Cabbage Soup Recipe : Simple, Satisfying & Easy

Name: Cabbage Soup Recipe : Simple, Satisfying & Easy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 1 large carrot, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 green cabbage, chopped, roughly 6 to 8 cups; 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes; 4 to 6 cups vegetable broth, depending on desired consistency; 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped; Cracked black pepper, to taste

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Cabbage Soup always hits the spot when I want something warm without a heavy meal. As the vegetables simmer, the kitchen fills with the cozy smell of garlic, herbs, and tomatoes. Then a little lemon wakes everything up. Best of all, one pot and 30 minutes give you a comforting meal with very little cleanup.
This easy cabbage soup is a cozy, flavorful one-pot meal made with tender cabbage, fresh vegetables, tomatoes, herbs, and a bright touch of lemon. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a simple vegetarian and low-carb soup that works well for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or an easy way to use up extra cabbage.

Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Soup

Ready in Just 30 Minutes

First, you need only 15 minutes to prep the vegetables. Then, another 15 minutes of cooking brings this Cabbage Soup together.

Easy One-Pot Preparation

Also, everything cooks in one large pot. So, cleanup stays simple, which makes this recipe especially handy on busy nights.

Light, Flavorful, and Satisfying

Although the broth tastes light, cabbage and vegetables add plenty of texture. Meanwhile, tomatoes, herbs, and lemon create a savory, fresh finish.

Budget-Friendly and Easy to Customize

In addition, the recipe uses simple vegetables and pantry staples. You can also add meat, beans, rice, or extra vegetables when you want a larger meal.

Cabbage Soup Ingredients

Green Cabbage and Fresh Vegetables

You need 1/2 green cabbage, about 6 to 8 cups chopped. Also, prepare 1 diced onion, 1 large diced carrot, 2 diced celery stalks, and 2 minced garlic cloves.

Tomatoes, Broth, and Aromatics

Next, grab one 14 ounce can of diced tomatoes and 4 to 6 cups vegetable broth. You also need 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking the vegetables.

Herbs, Seasonings, and Lemon

Add 1/2 teaspoon each dried oregano, dried basil, and salt. Finally, prepare 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and cracked black pepper to taste.

Ingredient Substitutions and Swaps

Alternatively, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. Napa cabbage also works, although it wilts faster. For deeper tomato flavor, try fire roasted diced tomatoes.

How to Make Cabbage Soup

Sauté the Onion, Carrot, and Celery

First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, then cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they start to soften.

Add the Garlic and Seasonings

Next, stir in the garlic, oregano, basil, and salt. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring often, until the garlic smells fragrant.

Cook the Cabbage Until It Starts to Soften

Then, add the chopped cabbage. Cook it for 5 minutes and stir frequently so the cabbage starts softening evenly.

Cabbage Soup vegetables cooking with cabbage, carrots, celery, onion, and herbs in a Dutch oven — Cabbage Soup vegetables sauteing until the cabbage starts to soften.

Add the Tomatoes and Vegetable Broth

Next, pour in the diced tomatoes and 4 to 6 cups of vegetable broth. Use less broth for thicker Cabbage Soup or more for a brothier bowl.

Cabbage Soup with diced tomatoes and vegetable broth added to cabbage and vegetables — Cabbage Soup with diced tomatoes and savory vegetable broth ready to simmer.

Simmer Until the Vegetables Are Tender

Then, simmer the soup uncovered for about 10 minutes. Check the vegetables as they cook and stop when they reach the tenderness you like.

Finish with Lemon Juice, Parsley, and Black Pepper

Finally, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in lemon juice, fresh parsley, and cracked black pepper, then serve the soup warm.

Finished Cabbage Soup with tender vegetables, fresh parsley, lemon, and cracked black pepper — Finished Cabbage Soup with fresh parsley, lemon, and cracked black pepper.

Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup

Use Less or More Broth to Adjust the Consistency

For a thicker soup, start with 4 cups of broth. However, use up to 6 cups when you prefer plenty of savory tomato broth.

Don’t Overcook the Cabbage

Keep an eye on the cabbage while it simmers. Otherwise, it can lose its pleasant texture and become too soft.

