Description
A comforting, hearty soup perfect for any season, this cabbage soup combines fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a savory broth to deliver a bowl full of warmth and nutrition. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and versatile enough to suit many tastes and dietary needs. Whether you keep it light and vegetarian or add your choice of protein, this cabbage soup is sure to become a family favorite. Ready in under an hour, it’s a great weeknight meal that feels both wholesome and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
- 6 to 8 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes, lemon juice for finishing
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic; cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes with juices, bay leaves, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add chopped cabbage and pour in enough broth to cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender.
- Remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning, add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a heartier soup, add cooked beans or shredded chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- To deepen flavor, sauté the vegetables longer until lightly caramelized.
- Leftovers taste better the next day after flavors have melded.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stove-top simmer
- Cuisine: Comfort food, American-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg