Warm and hearty cabbage soup packed with fresh vegetables and herbs. A low-calorie, vegan, and nutritious meal perfect for any day.
🥣 Cabbage Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional: 1 tsp paprika or chili flakes for spice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
First, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables become soft and aromatic.
Next, stir in the chopped cabbage along with diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. After that, bring the mixture to a boil. Meanwhile, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25–30 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
Then, taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Additionally, you can sprinkle fresh parsley or add a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor.
Finally, serve warm, either as a main meal or a hearty starter. Consequently, this soup becomes a comforting and nutritious dish suitable for the whole family.
💡 Tips for Perfect Cabbage Soup
- First of all, chop vegetables evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Moreover, sauté onions and garlic before adding broth to enhance natural sweetness.
- Additionally, use fresh or frozen cabbage depending on availability.
- For extra flavor, simmer gently and stir occasionally.
- Lastly, adding a squeeze of lemon or a dash of apple cider vinegar brightens the soup before serving.
🔄 Delicious Variations
- Spicy Cabbage Soup: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper. As a result, the soup has a gentle, warming kick.
- Cabbage & Lentil Soup: Include ½ cup red or green lentils. Consequently, the soup becomes more filling and protein-rich.
- Creamy Vegan Version: Blend half the soup and stir in plant-based cream. Then, it turns silky and smooth.
- Mixed Vegetable Soup: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans. In this way, the soup is colorful, flavorful, and nutrient-packed.
- Herb-Infused Soup: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill. Therefore, the soup becomes aromatic and comforting.
🌱 Health Benefits
- Cabbage is rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.
- Low in calories and fat, supporting weight management.
- Helps digestion and promotes gut health.
- Plant-based and vegan-friendly, reducing cholesterol intake.
- Overall, this soup is a wholesome, detox-friendly, and nourishing meal.
🧒 Kid-Friendly Version
- First, keep seasoning mild and skip chili flakes.
- Next, chop vegetables smaller or puree the soup for smooth texture.
- Additionally, serve with whole-grain bread or crackers for dipping.
- Consequently, children enjoy a tasty, healthy, and easy-to-eat meal.
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
(Values may vary depending on ingredients used)
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs.
- Pair with whole-grain bread, croutons, or vegan grilled cheese.
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a light detox meal.
- Finally, store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.