If you’ve been hunting for a comforting, hearty, and healthy soup, look no further than the Best Cabbage Soup Recipe. This vibrant bowl is packed with fresh vegetables and a medley of herbs that awaken your senses and nourish your body in the best way possible. With tender cabbage mingling effortlessly with carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper, every spoonful sings with flavor and warmth. It’s that go-to meal that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day, yet it’s light enough to keep you feeling energized and satisfied.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making a fantastic soup, and this recipe uses simple, everyday items that bring a world of flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s adding crunch, sweetness, depth, or brightness — together, they create the perfect harmony in this Best Cabbage Soup Recipe.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: The warm base that gently sautés your vegetables and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth when caramelized slightly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a punch of aromatic flavor that ties everything together.
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced: Sweetness and vibrant color that brighten the soup.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Light crunch and subtle earthiness to balance the texture.
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced: Adds a mild, fresh bite with a hint of natural sweetness.
- 1 medium zucchini, diced: Softens beautifully within the broth, adding moisture and mild flavor.
- 1 small head of cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups): The star ingredient that gives the soup its name and hearty, satisfying texture.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices: Brings acidity and a burst of vibrant color to brighten the soup’s profile.
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for more flavor): The comforting, savory liquid base that infuses all the ingredients.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds a subtle herbal note that deepens the flavor.
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme: Offers a light woodsy aroma that complements the veggies perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano: Enhances the soup with hints of earthiness and slight minty undertones.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat): Adds a gentle kick that warms the palate just right.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out all the natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): A fresh, bright finish that makes each serving look and taste even better.
How to Make Best Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This initial step sets a flavorful foundation, releasing sweet and savory notes that make the soup taste incredible from the very first bite.
Step 2: Add the Heart of the Soup
Next, stir in the diced carrots, celery, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook these together for about 5 minutes, allowing the veggies to soften just slightly and build that layered texture we’re aiming for. This combination ensures every spoonful is packed with a variety of tastes and colors.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cabbage and Tomatoes
Add the shredded cabbage and canned diced tomatoes along with their juices into the pot. The cabbage will slowly wilt, creating a wonderfully tender and substantial bite, while the tomatoes introduce a lovely tang that balances the sweetness of the other veggies.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Spices
Pour the vegetable broth over your simmering veggies, then toss in the bay leaf, thyme, oregano, and if you’re up for a tiny touch of heat, those red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Let your soup simmer gently for about 30 minutes, uncovered, so the flavors can meld beautifully. This final gentle cooking phase allows the cabbage to soften fully and the herbs to infuse their warm essence into every drop of broth.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Remove the bay leaf, taste your creation, and season with salt and pepper as needed. Giving it a final stir brings all the ingredients together into a harmonious flavor experience.
How to Serve Best Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving to add a fresh pop of color and a bright, herbal note that lifts the entire soup. A little extra cracked black pepper can also enhance the cozy vibe of this dish.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a warm baguette to dip and savor every last drop of broth. For a bit of indulgence, a side of garlic butter or a light salad with vinaigrette makes for a perfectly balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls to emphasize its comforting qualities. For a festive touch, you could drizzle a bit of good-quality olive oil or a dollop of sour cream on top. Adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan also transforms this humble recipe into something a little extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover soup to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen homemade cabbage soup can last up to 3 months, making it a perfect batch-cooking solution for busy weeks.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, gently reheat it over medium-low heat on the stove. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add a splash of water or broth if it feels too thick. Microwave reheating works well too — just cover loosely and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Using vegetable broth keeps the soup entirely plant-based and still bursting with flavor. Just skip any chicken broth variations and you’re set.
Is it okay to use pre-shredded cabbage?
You can use pre-shredded cabbage for convenience, but freshly shredded cabbage offers a crunchier texture and fresher flavor that really shines in this soup.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or ground beef can make it heartier. Just brown the meat first, then follow the recipe starting at the sauté stage with the onions and garlic.
What can I use instead of zucchini?
If zucchini isn’t available, yellow squash or even diced potatoes work well as great substitutes, each bringing their unique textures and flavors to the mix.
How spicy is this soup with the red pepper flakes?
The 1/4 teaspoon adds just a gentle warmth without overpowering the dish, but feel free to adjust to your personal heat preference or leave it out completely if you prefer mild flavors.
Final Thoughts
There is something so heartwarming and satisfying about the Best Cabbage Soup Recipe that keeps you coming back for more. It’s simple, vibrant, and full of wholesome goodness that’s easy to love. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup promises comfort and flavor every single time. So go ahead, dive into a bowl of this deliciousness—you won’t regret it!
Print
Best 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: Low Calorie
Description
This Best Cabbage Soup is a hearty and healthy vegetable soup packed with fresh veggies and seasoned with classic herbs. Perfect as a comforting low-calorie meal, it combines cabbage, zucchini, bell pepper, and carrots simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth, making it a nourishing and delicious choice for any season.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 small head of cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups)
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for more flavor)
Oils and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, peeling and dicing the carrots, dicing the celery stalks, bell pepper, and zucchini, and shredding the cabbage. Having all your vegetables prepped will make the cooking process smoother.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the Remaining Vegetables: Add the diced carrots, celery, green bell pepper, and zucchini to the pot. Cook and stir for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften, maintaining medium heat.
- Add Cabbage and Tomatoes: Stir in the shredded cabbage and the can of diced tomatoes with juices. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly in the pot.
- Pour in Broth and Season: Add 6 cups of vegetable broth to the pot along with the bay leaf, dried thyme, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes until all vegetables are tender and flavors have melded together.
- Final Taste and Adjustments: Remove the bay leaf, taste the soup, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If desired, add extra red pepper flakes or herbs at this stage.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color. Serve hot and enjoy your nourishing cabbage soup.
Notes
- This soup is naturally low in calories and fat, making it great for weight management and detox diets.
- Use vegetable broth to keep the soup vegetarian; substitute with chicken broth for deeper flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or spinach for variety.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted if you prefer no heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
