Cabbage soup is a light and hearty meal packed with healthy nutrients. It’s made with fresh cabbage, veggies, and aromatics simmered in a savory, tangy broth, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly days. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with bread, roasted meats, veggies, or grains for a satisfying meal.
What You’ll Find On This Page
Not only is cabbage soup comforting, but it’s also full of essential nutrients. It’s rich in fiber, which supports digestion and packed with vitamins C and K that help boost immunity and support bone health. Plus, the antioxidants in this soup may help reduce inflammation.
With its high water content and low calories, cabbage soup can be a great choice for staying hydrated and managing weight. It keeps you full and satisfied while being light and nourishing.
If you’re looking for something both comforting and nutritious, this cabbage soup is worth trying. It’s a simple way to stay healthy and warm up from the inside out.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To make this cabbage soup, you’ll need cabbage as the main ingredient, along with some fresh produce and basic seasonings. Let’s take a closer look at them below.
Main Ingredients
- Cabbage: Fresh green cabbage works best for this soup as it’s rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. To pick a good one, choose a cabbage that feels firm and heavy for its size with crisp, vibrant leaves. If you want a milder flavor and softer texture, Napa cabbage is a great option too.
- Other Veggies: I’ve used celery and carrots to make the soup more nutritious. You can also add zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or any other veggies that hold up well in broth for extra flavor and texture.
- Aromatics: Freshly minced garlic and onions give the soup a rich, aromatic flavor. Garlic brings a warm, subtle spice, while onions add a natural sweetness that balances the broth.
- Broth: Use vegetable or chicken broth depending on your preference. I suggest going with a low-sodium option to have better control over the saltiness of your soup.
Other Ingredients
- Crushed Tomato: Adds a tangy and slightly acidic flavor to the soup. I’ve used canned crushed tomatoes for convenience, but you can use freshly crushed tomatoes if you have time. Just keep in mind that fresh tomatoes need extra simmering to develop the right depth of flavor.
- Dried Herbs: Dried oregano and basil add an earthy and aromatic taste to your soup. You can also use rosemary or thyme if you prefer a different herbal flavor.
- Other Seasonings: Basic seasonings like chili flakes, black pepper powder, and salt balance the overall flavor while adding a bit of heat and depth to the soup.
- Lemon Juice: Provides a fresh and tangy finish. You can use white vinegar as a substitute to achieve a similar flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Stirring in freshly chopped parsley or cilantro at the end of cooking adds a burst of color and freshness.
How to Make Cabbage Soup at Home?
Let’s make a healthy, nutrient-packed cabbage soup together! I’ll guide you through sautéing the aromatics and cabbage, then simmering everything in a tangy tomato and broth mixture. To make it even easier, I’ve included step-by-step photos and a detailed video so you can follow along without any hassle. Let’s get cooking!
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Cabbage Soup
Enjoy this healthy and comforting cabbage soup with our simple recipe. Made with fresh green cabbage and hearty vegetables simmered in a tangy, savory broth, it’s perfect for chilly winter days. You can have it on its own or pair it with your favorite bread, roasted meats, or veggies for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
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Ingredients
- ½ medium Cabbage, chopped
- 1 Carrot, chopped
- 2 ribs Celery, diced
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 14 oz Crushed Tomatoes, canned
- 4 cups Broth, veg or chicken broth, low sodium
- ½ tsp Dried Oregano
- ½ tsp Dried Basil
- ½ tsp Chili Flakes
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- Parsley Leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper powder, to taste
Instructions
Making Cabbage Soup
- In a pan over medium heat, pour in the oil and add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté until fragrant and the veggies turn tender.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the pan and stir well to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage softens and starts to wilt. This step helps release its natural sweetness and enhances the soup’s overall flavor.
- Once the cabbage has softened slightly, season with chili flakes, black pepper, salt, lemon juice, dried oregano, and basil. Stir to evenly coat the vegetables, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Pour in the broth of your choice and add the crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine and distribute the flavors evenly. I’ve used canned crushed tomatoes for convenience, but you can blend fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Just remember, fresh tomatoes need a bit more simmering time to develop a deeper flavor.
