If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty, and vibrant dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Cabbage Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect blend of tender cabbage, colorful veggies, creamy potatoes, and nutritious white beans all simmered in a flavorful tomato and herb broth. This recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients to create a soup that’s not only delicious but also deeply satisfying. Whether you’re making lunch for yourself or feeding a group, this soup delivers on taste and health with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, but each one plays an essential role in building the rich layers of flavor and texture in this cabbage soup. From the sweetness of carrots to the earthiness of potatoes and the freshness of herbs, everything comes together beautifully.
- 1 small green cabbage, chopped: The star of the show, bringing a mild crunch and subtle sweetness.
- 2 carrots, diced: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to brighten up the soup.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Provides a savory base that deepens the overall flavor.
- 2 celery ribs, sliced: Offers a fresh, slightly peppery note and crunchy texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté the veggies and develop rich, savory undertones.
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes: Impart a tangy, juicy essence and beautiful red hues.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: Creates the flavorful liquid base, hydrating and tying all elements together.
- 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, diced: Give creaminess and weight for a satisfying mouthfeel.
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed: Adds protein and silky texture, making the soup more substantial.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses warmth and depth with its aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an herbaceous hint that complements the vegetables perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A bright, fresh finish that adds a lovely pop of color.
How to Make Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté these for about 8 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This step is crucial as it builds the savory foundation of your soup, releasing natural sweetness and richness from the vegetables.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Thyme
Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt. Cook for one minute until you can smell the intoxicating aroma of garlic and herbs filling your kitchen. This brief cooking step helps awaken the flavors without burning the garlic, keeping the soup fresh and bright.
Step 3: Combine the Core Ingredients
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, the vegetable broth, chopped cabbage, diced potatoes, and drained white beans. Give everything a good stir to blend all these wonderful ingredients together. This is where the magic happens as the rich broth starts soaking up the flavors from the vegetables and beans.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring your soup up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch as the cabbage softens and the potatoes become tender—this simmering time allows every ingredient to meld, resulting in a cozy, flavorful bowl that tastes better than any fast food.
Step 5: Season and Garnish
Finally, season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the soup hot, and get ready to enjoy an incredibly satisfying meal that feels both nourishing and hearty.
How to Serve Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a delightful herbal lift, but you can also experiment with a dollop of sour cream or a few grinds of black pepper for extra depth. Thin slices of green onion or a touch of freshly grated Parmesan can elevate your soup’s presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This cabbage soup is perfectly hearty on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or warm cornbread turns it into a complete meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich soup beautifully, balancing the palate with fresh, crisp textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls, which soak up the broth and add a rustic charm. You can also ladle it over cooked rice or quinoa for an extra filling option that’s perfect for cooler days. Garnishes like toasted seeds or chili flakes bring crunch and heat if you want to jazz things up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cabbage soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it an easy go-to meal during a busy week. The flavors often deepen overnight, so leftovers taste even better!
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully, which makes it fantastic for batch cooking. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy a quick comforting meal on days when you don’t have time to cook.
Reheating
Reheat your cabbage soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results or reheat slowly to keep the texture of the vegetables intact. Avoid boiling to prevent overcooking the potatoes and cabbage.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cabbage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While green cabbage is classic here, you can substitute with Savoy or Napa cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor. Just adjust cooking times slightly as these varieties may soften quicker.
Is this soup suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this Cabbage Soup Recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use vegetable broth. It’s a nutritious and filling plant-based option that’s perfect for vegan and vegetarian eaters alike.
Can I add meat to this soup?
If you want to add some protein beyond beans, diced cooked chicken, sausage, or even ground beef can be stirred in. Cook the meat separately first, then add it during the simmering stage to blend flavors without overcooking.
How spicy can I make this soup?
This recipe is mild by default, but feel free to stir in red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or diced jalapeño to kick things up a notch. The soup balances spice beautifully, making it as gentle or bold as you like.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley works in a pinch, though fresh lets the herb’s brightness shine through best. Alternatively, you could garnish with fresh cilantro, basil, or chives for a slightly different but equally fresh finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a pot of homemade soup that warms you inside and out, and this Cabbage Soup Recipe is one of those gems. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and endlessly flexible to suit your tastes. Give it a try soon—you’ll find it becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection just like it is in mine!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and healthy cabbage soup packed with fresh vegetables, white beans, and savory herbs. This comforting soup is perfect for a nutritious meal that is both easy to prepare and satisfying, featuring tender cabbage, potatoes, and a flavorful broth simmered to perfection.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small green cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery ribs, sliced
- 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook these vegetables, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes until they become soft and slightly translucent.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chopped cabbage, diced potatoes, and drained white beans. Stir everything together well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Cook until the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with additional salt and pepper as desired. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For added protein, substitute white beans with cannellini or kidney beans.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more vegetable broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day.
- To make it gluten-free, confirm that vegetable broth and canned tomatoes have no added gluten-containing ingredients.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sautéing step.
