Let me tell you, my go-to comfort food on a chilly day is this amazing cabbage soup recipe. It’s not just any soup; it’s a bowlful of warmth and health! Packed with vibrant veggies like carrots, celery, and garlic, this hearty dish makes me feel like I’m doing my body a favor with every spoonful. I remember the first time I made it—I was trying to eat healthier after the holidays, and this soup filled my kitchen with the most comforting aroma. Trust me, it’s both satisfying and nourishing, perfect for a quick dinner or a meal prep for the week. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, and the flavors are just out of this world!
Ingredients for Cabbage Soup Recipe
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making my delicious cabbage soup! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 carrots, diced for a touch of sweetness
- 1 onion, diced to add depth of flavor
- 3 celery stalks, diced for that lovely crunch
- 4 cloves garlic, minced to bring out incredible aroma
- 6 cups vegetable broth to create a flavorful base
- 1 can diced tomatoes for a hint of tanginess
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme to elevate the taste
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper, for a little kick
Make sure to chop and dice everything in advance to streamline your cooking process. It makes a world of difference when you can just toss things into the pot without fussing over prep work while the soup is bubbling away!
How to Prepare Cabbage Soup Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this delightful cabbage soup! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious pot of soup in no time!
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
First, grab a large pot and heat it over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté these beauties for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and the onion turns a lovely translucent color. Oh, the aroma will be heavenly!
Step 2: Add Cabbage and Broth
Next, it’s time to add the star of the show—the chopped cabbage! Stir it in well and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until it starts to wilt a bit. Now, pour in the vegetable broth and add the can of diced tomatoes. Give everything a good mix so all those flavors start to mingle together!
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Now comes the seasoning! Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper, and stir everything one last time. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes. This step is essential as it allows all those wonderful flavors to develop. Don’t forget to taste it before serving; you might want to adjust the seasoning to suit your palate. Enjoy the cozy feeling as the soup simmers away—your home will smell fantastic!
Tips for Success with Cabbage Soup Recipe
To make this cabbage soup truly shine, I’ve got some handy tips that I swear by! First off, don’t rush the sautéing process. Allowing the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to soften and develop their flavors is crucial—trust me, it’s worth the wait! You’ll get a rich, aromatic base that elevates the entire soup.
If you want to boost the flavor even further, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. It brightens the taste and adds a delightful zing! And if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some spices like smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a warm kick.
Also, feel free to customize your soup! You can throw in other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini, or even add some beans or lentils for extra protein and heartiness. It’s super versatile! Just keep in mind that if you add more veggies, you might need to adjust the broth to ensure it stays soupy.
Lastly, for an extra layer of flavor, try letting the soup sit for a bit after cooking. The flavors meld together beautifully, and it tastes even better the next day! So, if you can resist the urge to dig in right away, you’ll be rewarded with an even more delicious bowl of goodness!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note about the nutritional information for this cabbage soup recipe: the values can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, I can’t provide precise nutritional values for this soup. It’s always a good idea to check the labels on your products if you’re watching your intake closely. Remember, the focus here is on enjoying a warm, healthy bowl of soup that makes you feel good inside!
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 45 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
- Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with vitamins and fiber, this soup keeps you feeling full and satisfied without weighing you down.
- Flavorful and Comforting: The combination of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs creates a deliciously comforting bowl that warms your soul.
- Versatile: You can customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins, making it a great way to use up what you have on hand!
- Meal Prep Friendly: It’s perfect for batch cooking—just make a big pot and enjoy it throughout the week!
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple, affordable ingredients means you can enjoy a hearty meal without breaking the bank.
- Freezer Friendly: Leftovers can easily be frozen for a quick and healthy meal later on!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover cabbage soup properly is key to enjoying it later! Once it’s cooled down to room temperature, transfer the soup into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it well so it stays fresh and tasty!
If you want to save some for a longer time, you can absolutely freeze it! Just portion the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it’ll hold up nicely for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to dig in, just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using a pot on the stovetop for the best flavor. Just pour the soup in, heat it over medium until it’s warmed through, giving it a good stir now and then. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave—just make sure to heat it in short bursts and stir in between to ensure even heating. Enjoy your cozy bowl of soup again!
FAQ About Cabbage Soup Recipe
Can I add protein to the soup?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to make this cabbage soup even heartier, adding some protein is a fantastic idea. You can stir in canned beans like kidney or black beans for a delicious vegetarian option. If you prefer meat, shredded chicken works wonderfully as well. Just cook the chicken separately, shred it, and then mix it into the soup during the last few minutes of simmering. This will give you a nutritious boost while keeping the flavors balanced!
How long will the soup last in the fridge?
Your cabbage soup will be just fine in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh! After that, you might notice a dip in quality, but if you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. So, if you find yourself with leftovers, don’t hesitate to portion some out for the freezer!
Can I use other vegetables?
Of course! This cabbage soup is super versatile, so feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices. You can easily toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or even leafy greens like spinach or kale. Just keep in mind that if you add more veggies, you might need to increase the broth a bit to keep it soupy. The best part is you can use whatever you have on hand, making it a great way to clean out the fridge!
For more information on the health benefits of cabbage, you can check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in more delicious recipes, feel free to visit my recipe collection!
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Cabbage Soup Recipe: 7 Comforting Ways to Warm Your Soul
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This cabbage soup recipe is a healthy and hearty dish packed with vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
- Add chopped cabbage and stir well.
- Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes.
- Add thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This soup can be frozen for later use.
- Add protein like beans or chicken for a heartier meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cabbage soup recipe, healthy soup, vegetable soup