If you’ve been searching for a wholesome, comforting bowl of goodness, I’m so excited to share this vibrant and nourishing Cabbage Soup Recipe with you. It’s a perfect medley of tender cabbage, hearty potatoes, and creamy white beans all simmered to perfection in a savory tomato broth. This soup not only warms you up on chilly days but also fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that makes everyone eager to grab a spoon. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to whip up, making it a go-to for busy evenings or those moments when you crave something healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cabbage Soup Recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients that come together effortlessly, each bringing its own great flavor and texture to the pot. Every item plays an important role: from the crunch and subtle sweetness of fresh veggies to the hearty beans that add protein and creaminess.
- Green cabbage: The star of the dish, offering a mild, slightly peppery crunch that softens beautifully as it cooks.
- Carrots: Add a burst of natural sweetness and vibrant orange color to brighten the soup.
- Onion: Builds a flavorful base with its rich, aromatic qualities when sautéed.
- Celery ribs: Bring subtle earthiness and a slight crisp texture.
- Olive oil: Gives the sautéed vegetables a silky finish and carries flavors wonderfully.
- Diced tomatoes: Provide acidity and a hearty tomato flavor that laces every spoonful.
- Vegetable broth: Creates the savory liquid foundation, enhancing depth without overpowering.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Add comforting creaminess and body once tender and well-cooked.
- White beans: These boost the protein and lend a creamy texture that complements the veggies.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the soup with a warm, fragrant glow that rounds out the taste.
- Dried thyme: Sprinkles herby earthiness that harmonizes all the flavors perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance every component.
- Fresh parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and herbaceous zing.
How to Make Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and sliced celery, then sauté for about eight minutes until these veggies soften and become slightly sweet. This base is crucial—it unlocks the natural flavors and provides a lovely aroma that gets the whole cooking experience off to a wonderful start.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Thyme
Next, stir in the minced garlic cloves and dried thyme along with a pinch of salt. Cook this mixture for just one minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. This step layers more depth into the soup, releasing warm, savory notes that will carry you through to the end.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes, Broth, and Main Ingredients
Pour the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth into the pot, then add your chopped cabbage, diced potatoes, and rinsed white beans. Give everything a good stir so all those beautiful ingredients blend harmoniously. This is where the magic really begins, with vibrant colors melding and the promise of a satisfying meal ahead.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. During this time, the vegetables soften perfectly, the potatoes cook through, and the cabbage melts into the broth while retaining just enough texture to keep it interesting.
Step 5: Season and Garnish
Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Then sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of freshness. Now you’re ready to ladle out a warm, hearty bowl of this delightful Cabbage Soup Recipe that’s both nourishing and comforting.
How to Serve Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the soup beautifully, but you can also add a drizzle of good olive oil or a few chili flakes if you want a touch of heat and complexity. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream can elevate the richness even more.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast for dunking. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the warmth and heartiness of the soup, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls for a cozy vibe or go for elegant white china if you’re impressing guests. For a playful touch, garnish with crispy bacon bits or toasted seeds on top, adding both texture and a savory crunch that keeps things fun and flavorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cabbage soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Cabbage Soup Recipe ready for busy days, it freezes beautifully. Pop portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, label, and freeze for up to three months. It’s a fantastic way to have a nourishing meal on hand anytime.
Reheating
Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Microwave reheating works well too—just cover and heat in intervals, stirring between to warm evenly.
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Definitely! Red cabbage will add a lovely color and slightly different flavor, a bit more robust but just as delicious in this soup.
Is this soup suitable for vegans?
Yes, this Cabbage Soup Recipe is completely vegan as long as you use vegetable broth and avoid any animal-based garnishes.
Can I add meat or sausage to the soup?
Absolutely! Browned sausage or diced ham would add a smoky, hearty element that complements the vegetables beautifully.
What can I substitute for white beans?
Give cannellini or great northern beans a try, or you can omit the beans entirely if you prefer a lighter soup—just add extra potatoes or veggies instead.
How thick is the soup supposed to be?
This soup leans toward a brothier consistency but remains hearty thanks to the potatoes and beans. If you want it thicker, simply reduce the broth slightly or mash some of the potatoes once cooked.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this heartwarming Cabbage Soup Recipe a place in your cooking rotation because it’s such a delightful bowl of comfort. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to soups for cozy evenings!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This hearty and healthy cabbage soup is packed with nutritious vegetables, tender white beans, and flavorful herbs. Perfect for a comforting meal, it combines cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes in a savory vegetable broth, simmered to tender perfection and garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small green cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery ribs, sliced
- 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
Oils & Spices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté them for about 8 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt to the pot. Cook this mixture for around 1 minute until the garlic releases its aroma.
- Add Main Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chopped cabbage, diced potatoes, and rinsed white beans. Stir everything together to combine the flavors thoroughly.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and melding together deliciously.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving the soup hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding them in or reduce the amount of broth slightly.
- You can substitute white beans with cannellini or great northern beans.
- For added protein, you can add cooked chicken or turkey.
- This soup stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to add a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
