Looking for a bowl of comfort packed with vibrant veggies and mouthwatering flavors? Cabbage Soup is your answer! This classic soup is a celebration of humble ingredients transforming into something truly special—light yet satisfying, nourishing, and brimming with color. From the tender cabbage to the herb-kissed broth, every spoonful feels like a warm hug on chilly nights or even when you just need a little wholesome boost. Get ready to fall in love with how easy, affordable, and adaptable this recipe can be!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Cabbage Soup couldn’t be simpler. Each one plays a unique role, giving the soup its wonderful textures, gentle sweetness, and irresistible aroma, while coming together in a way that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps soften the veggies to create a flavorful base.
- Onion: Brings subtle sweetness and depth to the broth—don’t skip it!
- Garlic: Gives the soup its signature aromatic kick; fresh is best for that irresistible fragrance.
- Carrots: Offer natural sweetness and vibrant pops of color with every bite.
- Celery: Adds a tender crunch and a gentle earthiness to round out the vegetable trio.
- Green cabbage: The star of the show, providing heartiness and a mild, pleasant flavor that softens beautifully as it cooks.
- Diced tomatoes with juice: Infuses tanginess and a hint of sweetness, balancing the soup and adding lovely color.
- Vegetable broth: The flavorful foundation—choose a good-quality broth for the best results.
- Dried oregano: Adds a savory, woodsy note that pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
- Dried basil: Lends a touch of Mediterranean flair for irresistible aroma.
- Paprika: Gives subtle smokiness and enhances the richness of the soup.
- Salt (or to taste): Pulls all the flavors together; adjust according to your preference.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
- Bay leaf: Releases deeply fragrant notes while simmering—just don’t forget to remove it before serving!
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the entire pot, making the vegetables sing with fresh flavor.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that adds a pop of greenery and garden-fresh aroma.
How to Make Cabbage Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start with a big soup pot and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and cook for about three minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds—just enough to get that magical aroma going without burning.
Step 2: Build the Vegetable Base
Stir in the sliced carrots and celery, and let everything mingle for about five minutes. This helps the flavors deepen and begins the transformation from raw vegetables to a savory, satisfying base. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks and the veggies start to soften.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Wilt
Chopped cabbage goes in next—the core ingredient of your Cabbage Soup adventure! Pile it high; don’t worry if it seems like a lot, because it will shrink down as it wilts. Allow it to cook, stirring occasionally, for another five minutes until the cabbage is starting to soften and reduce in volume.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Flavorings
Time to turn your pile of veggies into a true soup! Pour in the diced tomatoes (with all their juices) and the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, paprika, salt, black pepper, and toss in the bay leaf. Stir everything together, then increase the heat and bring the mixture to a lively boil.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfect Tenderness
Once your soup is boiling, dial down the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes. This patient step lets the vegetables become beautifully tender while the flavors work their magic together. Your kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible!
Step 6: Finish and Adjust
With your soup perfectly simmered, remove the bay leaf (a little kitchen treasure hunt). Stir in the lemon juice to brighten everything up, and taste to adjust the seasoning if needed. Scoop some into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re in a garnishing mood, and savor your homemade Cabbage Soup!
How to Serve Cabbage Soup
Garnishes
A shower of chopped fresh parsley adds lovely color and a hint of herbal freshness to each bowl. For a zesty twist, try a squeeze of fresh lemon or a dusting of grated Parmesan. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of olive oil can make your Cabbage Soup feel extra cozy.
Side Dishes
Cabbage Soup shines alongside a slice of crusty bread—perfect for soaking up every last drop. You can also serve it with fluffy rice, a handful of cooked beans, or even a simple green salad for extra crunch. This soup pairs beautifully with light sandwiches or a fresh baguette for lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not ladle your Cabbage Soup into colorful mugs for a fun winter gathering? For something heartier, serve it over a scoop of cooked grains or shredded rotisserie chicken. Mini cast iron pots also add a lovely rustic flair if you’re serving guests, and inviting everyone to sprinkle on their favorite toppings turns dinner into a fuss-free, interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cabbage Soup truly gets better with time, as the flavors deepen and mingle overnight. Let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days—if you can resist eating it all before then!
Freezing
For longer storage, let the soup cool and transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags in meal-sized portions. It freezes well for up to three months. Just remember to label and date your containers, so you know exactly when you made this veggie-packed treasure.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour the desired amount of soup into a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s piping hot. For a quick lunch, the microwave works too—just reheat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, stirring midway for even heat. If it’s thickened in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth before heating to revive its original texture.
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Absolutely! Red cabbage brings a gorgeous hue and a slightly earthier flavor to the soup. The end result will be just as delicious, although the color of your soup will be a bit more vibrant.
How can I make this Cabbage Soup more filling?
Try stirring in cooked rice, quinoa, white beans, chickpeas, or even some shredded rotisserie chicken for a protein boost. These additions make the soup heartier while keeping it wholesome and flavorful.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free vegetable broth, this Cabbage Soup is 100% gluten free, making it a great choice for a variety of diets. Always check your broth label to be sure.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add zucchini, bell peppers, potatoes, spinach, or whatever veggies you have on hand. The beauty of Cabbage Soup is its versatility and ability to welcome all sorts of garden produce.
What’s the best way to boost the flavor?
If you’d like a richer, smokier flavor, try sautéing a bit of bacon or sliced sausage with the onions at the start (skip for vegan). A dash of hot sauce or extra lemon juice at the end can also perk things up nicely.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t made Cabbage Soup yet, I can’t recommend it enough—there’s nothing quite as comforting, soul-satisfying, and impossibly easy to prepare. Give this recipe a try and see how it transforms your weeknight dinners or cozy weekends at home. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to staple!
Print
Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A comforting and nutritious cabbage soup recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a delicious and satisfying meal. This vegan soup is packed with vegetables and flavorful herbs, making it a wholesome option for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetable Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 small green cabbage, cored and chopped
Seasonings and Broth:
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish:
- Optional fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Cook Vegetables: Add carrots and celery, cook for 5 minutes. Stir in cabbage and cook until wilted.
- Add Seasonings: Mix in tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25-30 minutes.
- Finish Soup: Remove bay leaf, stir in lemon juice, adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- For added flavor, sauté chopped bacon or sausage with the onion.
- This soup tastes even better the next day. Add rice, beans, or chicken for a heartier meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
