I love making Cabbage Soup when I want something warm, comforting, and simple. This hearty soup is packed with tender cabbage, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth that feels nourishing and satisfying without being heavy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I appreciate how easy and budget-friendly this soup is to prepare. I enjoy how the cabbage softens beautifully while still holding a bit of texture. I also like that I can customize it depending on what vegetables I have on hand. Whenever I want a cozy pot of soup that tastes even better the next day, this recipe is one I often turn to.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
4 cups green cabbage, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
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I heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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I sauté the chopped onion until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
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I stir in the carrots and celery and cook for a few minutes to begin softening them.
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I add the chopped cabbage and stir until it starts to wilt slightly.
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I pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the broth.
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I add thyme, oregano, and the bay leaf.
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I bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25–30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
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I remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper.
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I ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
I usually get about 6 servings from this recipe.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add diced potatoes for a heartier version. When I want extra protein, I include cooked ground beef or shredded chicken. I also enjoy adding white beans for a vegetarian protein boost. If I prefer a little heat, I sprinkle in red pepper flakes. For a richer flavor, I occasionally stir in a splash of lemon juice before serving.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I reheat it gently on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. This soup freezes very well, so I often portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze it for up to 3 months. I thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
I can use red cabbage, though the color of the broth will change slightly.
Is this soup vegetarian?
It is vegetarian when I use vegetable broth. If I use chicken broth, it is not vegetarian.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
I sauté the vegetables first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
How do I make it more filling?
I add beans, potatoes, rice, or cooked meat when I want a heartier meal.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
I often make it a day in advance because the flavors deepen as it sits in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
I truly enjoy making Cabbage Soup because it is simple, wholesome, and comforting. The tender vegetables and flavorful broth come together in a way that feels both nourishing and satisfying. Whenever I want a dependable, cozy meal, this soup is one I happily prepare.
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A warm and comforting cabbage soup filled with tender vegetables and savory broth, creating a nourishing and satisfying meal that is simple and budget-friendly.
- Author: Mayaa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté chopped onion until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add carrots and celery, cooking for 3–4 minutes to begin softening.
- Stir in chopped cabbage and cook until slightly wilted.
- Add diced tomatoes with juices and broth.
- Stir in thyme, oregano, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Add diced potatoes or white beans for a heartier soup.
- Use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
- Stir in a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
