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
Scale
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.