- Let the mixture simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld while the vegetables become perfectly tender. Stir occasionally and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Once the soup has simmered, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and give it a gentle stir. Remove from the heat, and your healthy cabbage soup is ready to enjoy!
Serving
- Serve this cabbage soup on its own or pair it with your favorite sides like bread, roasted meats, or roasted veggies for a satisfying meal. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out the Serving Suggestions section for more inspiration!
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Here are some essential tips to make a perfectly flavorful cabbage soup every time:
- Choose Fresh Cabbage: Picking the right cabbage makes a big difference in flavor and texture. Look for one with firm, tightly packed leaves and a vibrant green color—that’s a sign of freshness and crispness. Avoid cabbages with wilted, yellow, or brown spots, as they can make the soup taste bitter.
- Adjust the Consistency: If you like a thicker soup, let it simmer longer to reduce the broth or mash some of the veggies for a heartier texture. Prefer a thinner soup? Just add more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Keep in mind that cabbage releases water as it cooks, so the soup might naturally become thinner over time.
- Add Additional Protein: If you want to make the soup more filling, try adding shredded chicken, ground turkey, or sausage—they bring a richer flavor and make the meal heartier. For a vegetarian-friendly option, you can stir in beans, lentils, or cubed tofu. They add protein and texture without overpowering the broth.
- Customize the Spice Level: If you enjoy a little heat, start with a small amount of cayenne pepper and adjust to your taste. For a smoky depth, try adding a dash of smoked paprika. You can also experiment with your favorite hot sauce to give the soup an extra kick.
- Adjust the Cooking Time for Texture: If you like your cabbage with a bit of crunch, simmer the soup for less time. For a softer texture, let it cook longer. This way, you can easily cater to your personal preference.
Nutrition Info
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 1709mg | Potassium: 1406mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 4343IU | Vitamin C: 69mg | Calcium: 119mg | Iron: 4mg
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Serving Suggestions
Cabbage soup is filling on its own since it’s packed with veggies, but if you want to make it more satisfying, there are plenty of tasty sides to try. Here are some of my favorites—I think you’ll enjoy them too!
- Crusty Bread: Serve your cabbage soup with crusty bread like Italian, French, or garlic bread. These breads are perfect for dipping and soaking up the soup’s delicious flavors.
- Roasted Chicken: Pair the soup with roasted whole chicken, baked chicken breast, thighs, or drumsticks. It makes the meal more well-rounded and satisfying.
- Rice or Grains: Enjoy the soup over steamed white rice, quinoa, or farro for a heartier meal. Brown rice or wild rice also adds a nice chewy texture.
- Boiled Eggs: If you don’t prefer meat, add hard-boiled or soft-boiled eggs for an easy protein boost.
- Beans or Lentils: Stir in your favorite beans or lentils to make the soup heartier and completely vegetarian-friendly.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like carrots, potatoes, zucchini, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts pair perfectly with this soup, adding extra texture and flavor.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or pasta salad is a great way to add more nutrition and balance to your meal.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Pairing the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich adds a comforting, cheesy element that’s perfect for dipping. You can use your favorite cheese and bread to suit your taste.
- Potatoes: Mashed potatoes add a cozy, hearty touch, while baked sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness that pairs well with the soup’s tangy, savory flavors.
- Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread provides a slightly sweet, hearty addition that soaks up the flavors of the soup beautifully.
Storage Suggestions
I recommend enjoying this cabbage soup warm, right after it's made—that’s when the fresh, comforting flavors really shine. But if you have leftovers or plan to make extra, don’t worry! Storing it for later is easy with these simple steps:
- In the Fridge: Let the soup cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner during the week!
- In the Freezer: If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some room at the top since the liquid expands. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. I also recommend labeling the soup with the best-by and storage dates—it makes keeping track of freshness so much easier!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. If it thickens a bit, just add a little water or broth to get it back to your preferred consistency. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until it is heated through.
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