Best Cabbage Soup is the perfect solution for anyone seeking a warm, nourishing meal. Packed with wholesome vegetables and vibrant flavors, this soup is not only easy to make but also a fantastic addition to your healthy eating plan. Get ready to savor a delightful dish that makes you feel good inside and out!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients List for Best Cabbage Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and shredded
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Cooked sausage, diced (Italian or kielbasa work well)
- Optional: Diced potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)
How To Make Best Cabbage Soup Step-by-Step
1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Vegetables
Add shredded cabbage, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Mix in the Tomatoes
Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine.
4. Add the Broth and Herbs
Pour in vegetable broth (or chicken broth). Add oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Add bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally.
5. Include Optional Ingredients
If using sausage, add diced cooked sausage during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering. If using potatoes, add diced potatoes during the last 20-25 minutes of simmering.
6. Final Touches
Stir in apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaf.
7. Serve
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Total Time: 60-75 minutes
Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips About Best Cabbage Soup
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor.
- Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust herbs and spices based on your taste preferences.
- Sautéing Vegetables: Take your time cooking the onions and garlic; this will build the foundation of flavor.
- Simmer Longer for Depth: For a richer flavor, let the soup simmer longer than 30 minutes.
- Garnish to Impress: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also freshens the taste.
Reasons Why You’ll Love Best Cabbage Soup
- Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and minerals, this soup is great for your health.
- Versatile: You can easily modify the recipe based on seasonal vegetables or personal preferences.
- Family-Friendly: This soup is loved by both kids and adults alike.
- Comforting: The warm broth is perfect for cold days or when you need a cozy meal.
Serving Suggestions for Best Cabbage Soup
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
- Pair with a simple green salad to create a full meal.
- Top with shredded cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve alongside cooked grains like quinoa or brown rice for added texture.
Tips For Success
- Cut Vegetables Evenly: Chopping vegetables into uniform pieces ensures even cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang that balances the flavors.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier soup, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Cook in Bulk: Make a large batch and freeze portions for future meals.
- Taste Frequently: Adjust seasoning as you go to get the perfect flavor profile.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños for an extra heat boost.
- Herbal Twist: Try adding fresh herbs like dill or basil for a unique flavor.
- Creamy Addition: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk for a creamier texture.
- Sweet Twist: Include diced apples or sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness.
How To Store Best Cabbage Soup
- Refrigeration: Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: To thaw, move container from freezer to fridge for 24 hours or use the microwave.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
- Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, avoid boiling, as this can change the texture of the cabbage.
FAQs About Best Cabbage Soup
- Can I use white cabbage instead of green? Yes, you can use any cabbage variety you prefer.
- Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth.
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with added vegetables.
- How can I make this soup vegetarian? Simply stick with vegetable broth and skip the sausage.
Closing Notes
This Best Cabbage Soup is an ideal choice for those seeking a hearty, nutritious dish. With wholesome ingredients and easy preparation, it’s great for busy weeknights or meal prep. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by experimenting with different ingredients and spices! Enjoy this simple yet flavorful soup that is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
Best Cabbage Soup
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and shredded
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Ingredients
- Cooked sausage, diced (Italian or kielbasa work well) Add during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering.
- Diced potatoes (russet or Yukon gold) Add during the last 20-25 minutes of simmering.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add shredded cabbage, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine.
- Pour in vegetable broth (or chicken broth). Add oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Add bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally.
- If using sausage, add diced cooked sausage during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering. If using potatoes, add diced potatoes during the last 20-25 minutes of simmering.
- Stir in apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaf.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
