Cabbage Soup has been a game-changer for me, especially when I’m looking for something light and satisfying. I remember my mom making a big pot of this soup on chilly evenings, the aroma of simmering vegetables filling our kitchen. It was so comforting and delicious! This easy cabbage soup recipe is perfect if you’re curious about the Cabbage Soup Diet or just want a nourishing meal that won’t weigh you down. It’s packed with wholesome vegetables and comes together so simply. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Soup
This simple soup is a winner for so many reasons:
- It’s incredibly flavorful and satisfying, proving that healthy food can be delicious.
- You can whip up this healthy cabbage soup in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- It’s packed with vitamins and fiber, making it a fantastic choice for weight management.
- This recipe is super budget-friendly, using simple, inexpensive ingredients.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- This healthy cabbage soup is low in calories but high in nutrients.
- It’s a versatile base you can easily customize with other veggies or proteins.
Cabbage Soup Ingredients
Gathering your Cabbage Soup Ingredients is the first step to making this wonderful dish. This recipe focuses on simple, wholesome components that create a flavorful and nourishing soup. I love how humble ingredients like cabbage and carrots can transform into something so satisfying!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped – adds a sweet base flavor
- 2 carrots, chopped – for a touch of sweetness and color
- 2 celery stalks, chopped – brings a fresh, slightly savory note
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that classic aromatic depth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – adds an earthy, slightly minty flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – for a sweet, peppery herbaceousness
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a gentle warmth
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – if you like a little kick!
- 8 cups vegetable broth – the liquid base that ties everything together
- 1 pound cabbage, shredded – the star of the show, providing bulk and nutrients
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained – for a little acidity and texture
- 1 bay leaf – infuses a subtle herbal note during simmering
- Salt to taste – to enhance all the flavors
How to Make Cabbage Soup
Making this wonderful homemade cabbage soup is a straightforward process that rewards you with a delicious and healthy meal. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it simmers is truly comforting!
- Step 1: Start by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add 1 large onion, chopped, 2 carrots, chopped, and 2 celery stalks, chopped. Cook these vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and become slightly translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 2: Toss in 4 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you’re adding a touch of heat). Stir constantly for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the herbs release their wonderful scent. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Step 3: Pour in 8 cups vegetable broth, which forms the flavorful base of this soup. Add the 1 pound cabbage, shredded, the 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained for a bit of tang and texture, and finally, toss in 1 bay leaf to infuse a subtle herbal note as it simmers.
- Step 4: Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently. You’ll want to let this delicious homemade cabbage soup cook for at least 20-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and has softened beautifully. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
- Step 5: Before serving, carefully remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup and season with salt to taste. This is where you can really adjust the flavor to your preference, making this your perfect homemade cabbage soup.
- Step 6: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy your light and flavorful cabbage soup!
Pro Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup
Elevating this simple soup is easy with a few tricks I’ve picked up!
- Don’t skip sautéing the mirepoix (onion, carrots, celery) – it builds a crucial flavor base.
- Shredding your cabbage thinly ensures it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning at the end; a little extra salt can make all the difference.
- For a richer flavor, consider using chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth.
What’s the secret to perfect Cabbage Soup?
The real secret to a perfect bowl of this cabbage soup is allowing the vegetables to soften and release their flavors. Sautéing the aromatics first and then letting the soup simmer gently for at least 20-30 minutes really develops the depth of flavor that makes this the best cabbage soup recipe.
Can I make Cabbage Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is fantastic for meal prep. You can chop all your vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before you plan to cook. The soup itself also tastes even better the next day.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cabbage Soup?
A common pitfall is overcooking the cabbage, which can make it mushy. Aim for tender-crisp. Also, be sure to remove the bay leaf before serving to avoid an unpleasant bite. Finally, taste and adjust seasoning at the end; it’s crucial for bringing out the best flavor.
Best Ways to Serve Cabbage Soup
This versatile soup is wonderful on its own, but it truly shines when paired with the right accompaniments. For a truly satisfying and hearty cabbage soup experience, I love serving it with a crusty whole-wheat bread for dipping. The bread soaks up all that delicious broth beautifully!
Another favorite way to enjoy this soup is alongside a light, fresh salad. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a nice contrast to the warmth of the soup. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, consider adding a small portion of grilled chicken or a lean protein to make it a complete meal. It’s amazing how a few simple additions can transform this humble soup into a truly satisfying dish.
Nutrition Facts for Cabbage Soup
This healthy cabbage soup is a fantastic choice for anyone watching their calorie intake. It’s incredibly light yet packed with nutrients to keep you satisfied.
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Cabbage Soup
Once your delicious cabbage soup has cooled down a bit, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and tasty. I like to let it cool on the counter for about an hour before transferring it to airtight containers. This easy cabbage soup will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. If you want to make a big batch to enjoy even further out, this soup freezes beautifully!
To freeze your homemade cabbage soup, portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Soup
What are the main Cabbage Soup Benefits?
The primary benefits of this cabbage soup are its low-calorie count and high fiber content, making it excellent for digestive health and satiety. It’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the vegetables, contributing to overall well-being and supporting your immune system. Many people find it a comforting and nourishing way to eat healthily.
How does Cabbage Soup help with Weight Loss?
This cabbage soup for weight loss is popular because it’s very low in calories and high in fiber and water. This combination helps you feel full with fewer calories, which can lead to a calorie deficit needed for weight loss. The Cabbage Soup Diet, in particular, is a short-term plan designed to kickstart weight loss by focusing on this low-calorie, high-volume soup.
Can I add other proteins to this Cabbage Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe is delicious as a vegetable-based soup, you can easily make it more substantial by adding lean proteins. Cooked shredded chicken, lean ground beef, or even white beans can be added during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering to create a heartier meal. This variation still keeps it relatively low-calorie while boosting the protein content.
Is this Cabbage Soup Recipe good for the Cabbage Soup Diet?
Yes, this simple cabbage soup recipe is an ideal base for the traditional Cabbage Soup Diet. It contains all the core ingredients and is prepared in a straightforward manner, fitting perfectly into the diet’s structure. Remember, the diet typically involves eating this soup for a week straight, often with specific fruits and vegetables on different days.
Variations of Cabbage Soup You Can Try
While this basic cabbage soup recipe is fantastic on its own, there are so many ways to customize it! I love experimenting with different flavor profiles and additions to keep things exciting.
- Spicy Cabbage Soup: For a bit of heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño along with the onions. A dash of hot sauce at the end is also a great trick.
- Chicken Cabbage Soup: Add shredded cooked chicken or diced chicken breast to the pot during the last 15 minutes of simmering. This makes it a more filling and protein-rich meal.
- Beef Cabbage Soup: Brown some lean ground beef with the onions, carrots, and celery in Step 1 of the instructions. Drain any excess fat before adding the broth.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Ensure you use vegetable broth and omit any meat additions. This recipe is already a wonderful vegetable cabbage soup.
Amazing 10-Minute Cabbage Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and hearty cabbage soup recipe, perfect for weight loss or a comforting meal. This vegetable cabbage soup is low calorie and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 1 pound cabbage, shredded
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic, thyme, basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in vegetable broth. Add shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for at least 20-30 minutes, or until cabbage is tender.
- Remove bay leaf. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve this healthy cabbage soup hot. Enjoy your homemade cabbage soup!
Notes
- For a spicier cabbage soup, add more red pepper flakes.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- For a heartier cabbage soup, consider adding lean protein like chicken or beef.
- This cabbage soup recipe is excellent for the cabbage soup diet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
