The Coziest Cabbage Soup Recipe for Heartwarming Comfort

Crisp winter nights call for a hearty cabbage soup that warms you from the inside out.

My grandmother’s secret recipe brings comfort with every spoonful.

Inexpensive ingredients dance together, creating a magical blend of flavors and nutrition.

Chopped vegetables mingle in a rich broth, promising satisfaction without complexity.

Healthy eating never tasted so delicious and simple.

Nutritionists adore this classic dish for its incredible balance of taste and wellness.

You’ll want to grab a ladle and savor each comforting bite of this soul-nourishing soup.

Cabbage Soup Ingredient List

• Onion: Sweet and aromatic base for building soup flavor, adds depth to the dish.
• Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle herbaceous note and crisp texture.
• Garlic: Adds intense, pungent flavor and traditional aromatic quality.

• Cabbage: Hearty main ingredient that provides volume and nutritional value, with mild and slightly peppery taste.

• Vegetable Broth: Creates the soup's liquid base and adds extra savory profile.
• Diced Tomatoes: Introduces bright acidity and rich, tangy undertones to the soup.

• Oregano, Basil: Classic herbs that bring Mediterranean-style herbal notes.
• Smoked Paprika: Optional ingredient for adding smoky depth and warmth.
• Bay Leaf: Provides subtle earthy background flavor, removed before serving.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh finishing touch with green color and mild herb flavor.

• Crusty Bread: Optional accompaniment for dipping and adding texture.

How To Prepare Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Sizzle The Aromatic Base

Begin by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Stir gently as these vegetables soften and release their aromas—after a few minutes, toss in the minced garlic and continue stirring just until its fragrance fills the air.

Step 2: Welcome The Cabbage Star

Next, introduce the chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir it into the softened vegetables and allow it to mingle and wilt, softening until it becomes tender yet still retains a hint of structure.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, then add the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in oregano, basil, smoked paprika, and drop in a bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper, then stir gently so that all the ingredients marry into a unified base.

Step 4: Simmer To Perfection

Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about twenty minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and the vegetables to become fully tender.

Step 5: Final Touches

Finally, fish out and discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the finished cabbage soup into warm bowls, scatter freshly chopped parsley over the top, and serve alongside crusty bread for a comforting meal.

Cabbage Soup Cooking Tips

• Chop Veggies Uniformly: Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté vegetables thoroughly before adding liquid to develop rich, caramelized undertones that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap vegetable broth for chicken or beef stock for non-vegetarian versions, or use gluten-free alternatives to accommodate specific dietary restrictions.
• Control Soup Consistency: Adjust liquid amount based on preference – add more broth for a thinner soup or reduce for a heartier, stew-like texture.
• Extend Shelf Life: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify with time.

Storing And Heating Cabbage Soup

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cabbage soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup's flavors will actually deepen and become more delicious overnight.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring you label the container with the date.
• Reheating Refrigerated Soup: Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Reheating Frozen Soup: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop. Stir frequently and adjust seasoning if needed, as freezing can slightly alter the soup's original taste.

Tasty Pairings For Cabbage Soup

• Elevate with Fresh Bread Companions: Pair this hearty cabbage soup with a crusty sourdough or rustic whole wheat bread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Match with Crisp White Wines: A light, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the soup's vegetable-forward profile and cuts through its savory depth.
• Complement with Protein Boosters: Top the soup with grilled chicken strips or crumbled feta cheese to add protein and create a more substantial meal that feels satisfying and complete.
• Balance with Herbal Side Salad: Create a fresh green salad with mixed herbs, lemon vinaigrette, and light greens to provide a zesty, refreshing counterpoint to the soup's warm, comforting flavors.

Try These Cabbage Soup Variations

• Spicy Cabbage Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to amp up the heat. Incorporate a splash of hot sauce for extra zinger. Perfect for those craving a fiery flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Power: Toss in shredded chicken, ground turkey, or cubed tofu to create a more substantial meal. These protein additions transform the light soup into a hearty main course.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top and add a handful of chopped kalamata olives. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil to bring Mediterranean flavors to life.
• Creamy Comfort Version: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of heavy cream just before serving. Blend in some cooked white beans for added thickness and richness.

Cabbage Soup FAQ Guide

• Is cabbage soup healthy?

Yes! This soup is incredibly nutritious, low in calories, and packed with vitamins from fresh vegetables. It’s a great option for those wanting a light, wholesome meal that supports overall wellness.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! The recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure you use vegetable broth and skip any optional meat-based additions. It’s a perfect plant-based meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

• How can I add more protein to the soup?

You can easily boost protein by adding beans like white kidney or cannellini, tofu cubes, or plant-based protein alternatives. Lentils also work wonderfully and blend seamlessly with the soup’s flavors.

• Is this soup good for weight loss?

Definitely! Cabbage soup is low in calories, high in fiber, and helps keep you feeling full. It’s often recommended in diet plans because it’s nutrient-dense while being very light and supportive of weight management goals.

What Makes Cabbage Soup So Good

• Savor Wholesome Nutrition: Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and celery, this soup delivers a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals in every comforting spoonful.
• Craft Quick and Easy Comfort: Whipped up in just 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder provides a hassle-free meal solution for busy weeknights or when you crave something warming and satisfying.
• Celebrate Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Aromatic herbs and spices like oregano, basil, and smoked paprika transform basic vegetables into a deeply flavorful soup that tastes like it simmered all day.
• Embrace Versatile Wellness: Perfect for health-conscious eaters, weight watchers, and anyone seeking a light yet filling meal that can be easily customized with additional protein or served alongside crusty bread.

Cabbage Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Polish cabbage soup warms souls with its rustic charm and nourishing blend of tender vegetables and rich broth. Home cooks savor this comforting classic that brings Eastern European traditions directly to dinner tables with simple, satisfying flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fresh Produce:

• 1 small green cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Liquids and Canned Goods:

• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/414 grams) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Initiate the flavor foundation by warming olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate heat. Introduce diced onions, carrots, and celery, gently sautéing until they transform into a soft, translucent medley.
2. Infuse the aromatic mixture with minced garlic, stirring briefly to unleash its fragrant essence.
3. Incorporate shredded cabbage into the vegetable base, allowing it to wilt and meld with the existing ingredients.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes with their natural juices and vegetable broth, creating a rich liquid canvas. Enhance with oregano, basil, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
5. Elevate the liquid to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and let the ingredients harmonize, transforming into a tender, flavorful composition.
6. After 20 minutes, evaluate the soup’s seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper to personal preference.
7. Discard the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the vibrant soup into waiting bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley.
8. Present alongside crusty bread for a complete, comforting meal experience.

Notes

• Maximize vegetable crispness by cutting them into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
• Boost flavor depth by sautéing vegetables slowly, allowing natural sugars to caramelize and develop a rich, complex taste profile.
• Enhance nutritional value by using low-sodium vegetable broth and adding extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional health benefits.
• Accommodate dietary preferences by making this soup vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and adaptable for low-carb diets by swapping ingredients strategically.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg