I remember those days after school, rushing home to the one place I felt truly myself: the kitchen. The world outside could be harsh, but in my kitchen, with flour dusting my apron and the scent of something delicious in the air, I was home.
Now, I’m so happy to share one of my favorite quick and healthy recipes with you: my Best Cabbage Soup! This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, it is perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s packed with nutrients and flavor. Let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Best Cabbage Soup
This isn’t just any cabbage soup; it’s the best cabbage soup, and here’s why:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. If you’re looking for another quick soup recipe for your busy weeknights, check this out.
- Simple ingredients: Uses everyday ingredients you can easily find.
- Adaptable: Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables, proteins, and spices.
- Budget-friendly: Made with affordable ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Health Benefits of Cabbage
Cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse! It’s low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and vitamin K. Cabbage is also a good source of fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel full and satisfied. Studies have shown that cabbage contains antioxidants that may help protect against chronic diseases. Plus, it’s a cruciferous vegetable, so it has those extra health benefits! If you’re looking for another way to enjoy this versatile vegetable, you might like this amazing green goddess cabbage salad.
What You Need to Make This Best Cabbage Soup
For this soup, we’re focusing on fresh, quality vegetables to build a deep, satisfying flavor. From the sweetness of the carrots to the savory depth of the cabbage, each ingredient plays a vital role. Sourcing the best ingredients you can find will make all the difference in the world! For more ways to cook with this incredible vegetable, try these amazing oven roasted garlic cabbage steaks.
Best Cabbage Soup Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to make my Best Cabbage Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is my go-to for sautéing. Look for extra virgin for the best flavor and health benefits.
- 1 onion (diced): Yellow or white onions work great. Look for firm onions without any soft spots.
- 1 large carrot (diced): Adds sweetness and color. Opt for firm carrots.
- 2 celery stalks (diced): Provides a fresh, savory flavor. Choose crisp, firm stalks.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Essential for that aromatic punch. Freshly minced is best!
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil: Complements the oregano with its sweet, herbaceous notes.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Adjust to your liking.
- ½ cabbage (chopped): Green cabbage is classic, but you can also use Savoy or Napa.
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and body to the soup.
- 4 to 6 cups vegetable broth (depending how thick or brothy you’d like it): Use low-sodium to control the salt content.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens up the flavors at the end. Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled works too.
- ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
- cracked black pepper (to taste): For a touch of heat and depth.
How to Make Best Cabbage Soup: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting bowl of cabbage soup in no time!
- Cook the vegetables. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, and add the diced onions, carrot, and celery. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the aromatics. Add the minced garlic and spices and stir for another minute.
- Add the cabbage and let it sweat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Let it simmer. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes and let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened to your liking.
- Finish and serve. Remove the cabbage soup from the heat and add the lemon juice, parsley, and cracked black pepper. Give it another stir, then serve.
Pro Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup
Here are a couple of tips that I’ve found especially helpful:
To prevent mushy cabbage, add it later in the cooking process. Cabbage cooks relatively quickly, so adding it too early can result in a less-than-ideal texture. Sautéing the vegetables brings out their sweetness. This is because the heat helps to break down the complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars.
Variations and Substitutions for Cabbage Soup
Here are some ways to mix it up, depending on what you’re in the mood for!
| Variation | Details |
|---|---|
| Meaty | Add browned ground beef, sausage (Italian or smoked), or shredded chicken. |
| Vegan Protein | Add lentils, chickpeas, or cannellini beans for a boost of protein and fiber. |
| Extra Vegetables | Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. |
| Spicy | Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. |
| Smoky | Add smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke. |
| Low Sodium | Use low-sodium broth and omit the added salt, adjusting to taste. |
Serving Suggestions for Best Cabbage Soup
This soup is wonderful on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even better! Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the broth. A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt adds a creamy tang. Finally, sprinkle with extra fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added flavor and freshness.
How to Store and Reheat Cabbage Soup
To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, it will keep for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Transfer the cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Then, heat it on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cabbage is best? (green, napa, savoy, etc.) Why? Green cabbage is the most common and works great because it holds its shape well during cooking. Napa cabbage is softer and has a milder flavor, which can be a nice change. Savoy cabbage has a slightly wrinkled texture and a delicate flavor.
Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, especially if you’re short on time. They might alter the texture slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
How can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot? For a slow cooker, sauté the vegetables first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. For an Instant Pot, sauté the vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
How to adjust the recipe for different dietary needs (low-sodium, diabetic-friendly)? For low-sodium, use low-sodium broth and omit added salt. For diabetic-friendly, focus on portion control and add more non-starchy vegetables.
Is cabbage soup good for weight loss? (Address the “cabbage soup diet” directly but responsibly.) Cabbage soup can be part of a weight loss plan due to its low-calorie and high-fiber content. However, the “cabbage soup diet” is a restrictive diet and is not recommended for long-term weight loss.
What meat goes well in cabbage soup? Ground beef, Italian sausage, smoked sausage, and shredded chicken all add great flavor and protein.
What are the benefits of cabbage soup? It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and it’s low in calories.
What can I add to cabbage soup for flavor? Lemon juice, fresh herbs, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce can enhance the flavor.
How to cut cabbage for soup? Remove the outer leaves, cut the cabbage into quarters, and then slice each quarter into thin shreds.
What to serve with it? Crusty bread, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
How do you store it? Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating.
Can you freeze it? Yes, transfer the cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion.
Is this recipe good for you? Yes, it’s packed with vegetables and nutrients, making it a healthy and delicious meal.
Why is my soup bland? Make sure to season adequately with salt, pepper, and herbs. Sautéing the vegetables beforehand can also help bring out their natural flavors.
Why is my cabbage mushy? Avoid overcooking the cabbage. Add it later in the cooking process so it retains some texture.
Recipe Card
Amazing Best Cabbage Soup – Quick & Healthy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the vegetables. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, and add the diced onions, carrot, and celery. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the aromatics. Add the minced garlic and spices and stir for another minute.
- Add the cabbage and let it sweat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes and let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened to your liking.
- Remove the cabbage soup from the heat and add the lemon juice, parsley, and cracked black pepper. Give it another stir, then serve.
Notes
Notes:
- Add protein for a heartier meal.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste.
Nutrition Information: [Insert Nutrition Information Here]
Conclusion
I hope you love this Best Cabbage Soup as much as I do! It’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for those days when you need something comforting and nourishing, without spending hours in the kitchen. Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite variations? Share your results or ask any questions in the comments below. Happy cooking!
