There’s nothing quite as cozy and nourishing as a warm bowl of cabbage soup. This hearty classic has been loved across generations for its simple ingredients, wholesome flavor, and amazing versatility. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, a healthy meal prep idea, or a budget-friendly dish, cabbage soup always delivers. With its roots in rustic European kitchens, it has recently regained popularity as both a comforting comfort food and a nutritious option for clean eating.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh veggies you likely already have.
- Healthy & nourishing: Low in calories but packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Budget-friendly: A satisfying meal that doesn’t break the bank.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main dish, side, or starter, and easy to customize to your taste.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Cabbage Soup
- Cabbage – The star of the soup, bringing mild sweetness and hearty texture.
- Onions – Add depth of flavor and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Carrots – Provide color and earthy sweetness that balances the broth.
- Tomatoes – Create a rich, tangy base for the broth.
- Garlic – Infuses the soup with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth – Brings everything together into a comforting, flavorful base.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cabbage Soup
- Prepare the vegetables – Chop the cabbage, onions, carrots, and garlic.
- Sauté for flavor – In a large pot, heat a little oil and sauté onions, carrots, and garlic until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes & broth – Stir in diced tomatoes and pour in vegetable or chicken broth.
- Simmer with cabbage – Add the chopped cabbage and season with salt, pepper, and herbs of your choice.
- Cook until tender – Let it simmer for 25–30 minutes until the cabbage is soft and flavors are blended.
- Taste & adjust – Add more seasoning if needed, and serve hot with bread on the side.
Expert Tip: Don’t overcook the cabbage—keeping it slightly crisp gives the soup better texture and freshness.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or fresh jalapeño slices.
- Boost the protein: Stir in beans, lentils, or shredded chicken.
- Go low-carb: Replace carrots with zucchini or bell peppers.
- Add more herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, or dill enhance the flavor beautifully.
How to Store & Reheat
- Store: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
Similar Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this cozy bowl of cabbage soup, you’ll love trying more cabbage-inspired recipes from the blog. For another comforting classic, check out this Cabbage Soup Recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. If you’re craving something quick and flavorful, And for a hearty Southern-inspired dish, don’t miss this Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya with Ground Beef and Sausage packed with bold spices and rich flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make cabbage soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Just add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
2. What seasonings work best in cabbage soup?
Classic herbs like thyme, bay leaves, and parsley work well. For a twist, add smoked paprika or cumin.
3. Can I make cabbage soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. The flavors deepen after resting, making it even tastier the next day.
4. Is cabbage soup good for weight loss?
Cabbage soup is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a filling option often used in balanced meal plans.
This cabbage soup is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly delicious and comforting. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a wholesome, budget-friendly meal, it’s a recipe worth adding to your regular rotation. Give it a try, share it with family and friends, and don’t forget to let me know how you enjoyed it!
Cabbage Soup
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage chopped
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 carrots sliced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onions, carrots, and garlic; sauté until fragrant (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in diced tomatoes, broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add chopped cabbage and bring the soup to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until cabbage is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.