Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this cabbage soup! It’s one of those cozy, feel-good recipes that just warms your heart and nourishes your body. I remember the first time I made it; I was feeling a bit under the weather, and a friend suggested I whip up some cabbage soup. I was skeptical at first, but wow, I was blown away! It’s so simple to make, and you really can’t beat how healthy it is. Packed with nutrients, this soup is low in calories but high in flavor. Plus, you can toss in whatever veggies you have lying around! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and trust me, you’ll come back to this recipe again and again, especially when you need a little comfort food without the guilt.
Ingredients for Cabbage Soup
You’ll want to gather these fresh ingredients to make the most delicious cabbage soup:
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 carrots, diced into small cubes
- 1 onion, chopped finely
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (about 14.5 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste (I usually start with about a teaspoon)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked is best!)
Make sure you have everything prepped before you start cooking—trust me, it makes the process so much smoother!
How to Prepare Cabbage Soup
Now, let’s dive into making this delightful cabbage soup! It’s all about layering flavors and taking your time to let everything meld together beautifully. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a heartwarming bowl of soup in no time!
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic
First things first, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil if you’d like! Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them sizzle away for about 3-5 minutes. You want them to soften and become fragrant—this is where the magic starts! Just keep an eye on them; you don’t want the garlic to burn, or it can turn bitter.
Step 2: Add Carrots
Next up, add those diced carrots to the pot. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step not only adds a lovely sweetness to the soup but also gives it a nice texture. You want them to soften just a bit but still hold their shape—nobody likes mushy carrots!
Step 3: Incorporate Cabbage
Now, it’s time to add the star of the show: the cabbage! Stir in the chopped cabbage, and don’t worry if it seems like a lot—it wilts down beautifully. Cook it for about another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it begins to soften and shrink a little. This step is crucial for getting that rich flavor into the soup!
Step 4: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes, juice and all. This is where the soup really comes to life! Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently. You’ll want to let it bubble away for about 5-10 minutes—this allows all those flavors to meld together perfectly.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Finally, it’s time to season your soup! Add the dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, then let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This longer simmering time is key to developing a deep, rich flavor that’s simply irresistible. Don’t rush this part—let those flavors dance together! When it’s done, you’ll have a deliciously hearty cabbage soup ready to enjoy.
Tips for Success
To make sure your cabbage soup turns out just right, I’ve got some handy tips that I swear by! First off, always use fresh ingredients if you can. The flavor of fresh cabbage, vibrant carrots, and aromatic garlic makes a world of difference. If you can, hit up your local farmer’s market; the freshness is unbeatable!
Next, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. I like to start with the basics, but sometimes a little extra thyme or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end really brightens things up. And if you love a bit of heat, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes when you’re sautéing the onions and garlic—yum!
Also, if you want to bulk up the soup, consider adding in some cooked beans or shredded chicken. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking to warm through. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a handful of kale or spinach added towards the end can amp up the nutrition without compromising the flavor.
Finally, remember that the longer the soup sits, the better it gets! If you can, make it a day ahead and let those flavors meld overnight in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving, and you’ll be in for a treat. Trust me, you’ll be making this cabbage soup again and again!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
While I strive to provide accurate nutritional information, please keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The information shared here is an estimate and should be treated as such. For a standard serving of this hearty cabbage soup (about 1 cup), you can expect roughly:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
So, if you’re counting calories or keeping an eye on your macros, be sure to calculate based on your specific ingredients! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy: Packed with nutrients, this soup is low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals from the fresh veggies.
- Hearty: With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this cabbage soup is filling enough to be a meal on its own.
- Easy to make: Simple steps and minimal prep make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Customizable: Feel free to throw in any extra veggies or proteins you have on hand. It’s a great way to clean out the fridge!
- Budget-friendly: Using affordable ingredients, this soup won’t break the bank, making it an ideal choice for anyone watching their budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store leftover cabbage soup?
Absolutely! Just let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for longer, this soup freezes beautifully! Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I add to this cabbage soup for extra flavor?
Oh, there are so many options! You could add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten it up. For those who enjoy a little kick, toss in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also mix in some cooked beans or lentils for added protein!
Is this cabbage soup vegan?
Yes, it is! This recipe is entirely plant-based since it uses vegetable broth and no animal products. It’s perfect for anyone following a vegan diet or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their routine!
Can I use different vegetables?
Definitely! One of the best things about cabbage soup is its versatility. Feel free to add any veggies you love or have on hand—like bell peppers, zucchini, or even some leafy greens like spinach or kale. Just adjust the cooking time as needed so everything gets tender!
How can I make this soup heartier?
If you’re looking to bulk it up, adding cooked potatoes, quinoa, or even some shredded chicken can make it more filling. You can throw in beans for a protein boost too—black beans or chickpeas work wonderfully!
Cabbage Soup: 5 Heartwarming Secrets for Comforting Flavor
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A healthy and hearty cabbage soup that is easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add carrots and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage.
- Add the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes.
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This soup freezes well.
- Add protein like beans or chicken for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cabbage soup, healthy soup, vegetable soup
