There is something so comforting about a warm, hearty bowl of soup, and this Classic Cabbage Soup Recipe truly hits all the right notes. It’s a nourishing, vibrant dish filled with tender cabbage, sweet carrots, and savory herbs that come together in a flavorful broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re looking for a light yet satisfying meal or a simple way to enjoy wholesome vegetables, this recipe delivers easy-to-follow steps and a beautifully balanced taste that will have you reaching for seconds again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Classic Cabbage Soup Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. None of the ingredients are complicated, but together, they create a soup that feels anything but ordinary.
- Green cabbage: Provides a tender crunch and vibrant color, making it the star of the soup.
- Carrots: Add natural sweetness and a lovely orange hue to balance the savory elements.
- Celery stalks: Bring a crisp texture and subtle earthiness that enriches the broth.
- Yellow onion: Builds a rich, aromatic base when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves: Offer a fragrant punch that lifts the entire dish.
- Diced tomatoes with juice: Introduce a tangy depth and brightens the broth.
- Tomato paste: Thickens the soup slightly and intensifies the tomato flavor.
- Vegetable broth: Acts as the soul of the soup, blending all the flavors seamlessly.
- Dried thyme: Adds a subtle herbal note that complements the vegetables perfectly.
- Bay leaf: Infuses complexity with its mild, slightly floral aroma.
- Smoked paprika (optional): Provides a gentle smoky warmth that gives the soup an extra layer of flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of each ingredient.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of green and a fresh finish when garnished on top.
How to Make Classic Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Begin by heating a large soup pot over medium heat and adding a splash of oil. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté these for about five minutes until they soften and start to release their natural sweetness. This step builds the rich foundation of flavor that the soup will be based on.
Step 2: Bloom Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for just one minute until it becomes fragrant. Garlic cooks quickly and releases its aroma here, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning. This little step makes a big difference in the final taste.
Step 3: Wilt Cabbage
Add your chopped cabbage to the pot and give it a good stir. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the cabbage starts to wilt, softening just enough to blend seamlessly into the soup without losing its gentle crunch.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Paste
Mix in the tomato paste and let it cook for one minute. This little addition boosts the tomato flavor and enriches the broth’s texture, giving the soup a deeper, heartier feel.
Step 5: Build Broth Base
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juice and the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, bay leaf, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Stir everything well to combine, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. This is where the soup starts to come together, so take a moment to appreciate the beautiful medley of colors and aromas.
Step 6: Simmer Soup
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. This slow cooking softens the vegetables and allows all the flavors to meld into a harmonious, comforting blend.
Step 7: Finish and Season
Once done, remove the bay leaf and give the soup a taste test. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if you like. This final touch ensures the flavors are perfectly balanced and ready for serving.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. This Classic Cabbage Soup Recipe is best enjoyed piping hot and fresh, with its inviting aroma filling the room.
How to Serve Classic Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley gives a vibrant, herbal freshness that contrasts beautifully with the warm soup. You can also sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or drizzle a splash of olive oil for added richness. Croutons or a dollop of sour cream can make your presentation extra special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a warm baguette to soak up every last drop. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables complement the lightness of the soup nicely, rounding out your meal with added textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or bright, colorful ceramic bowls to highlight its inviting nature. Garnishing with microgreens or edible flowers adds an unexpected pop of elegance, perfect for impressing guests or lifting your everyday lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Classic Cabbage Soup Recipe keeps incredibly well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the flavors from mingling with other foods.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this soup later, it freezes beautifully. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy days.
Reheating
When you are ready to enjoy your soup again, reheat it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This slow reheating helps the texture stay pleasing and the flavors revive fully. Avoid the microwave for best results if you want to keep the texture at its best.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cabbage for this soup?
Absolutely! While green cabbage is classic and mild, you can experiment with Savoy or Napa cabbage for a softer texture and slightly different flavor profile. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed.
Is this Classic Cabbage Soup Recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes! This soup uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients only. To maintain vegan-friendly status, just be sure to avoid adding any dairy toppings or using broth made from animal products.
Can I add protein to this soup?
Definitely. Adding cooked beans like white beans or chickpeas can boost the protein content without overpowering the soup. Alternatively, shredded cooked chicken or sausage can be stirred in for a meatier version.
How spicy is the soup with smoked paprika?
Smoked paprika adds a gentle smoky warmth rather than heat, so the soup remains mild. If you want a little kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes according to your preference.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley works fine, just use about one-third of the fresh amount. You can also garnish with other fresh herbs like cilantro or chives, depending on what you have and what flavor profile you enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Cabbage Soup Recipe is one of those easy, reliable dishes that feels like home from the very first bite. Its wholesome ingredients, rich flavors, and satisfying warmth make it a true kitchen favorite you’ll want to keep coming back to. So grab your ingredients, get your pot ready, and treat yourself to this beautiful bowl of comfort—you won’t regret it!
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Classic Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Classic Cabbage Soup is a hearty and healthy vegetable soup, packed with green cabbage, carrots, celery, and tomatoes simmered to perfection with herbs and spices. It offers a comforting, flavorful, and nutritious option perfect for a light lunch or dinner, with an easy stovetop preparation method.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and chopped (about 6 cups)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups vegetable broth
Herbs & Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add a splash of oil, then add diced onion, sliced carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Bloom garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, making sure the garlic does not brown.
- Wilt cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot, stirring well to combine with the aromatics. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the cabbage starts to wilt and release some moisture.
- Incorporate tomato paste: Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor.
- Build broth base: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the vegetable broth. Add dried thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika if using, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes until the cabbage and other vegetables are tender and flavors meld together.
- Finish and season: Remove the bay leaf from the soup and taste to adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can add smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth, or omit it for a milder flavor.
- For added protein, consider stirring in cooked beans or lentils before serving.
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This soup freezes well; reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more vegetable broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
