There’s something magical about a pot of cabbage soup simmering on the stove—it fills the kitchen with warmth and the kind of cozy aroma that makes everyone gather around. I’ve been making this recipe for years, especially when I need something hearty, healthy, and ridiculously easy. Cabbage soup is the ultimate chameleon—simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner yet flavorful enough to impress. My version, packed with fresh veggies and seasoned just right, is my go-to when I want a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why I make it at least twice a month!
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Soup
- Super Easy: Just chop, sauté, and simmer—it’s ready in under 40 minutes with minimal effort.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with fresh veggies, it’s low in calories but high in fiber and nutrients.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Versatile: Perfect as a light lunch, hearty dinner, or even meal prep—it’s delicious every time!
Ingredients for Cabbage Soup
Grab your biggest soup pot—this cabbage soup is packed with simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 medium cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups—don’t worry about perfection here!)
- 2 carrots, sliced into thin coins (peeled or scrubbed clean)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (leaves and all—they add great flavor)
- 1 onion, diced (yellow or white works best)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is key—no powder substitutes!)
- 6 cups vegetable broth (homemade if you’ve got it, but store-bought works)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with their juices
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (rub it between your fingers first to wake up the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet—your choice!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for that perfect sauté)
How to Make Cabbage Soup
Alright, let’s get cooking! This soup comes together so easily—just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a pot of cozy goodness in no time.
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
First, heat that olive oil in your biggest soup pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery—you’ll know it’s ready when you hear that satisfying sizzle! Stir them around for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and the onions turn translucent. Now’s when you add the garlic (my favorite part!). Just 30 seconds more—you’ll smell when it’s perfectly fragrant but not burnt.
Step 2: Cook the Cabbage
Time for the star of the show! Dump in all that chopped cabbage—yes, it’ll seem like a mountain at first, but don’t worry. Give it a good stir to coat with all those yummy flavors, then let it cook down for about 5 minutes. You’ll see it magically shrink as it wilts, turning a brighter green and getting all tender.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Now pour in the vegetable broth and that can of diced tomatoes with their juices—yes, juices too! Sprinkle in the thyme (remember to rub it first!) and paprika. Bring everything to a lively boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes—just enough time for all the flavors to become best friends. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper until it’s just right for you.
Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup
Here are my tried-and-true secrets for making cabbage soup that’ll have everyone asking for seconds:
- Bay leaf magic: Toss one in while simmering—it adds a subtle depth you’ll miss if you skip it!
- Season in layers: A pinch of salt when sautéing veggies, then adjust again at the end. Taste as you go!
- Don’t overcook: Keep the cabbage slightly crisp-tender—it keeps its sweetness better that way.
- Fresh squeeze: A splash of lemon juice right before serving brightens all the flavors beautifully.
Variations for Cabbage Soup
One of the best things about cabbage soup is how easily you can customize it! Here are a few of my favorite twists:
- Add more veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even kale for extra color and nutrients.
- Boost the protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas, lentils, or tofu for a heartier meal.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
- Make it creamy: Blend in a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream for a richer texture.
Feel free to get creative—this soup is your canvas!
Serving Suggestions for Cabbage Soup
Oh, this soup is a meal all by itself, but I love serving it with a thick slice of crusty bread for dipping, or a simple side salad for something fresh. Trust me, it’s the perfect cozy combo!
Storing and Reheating Cabbage Soup
This soup keeps beautifully! Just let it cool slightly, then pop it in an airtight container—it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I like to warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of broth to bring it back to life. So easy!
Cabbage Soup Nutrition Information
Each hearty bowl of this cabbage soup packs about 120 calories with 5g fiber and 3g protein—perfect for a light yet satisfying meal! (Note: Nutrition can vary slightly based on exact veggie sizes or broth brands.) It’s naturally low-fat, vegan-friendly, and loaded with vitamins from all those fresh veggies. What’s not to love?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze cabbage soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes like a dream. Just let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers (leave some room for expansion). It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently—it tastes just as delicious as the day you made it!
What can I use instead of vegetable broth?
No worries if you’re out of veggie broth—chicken broth works great too, or you can even use water with an extra pinch of salt and herbs. I sometimes toss in a bouillon cube when I’m in a pinch. The soup will still be packed with flavor!
How do I make this soup heartier?
If you want something more filling, my favorite trick is adding a handful of brown rice or quinoa during the simmering step. Or toss in some cooked beans or shredded chicken—it transforms into a whole new meal!
1 Amazing Cabbage Soup Recipe Ready in 40 Minutes
A hearty and healthy cabbage soup that’s easy to make and perfect for any meal.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 medium cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Stir in cabbage and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and paprika.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- For extra flavor, add a bay leaf while simmering.
- This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cabbage soup, healthy soup, vegan soup, easy soup recipe