Best Cabbage Soup: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

An ordinary winter’s day at home often calls for something warm and comforting. There was that one chilly afternoon when a simple head of cabbage inspired me to create a hearty soup. My kitchen transformed into a sanctuary filled with the aromas of sautéed onions and garlic mingling beautifully with fresh vegetables. As I diced and stirred, I remembered my grandmother’s wisdom—food nourishes not just the body but also the spirit.

Cabbage soup became my go-to dish, emblematic of warmth and community. I would invite friends and family over to share a bowl, laughter echoing as we connected over this vibrant, nourishing meal. Each ingredient plays a vital role in flavor and health. With this recipe, you have a chance to evoke the same joy at your table. Best of all, it is adaptable, making it perfect for various tastes and dietary preferences.

In this article, we will explore how to make the best cabbage soup. From the fundamental techniques to tips that elevate your soup game, I’ll guide you through every step. Get ready to infuse your culinary repertoire with this delicious and healthy recipe that showcases the magic of cabbage!

Cabbage Soup Basics

Fundamentals

Creating the perfect cabbage soup starts with understanding the essentials of flavors. The foundation is simple yet effective—plenty of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and the right broth. Each ingredient contributes to a symphony of flavors, giving the soup depth and character.

Cabbage, the star of this dish, brings a slight sweetness and crunch that softens beautifully during cooking. Onions and garlic add a robust base, while herbs like oregano and thyme impart earthy notes. A hint of smoked paprika transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary. This balance forms a harmonious backdrop for the remaining vegetables, making each bite delightful.

Preparation/Setup

To prepare for making cabbage soup, gather your ingredients in one place. This organization ensures a smoother cooking process and can significantly reduce stress in the kitchen. Grab a large pot or Dutch oven—something that can hold all the delicious ingredients as they simmer together.

Chop your onions, mince the garlic, and dice the carrots and celery ahead of time. Shred the cabbage into manageable pieces so it can easily cook down. This step makes the cooking process much more enjoyable. Having everything ready also allows you to focus on enjoying the cooking experience rather than rushing through it.

Ingredients

For this cabbage soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and shredded
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: Cooked sausage, diced (Italian or kielbasa work well)
• Optional: Diced potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)

Directions

Start by heating the olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it softens and becomes translucent, taking about 5–7 minutes. Introduce the minced garlic to the mix and cook for an additional minute to release its fragrance.

Next, add in the shredded cabbage, diced carrots, and diced celery. Stir well and continue cooking for 5–7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Follow this with the vegetable broth. Add the oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat. Season with salt and black pepper, then toss in the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

If you prefer a heartier soup, consider adding diced cooked sausage during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering. Alternatively, diced potatoes can also bring bulk and texture; include them during the final 20–25 minutes of cooking.

Finally, stir in the apple cider vinegar. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Enhancing Your Cabbage Soup

Technique

Mastering the technique of simmering creates a flavorful broth, allowing all the ingredients to meld beautifully. Keep the pot covered to trap moisture and enhance flavor. For a deeper taste, simmer for up to an hour; the longer cooking time allows flavors to intensify.

You may experiment with the texture by adjusting the chopping size of the vegetables. Smaller pieces will soften more and integrate into the broth, whereas larger pieces will retain a satisfying crunch. The choice is yours based on your preference!

Tips/Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to elevate your cabbage soup:

• Batch cook: Make a large batch and freeze portions. It’s a great meal prep solution for busy weeks.
• Spice it up: Adjust the seasonings to your taste. Adding herbs like basil or parsley provides fresh notes.
• Add grains: Consider adding cooked quinoa or rice for added heartiness.
• Cheese lovers: A sprinkle of cheese on top when serving can add creaminess and flavor.

Perfecting the Cabbage Soup Experience

Perfecting Results

Achieving the best cabbage soup involves attention to both time and seasoning. Be patient while simmering to let the flavors bloom. A well-cooked soup should have a balance of flavors that feel cohesive rather than isolated.

To check if the soup is ready, taste it before serving. This is crucial to ensure that the seasoning aligns with your palate. Remember, flavors can shift during cooking, so adjusting at the end is the best way to achieve your desired taste.

Troubleshooting/Variations

Sometimes cooking doesn’t go as planned. If your soup is too thick, feel free to add more broth to lighten it up. If it tastes flat, it might benefit from a dash of seasoning or an extra splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness.

Explore variations by adding in your favorite seasonal vegetables. Kale or spinach can provide additional nutrients and colors. You can even play with different herbs and spices to create unique twists on the classic flavor profile.

Serving and Storing Cabbage Soup

Serving/Presentation

Presentation can make a simple cabbage soup feel special. Use colorful bowls to enhance the vibrancy of the soup. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top not only adds flavor but also brightens the dish visually.

Serve the soup warm with crusty bread or a side salad to create a balanced meal. Encourage your guests to savor each spoonful while enjoying meaningful conversations around the table.

Pairings/Storage

This cabbage soup pairs beautifully with a variety of options, such as fresh bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a light green salad. For storage, let the soup cool before transferring it to airtight containers. The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 4–5 days, making it a convenient choice for leftovers. Alternatively, freeze portions for longer storage.

When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to return some moisture, allowing the flavors to revive.

In summary, making the best cabbage soup combines wholesome ingredients, careful technique, and a touch of creativity. Embrace the process and revel in the joy of sharing a comforting bowl of soup with loved ones.

Best Cabbage Soup

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• Author: cov3
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A hearty and healthy cabbage soup that warms the soul with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and shredded
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: Cooked sausage, diced (Italian or kielbasa)
• Optional: Diced potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add shredded cabbage, diced carrots, and diced celery. Stir and cook for another 5–7 minutes.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper, add bay leaf.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. If desired, add cooked sausage during the last 15-20 minutes or diced potatoes during the last 20-25 minutes of simmering.
7. Stir in apple cider vinegar before serving and adjust seasoning to taste. Remove bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For added flavor, consider batch cooking and freezing portions for quick meals. Experiment with seasonal vegetables and grains.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: cabbage soup, healthy recipe, winter soup, comfort food, vegetarian soup