, it comes together quickly, making it ideal for easy dinner ideas. Enjoy this simple yet delicious cabbage soup year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Soup

This cabbage soup recipe is a true winner for many reasons, especially if you love simple, flavorful meals.

• Naturally Wholesome and Light: Full of fresh vegetables, this soup is incredibly nourishing and won’t leave you feeling heavy.
• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples already, making grocery runs easy.
• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time, you will have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Excellent for Meal Prep: It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for preparing ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
• Infinitely Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand, creating a new favorite every time.

Olivia

The Best Easy Cabbage Soup

A vibrant, hearty cabbage soup packed with wholesome vegetables, herbs, and a touch of lemon. Quick to prepare and full of nourishing flavor, perfect for any meal of the day.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 135

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion diced
• 1 large carrot diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp dried basil
• 0.5 tsp salt or to taste
• 0.5 head of cabbage chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes undrained
• 4–6 cups vegetable broth depending on thickness desired
• 1–2 tbsp lemon juice
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley roughly chopped
• to taste cracked black pepper

Equipment

• large pot or Dutch oven
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Ladle

Method

 

1. Prepare the vegetables: dice the onion, carrot, and celery; mince the garlic; chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, and salt. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add chopped cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly wilted.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
6. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, parsley, and cracked black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.

Notes

Use green or Savoy cabbage for best results. Add bell peppers, zucchini, or beans for variety. Avoid overcooking cabbage to prevent bitterness. Add lemon juice at the end for a fresh finish.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh and simple ingredients to make your delicious cabbage soup. They are all easy to find and come together to create incredible flavor.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion (diced)
• 1 large carrot (diced)
• 2 celery stalks (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cabbage (chopped)
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 4 to 6 cups vegetable broth (depending on how thick or brothy you’d like it)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
• Cracked black pepper (to taste)

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with many of these ingredients. For cabbage, use green cabbage for classic flavor, or try Savoy for a milder taste and softer texture. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans to boost nutrition. If you do not have vegetable broth, chicken or beef broth works well for a richer flavor profile. Dried herbs like thyme or marjoram can replace oregano and basil. You can also use fresh diced tomatoes when in season instead of canned.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools for this easy cabbage soup. A large, sturdy pot or Dutch oven is essential for simmering all the ingredients together. You will also need a sharp knife for chopping vegetables and a cutting board. Measuring spoons and cups ensure accurate ingredient amounts. Finally, a ladle will help you serve up your comforting bowls of soup.

Instructions

Creating this simple and flavorful cabbage soup is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time.

First, take the time to prepare all your vegetables. Dice the onion, carrot, and celery. Mince the garlic cloves and roughly chop half a head of cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes the process much smoother and faster.

Next, cook the base vegetables. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions, carrot, and celery to the hot oil. Sauté these aromatic vegetables for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. This step helps build a foundational flavor for your cabbage soup.

Now, add the aromatics and spices. Stir in the minced garlic along with the dried oregano, dried basil, and salt. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Then, add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir it well to combine with the other vegetables and seasonings. Let the cabbage sweat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. This process helps release moisture and brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage.

It is time to simmer your delicious soup. Pour in the vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the cabbage soup simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened to your liking. Taste the broth and adjust seasonings as needed.

Finally, finish and serve your homemade soup. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, which brightens the flavors, and the roughly chopped fresh parsley. Add cracked black pepper to taste. Give it another good stir. Serve your warm and comforting cabbage soup immediately, perhaps with a crusty piece of bread.

Pro Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup

Achieve the best possible flavor and texture in your homemade cabbage soup with these expert tips. First, avoid overcooking the cabbage; it should be tender-crisp, not mushy, for optimal texture. Second, properly sweat your vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery until translucent to develop a deeper, sweeter base flavor. Always adjust the seasoning to taste throughout the cooking process; taste before adding more salt. Use fresh, quality ingredients whenever possible for the most vibrant and delicious results. Lastly, add the lemon juice at the very end to preserve its bright, fresh zestiness, which truly elevates the soup.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

This versatile cabbage soup is easy to customize and enjoy in many ways.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your warm cabbage soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. A slice of crusty bread, garlic bread, or even a grilled cheese sandwich makes a perfect pairing. For a heartier meal, enjoy it alongside a simple green salad.

Storage Instructions

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cabbage soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Recipe Variations

To boost protein, add cooked shredded chicken, ground turkey, or lentils during the last 10 minutes of simmering. For a spicy kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other spices or a dash of hot sauce when serving. To make it creamy, stir in a splash of coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative at the very end. Incorporate other vegetables like corn, peas, or bell peppers for added color and nutrients.

Nutrition Information

This healthy cabbage soup is naturally low in calories and packed with essential vitamins and fiber. Cabbage itself is a great source of Vitamin C and K. The array of vegetables provides antioxidants and supports overall well-being. Enjoy this soup as a guilt-free and nourishing meal.

Please note: Nutritional values are estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Conclusion

This easy cabbage soup is a true gem in any kitchen, offering comforting warmth and vibrant flavors. Its versatility means you can enjoy it simply as written or customize it with your favorite ingredients. Quick to prepare and wonderfully wholesome, this hearty soup is perfect for meal prep or a cozy night in. We encourage you to try this delightful cabbage soup recipe soon; it is sure to become a beloved staple in your home.

Olivia