Cabbage Soup Recipe

The Ultimate Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe

Cabbage soup is the perfect balance of comfort, nutrition, and simplicity. This cozy, low-calorie soup features a delicious blend of tender cabbage, mirepoix vegetables, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and herbs, creating a flavorful meal that’s easy to make and packed with healthy benefits.

Why I Love This Cabbage Soup

When the cooler months arrive, this cabbage soup is my go-to recipe. Unlike heavier soups, it’s light but still hearty and flavorful. Cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse, offering anti-inflammatory benefits and being low in carbs—making it an essential in my kitchen rotation. Here’s why I always make this soup:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, everything cooks in one pot, making it the perfect weeknight meal.
• Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients like vegetables, canned goods, and herbs, this soup won’t break the bank but is full of flavor.
• Highly Adaptable: Whether you want to make it heartier with added protein or swap in different veggies, this soup can easily be tailored to your taste.

Cabbage Soup Ingredients

• Cabbage: Use green cabbage for its tenderness and sweetness, though napa cabbage works too.
• Mirepoix Vegetables: A classic mix of onions, carrots, and celery for depth and flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: Regular or fire-roasted for extra smokiness.
• Garlic and Herbs: Garlic adds a punch, and oregano, basil, and fresh parsley bring an aromatic depth.
• Vegetable Broth: This soup is made with vegetable broth for a rich base, but feel free to substitute with chicken broth for more flavor.

Health Benefits of Cabbage

Cabbage is more than just a filling vegetable; it offers an array of health benefits:

• Packed with Nutrients: High in Vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Cabbage contains phytonutrients that help protect your body’s cells from damage.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Contains compounds that help reduce inflammation and pain.
• Supports Digestion: The fiber in cabbage helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full.
• Weight Loss Aid: Low in calories, making it great for those looking to lose a few pounds, though it’s not a detox diet.

How to Make the Best Cabbage Soup

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and spices for added flavor.
2. Add the Cabbage: Toss in the cabbage, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until it softens and sweats.
3. Simmer the Soup: Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Finish with Lemon and Parsley: Stir in fresh lemon juice, parsley, and cracked black pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!

Soup Variations and Tips

• Meaty Additions: Add shredded chicken, ground meat, or pulled pork for a heartier soup.
• Plant-Based Proteins: Add chickpeas, white beans, or lentils for a vegetarian option.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in zucchini, bell peppers, or leafy greens like spinach for more nutrients.
• Hearty Options: Add cooked rice, potatoes, or tomato paste for a thicker, more filling soup.
• Spicy Touch: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.

Storing and Freezing

• Store in the Fridge: Let the soup cool before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep for 4-5 days in the fridge.
• Freeze for Later: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Just store in freezer-safe containers or Souper Cubes.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove or microwave. You can also heat it directly from frozen.

More Cabbage Recipes to Try

• Coleslaw: A classic side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Fried Cabbage: A savory side dish that pairs well with any meal.
• Pulled Pork, Cabbage, and Arugula Salad: A fresh, hearty salad with a tangy twist.

Join the Cabbage Soup Craze!

This cabbage soup is a versatile, healthy dish that’s perfect for busy nights or meal prep. Feel free to tweak the recipe to your preferences and enjoy the comfort and nourishment it provides. Let me know how your cabbage soup turns out in the comments below! Plus, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for more healthy recipe ideas!

Ingredients:

• 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 preferred consistency)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions, carrot, and celery, cooking for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, oregano, basil, and salt, cooking for another minute.
2. Add the Cabbage: Toss in the chopped cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until it starts to soften.
3. Simmer the Soup: Add the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, fresh parsley, and cracked black pepper. Serve warm and enjoy!