Description
This Best Cabbage Soup is a wholesome, flavorful, and easy-to-make vegetable soup perfect for a healthy meal. Packed with fresh cabbage, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, it’s light yet satisfying and can be prepared in under an hour on the stovetop. Ideal for vegetarians and those seeking a gluten-free, low-carb option, this soup also offers the flexibility to add proteins or grains for a heartier dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 small green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
Liquids and Tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice or red wine vinegar (for brightness)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Cabbage: Stir in the chopped green cabbage. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to begin wilting while mixing well with the other vegetables.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, broth, and tomato paste. Add dried thyme, paprika, dried oregano, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir everything to combine.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until all vegetables are tender and flavors meld beautifully.
- Adjust Flavor and Finish: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Stir in lemon juice or red wine vinegar if you want to add a bright acidic note.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- To make the soup heartier, consider adding cooked beans, ground turkey, or cooked rice.
- This soup freezes well and often tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.
- Use vegetable broth to keep the soup vegetarian or chicken broth for added depth of flavor.
- Adjust spices to match your taste preferences or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
