When it comes to comforting, hearty soups that are as satisfying as they are healthy, this Best Cabbage Soup takes the cake. Packed with fresh veggies, a rich, savory broth, and just the right amount of seasoning, it’s the kind of dish that fills you up without weighing you down. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing meal on a chilly day or something light and refreshing, this cabbage soup has got you covered. Trust me, you’re going to love the way it warms you from the inside out.
Why You’ll Love Best Cabbage Soup
This soup is everything you want in a bowl—simple, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Here’s why it’s a total winner:
Healthy and Light
Cabbage is the star of the show, offering a nutrient-packed base that’s high in fiber and vitamins. It’s light, but filling enough to be a satisfying meal on its own. Plus, the soup is naturally low in calories, so you can indulge without guilt.
Comforting Yet Refreshing
This soup strikes the perfect balance between being comforting and light. The tender cabbage, hearty vegetables, and savory broth make it satisfying, but the fresh, vibrant ingredients keep it from feeling too heavy.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Whether you’re making it for the week ahead or freezing a batch for later, this cabbage soup holds up wonderfully. You can store leftovers in the fridge or freeze portions for a quick, wholesome meal whenever you need it.
Customizable
You can easily tweak this recipe to your preferences. Want to add some protein? Throw in some cooked chicken or turkey. If you love extra flavor, toss in a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes for a little heat. The best part? It’s versatile and can be made your own!
Budget-Friendly
This soup is made with simple, inexpensive ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s perfect for when you want something delicious without breaking the bank.
Ingredients
Cabbage
The main ingredient in this soup, cabbage adds texture and bulk while being packed with nutrients. It cooks down beautifully, absorbing all the flavors from the broth.
Carrots and Celery
These veggies add a nice crunch and subtle sweetness, balancing out the savory cabbage with a bit of color and freshness.
Onion and Garlic
Aromatic onion and garlic create the foundation of the soup’s flavor, infusing the broth with their savory essence.
Tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes bring a tangy, rich depth to the soup, giving it that comforting, full-bodied broth that everyone loves.
Vegetable Broth
A good vegetable broth adds richness to the soup and helps bring out the natural flavors of the veggies. You can also use chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version.
Herbs and Seasoning
A mix of dried thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper adds depth and warmth to the soup. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking!
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~150 kcal
Protein: 3g
Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 10g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Veggies
Start by chopping the cabbage into thin strips and dicing the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic to release its aromatic flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until they’re softened and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Add the chopped carrots, celery, and cabbage to the pot. Stir to combine and let everything cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the veggies to soften slightly.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Add the vegetable broth (or chicken broth) and crushed tomatoes to the pot. Stir everything together, making sure the veggies are submerged in the liquid. Toss in the thyme and bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Simmer
Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 6: Final Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a little heat, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce at this point.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. It’s perfect on its own, or you can enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
How to Serve Best Cabbage Soup
With Crusty Bread
This soup is just begging to be paired with a slice of warm, crusty bread. Use it to soak up every last drop of that flavorful broth.
With a Salad
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would be a great, refreshing side to balance out the richness of the soup.
As a Light Meal
If you’re looking for something light and healthy, this cabbage soup makes a filling meal all on its own. You can always top it with some shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Additional Tips
- Make it Heartier: If you want to add some protein, try adding cooked chicken, turkey, or even a scoop of lentils for a veggie-packed twist.
- Spice It Up: For a little extra kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or chili flakes. It adds a nice zing without overpowering the other flavors.
- Meal Prep: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes wonderfully. Just let it cool completely before storing it in airtight containers.
- Vegetarian or Vegan: This soup is naturally vegetarian, but for a vegan version, make sure to use a plant-based broth.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen cabbage for this soup?
A1: Yes, you can! Frozen cabbage works just fine, though fresh cabbage will give the soup a slightly better texture.
Q2: Can I add other vegetables?
A2: Absolutely! Feel free to throw in other veggies like zucchini, green beans, or bell peppers. The more, the merrier!
Q3: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A3: Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to eat.
Q4: Can I freeze this soup?
A4: Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove for the best flavor.
Conclusion
This Best Cabbage Soup is the perfect balance of healthy, comforting, and easy to make. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly day or looking for a light but filling dinner, it’s a dish that hits the spot every time. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and so simple to throw together—making it an ideal choice for meal prepping or busy weeknights. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked after the very first spoonful!
Print
Best Cabbage Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty and healthy cabbage soup is packed with flavor and nutrients! Loaded with cabbage, vegetables, and a savory broth, it’s perfect for a light meal or a filling, low-calorie option. It’s a simple, comforting dish that’s perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 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)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for more flavor)
- 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
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Add the Other Vegetables:
Add the carrots, celery, bell pepper, and zucchini to the pot. Stir occasionally and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. - Add the Cabbage and Broth:
Stir in the shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes with juices, and vegetable broth. Add the bay leaf, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. - Simmer the Soup:
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally and taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. - Serve:
Remove the bay leaf from the soup before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot. This soup is great on its own or with a side of crusty bread.
Notes
- For added protein, you can add cooked chicken, ground turkey, or beans.
- This soup stores well and can be made ahead of time. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg