If you’re craving a comforting, nutritious, and downright cozy dish to warm up your soul, this Cabbage Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with vibrant veggies and gentle spices, it’s the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with humble ingredients that come together beautifully for a flavorful, hearty, and healthy meal you’ll want to keep coming back to. Whether you’re new to cabbage or a longtime fan, this recipe turns everyday vegetables into a bowl of liquid gold.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cabbage Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity — each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. With fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a rich broth, these essentials make the soup wholesome and satisfying.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps gently soften the veggies at the start.
- Onion (medium, chopped): Offers a sweet and savory base for the soup’s flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides a warm, pungent depth that elevates the entire dish.
- Carrots (3, sliced): Bring natural sweetness and lovely color contrast.
- Celery stalks (2, sliced): Contribute a gentle crunch and earthy aroma.
- Green cabbage (1/2 head, chopped): The star ingredient that adds a hearty, satisfying bite and mild bitterness.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Introduce acidity and body to the broth for balance.
- Vegetable broth (6 cups): Forms the flavorful, nourishing base of the soup.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick without overpowering.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Offers delicate herbal notes that complement cabbage perfectly.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces warmth and a touch of smokiness.
- Bay leaf (1): Infuses a gentle aromatic complexity during simmering.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon, optional): Brings a bright, zesty finish that lifts the soup.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds freshness and a splash of color when serving.
How to Make Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Let them cook gently for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the kitchen fills with a wonderful savory aroma. This foundational step builds the flavor base, so give it your full attention.
Step 2: Add the Cabbage
Next, stir in the chopped cabbage and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. You’ll notice the cabbage wilts down and starts to meld with the other veggies, creating a lovely texture that’s both tender and slightly crisp — a perfect combination that gives this soup its signature heartiness.
Step 3: Combine the Broth and Spices
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, then season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, paprika, and the bay leaf. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a boil. The colorful medley of vegetables and spices is where the magic truly begins.
Step 4: Let It Simmer
Reduce the heat to keep the soup at a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and flavors meld into a comforting harmony. This is where patience pays off, transforming simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal.
Step 5: Final Touches
Before serving, fish out the bay leaf and stir in the lemon juice if you love a fresh, tangy twist. Taste the soup and tweak the seasoning if needed; it’s your masterpiece after all. Top it off with some chopped parsley for that perfect pop of color and freshness to complete your Cabbage Soup Recipe.
How to Serve Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley isn’t just about looks — it introduces a subtle herbaceous note that balances the soup’s rich flavors. If you want an extra hint of indulgence, try a dollop of vegan sour cream or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to add creaminess and shine.
Side Dishes
This soup shines beautifully alongside crunchy whole-grain bread or a warm baguette, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last luscious drop. For a heartier meal, a simple spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette harmonizes nicely, adding crispness and brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this humble Cabbage Soup Recipe into an elegant dinner starter by serving it in individual rustic bowls garnished with edible flowers or shaved parmesan (if not vegan). You can also pour it into mini jars for a charming, portable lunch option that stays delicious on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about this soup is how well it keeps. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the Cabbage Soup Recipe somewhere down the line, freezing is a fantastic option. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space at the top to allow for expansion when it freezes.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup seems too thick after freezing, simply add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach the desired consistency. It reheats beautifully without losing any of its comforting charm.
FAQs
Can I add meat or protein to the Cabbage Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe is naturally vegan and light, you can easily add cooked beans, lentils, or even shredded chicken or sausage to make it heartier and boost protein content.
Is this soup suitable for low-calorie diets?
Yes, this Cabbage Soup Recipe is naturally low in calories but high in fiber and nutrients, making it a perfect choice if you’re watching your calorie intake and want a filling meal.
Can I use other types of cabbage?
You can! Savoy or red cabbage work wonderfully here too, each imparting their own subtle variations in flavor and texture. Just chop them up as you would green cabbage.
How spicy is this soup?
It’s very mild, with just a hint of warmth from paprika and black pepper, so it’s friendly for most palates. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes during cooking.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, it’s a great slow cooker option. Start by sautéing the aromatics in a pan for best flavor, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the cabbage is tender.
Final Thoughts
This Cabbage Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both nostalgic and fresh every time you make it. Easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive and comforting for guests, it’s a versatile and nourishing addition to your recipe collection. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your own favorite ways to make it truly yours!
Print
Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and healthy vegan cabbage soup packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, perfect for a comforting low-calorie meal. This easy-to-make soup uses simple ingredients simmered to perfection on the stovetop, making it ideal for a nutritious lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and release their aromas.
- Add Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften the cabbage evenly without browning.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and vegetable broth. Add salt, black pepper, dried thyme, paprika, and the bay leaf. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes until all vegetables are tender and flavors meld together.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Stir in lemon juice if using, to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- It can be frozen for longer storage.
- Add cooked beans or grains to the soup for extra protein and heartiness.