Add Lemon Juice at the End for Fresh Flavor

Also, stir in the lemon only after cooking. That small splash adds brightness and balances the savory vegetables and tomatoes.

Taste and Adjust the Seasoning Before Serving

Finally, taste your Cabbage Soup before filling the bowls. Then, add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Cabbage Soup Variations

Add Chicken, Beef, Pork, or Carnitas

For extra protein, add shredded chicken, diced chicken, pulled pork, carnitas, ground chicken, or ground beef.

Add White Beans, Chickpeas, or Lentils

Alternatively, stir in white beans or chickpeas for vegetarian protein. If you cook lentils in the soup, add extra broth as needed.

Add Bell Peppers, Zucchini, Kale, or Spinach

Also, bell peppers and zucchini add extra color and texture. Meanwhile, kale or spinach works well when you want more leafy greens.

Make It Heartier with Potatoes or Rice

For a more filling bowl, add potatoes or cooked rice. As a result, the soup works well as a hearty dinner.

Make a Thicker Soup with Tomato Paste

Also, stir in a little tomato paste for a richer, thicker tomato broth.

Add Cayenne or Red Pepper Flakes for Heat

If you like heat, add cayenne or red pepper flakes. Start small, then add more after tasting.

Add Rosemary or Thyme for Extra Herbal Flavor

Fresh rosemary or thyme also pairs nicely with cabbage and tomatoes. However, use a light hand so the herbs do not overpower the broth.

What to Serve with Cabbage Soup

Bread and Sandwich Pairings

Serve Cabbage Soup with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple grilled sandwich. Then, use the bread to soak up that light tomato broth.

Salads and Simple Side Dishes

Alternatively, pair your bowl with a green salad or roasted vegetables. These simple sides keep the meal fresh and balanced.

How to Store and Reheat Cabbage Soup

Storing Leftovers in the Refrigerator

First, cool leftovers before placing them in an airtight container. Then, refrigerate the soup for 4 to 5 days.

How to Freeze Cabbage Soup

For longer storage, freeze cooled Cabbage Soup for up to 3 months. Portioning it first also makes future lunches easier.

How to Reheat Cabbage Soup

Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it on the stovetop. Alternatively, microwave one serving for about 2 minutes, or until thoroughly hot. You can also microwave frozen soup directly until hot throughout.
Recipe details: Serves 4. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 15 minutes. Total time: 30 minutes.
Nutrition per serving: 145 calories, 19 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein, 7 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 1 g polyunsaturated fat, 5 g monounsaturated fat, 469 mg sodium, 511 mg potassium, 6 g fiber, 9 g sugar, 3,106 IU vitamin A, 61 mg vitamin C, 103 mg calcium, and 2 mg iron.

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For more everyday recipe ideas, you can also follow Kai Recipes on Pinterest and Kai Recipe on Facebook.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients go in cabbage soup?

This Cabbage Soup uses cabbage, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. However, you can easily add other vegetables or protein.

What are common mistakes when making cabbage soup?

Overcooking the cabbage can make it too soft. Also, adding too much broth can dilute the flavor. Finally, taste before serving so you can adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon.

What will cabbage soup do for your body?

Cabbage Soup provides vegetables, fiber, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. However, one food cannot provide every nutrient your body needs, so enjoy it as part of a varied eating pattern.

What is the 7 day cabbage soup diet?

The 7 day cabbage soup diet is a short term eating plan centered on cabbage soup alongside a limited selection of other foods. However, this recipe works as a regular meal and does not require following that restrictive plan.

Cabbage Soup ready to serve with tender vegetables, fresh herbs, lemon, and a ladle — Warm Cabbage Soup ready to serve with tender vegetables, fresh herbs, and lemon.

Final Thoughts

This easy cabbage soup is a simple way to turn everyday vegetables into a warm and satisfying meal. With tender cabbage, tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a fresh lemon finish, it delivers plenty of flavor without complicated preparation. Keep the basic recipe light and vegetarian, or customize it with meat, beans, extra vegetables, rice, or potatoes for a heartier meal. Since it takes only 30 minutes and stores well, it’s also a convenient cabbage soup recipe for busy weeknights and meal prep.

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