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.

Course Soups

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Servings servings

Calories 243

Author Sangeetha Vel

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

US Customary - Metric

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!

Notes

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

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