Best Cabbage Soup (Easy & Healthy!) Recipe

I whipped up a vibrant bowl of this cabbage soup that brings a burst of veggie goodness in every spoonful. The crisp cabbage, hearty carrots, and savory onions mingle with tomatoes and broth to create a comforting, healthy meal. It truly shines as a soul-warming, budget-friendly dinner pick-me-up.

I love making healthy soups and this Best Cabbage Soup recipe is one of my go-to meals in the winter. I think it’s perfect for its low calorie content and anti-inflammatory benefits.

In my kitchen I start with a small head of green cabbage chopped into bite-sized pieces and warm up 2 tablespoons of olive oil. I then add a medium onion and 3 garlic cloves to bring a bold flavor to the pot.

I also use carrots and celery to boost the nutritional value with vitamins and fiber. A can of diced tomatoes with their juice along with 6 cups low-sodium broth help create a rich base.

I throw in a bay leaf, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. I love that this recipe isnt just tasty but also fits into the cabbage soup diet and other healthy plans, making it a true all-star veggie soup recipe.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how simple and quick this recipe is to make because even when Im in a rush, I can throw all the veggies together and have a warm meal ready in no time
2. I really appreciate that its super healthy and low calorie which helps me stick to my diet without sacrificing taste
3. I like how customizable it is, like adding an extra garlic clove or red pepper flakes to give it a bit of a kick, depending on what mood Im in
4. I also enjoy that you can make a big pot of it and have leftovers that still taste great the next day, so its perfect for busy weeks when I dont have time to cook every day

Ingredients

• Cabbage: Crunchy, fiber-rich vegetable that adds vitamins and a mild flavor.
• Olive oil: A healthy fat that adds flavor and properly cooks vegetables.
• Onions: Provide natural sweetness and essential antioxidants, making the soup tastier.
• Garlic: Gives an aromatic zing while boosting immunity and deepening flavour.
• Carrots: Sweet, crunchy veggies add vitamins and vibrant color to the mix.
• Celery: Offers a subtle earthy taste and crunch to enhance overall texture.
• Diced tomatoes: They bring tangy sweetness and a juicy burst balancing flavors.
• Broth: A flavorful liquid base that helps all the ingredients blend together.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (if you like it extra garlicky, add another one)
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with their juice
• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (chicken broth works fine too)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat

How to Make this

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot on medium heat, and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until they get soft.

2. Stir in the sliced carrots and chopped celery, cookin them for another 4-5 minutes.

3. Add the chopped cabbage and mix it well with the other veggies.

4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with all their juice along with the 6 cups of vegetable broth.

5. Toss in the bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, and if you want a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes here.

6. Bring the whole mixture to a boil over medium high heat.

7. Once boiling, lower the heat to keep a steady simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until all the veggies are tender.

8. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

9. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

10. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy your healthy cabbage soup!

Equipment Needed

1. A large pot for cooking the veggies and simmering the soup
2. A cutting board to chop the cabbage, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic
3. A sharp knife for all the chopping
4. A wooden spoon for stirring everything together
5. Measuring cups and spoons to get the right amounts for olive oil, broth, and spices
6. A can opener for the diced tomatoes can
7. A ladle to serve the soup into bowls
8. Soup bowls to enjoy the finished dish

FAQ

• Q: Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
  A: Sure, you can, but the flavor will change a bit. Red cabbage is sweeter so it’ll give the soup a different twist.
• Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
  A: Yes, you can freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Q: Do I have to use low-sodium broth?
  A: You dont have to but using low-sodium broth helps you control the salt level better. You can always add a pinch more later if needed.
• Q: Can I add extra veggies?
  A: Absolutely! Throw in extra veggies if their on hand. It wont ruin the soup and might allow you to vary the taste a bit.
• Q: How long does it take to cook?
  A: Once your soup is simmering, it takes about 20-25 minutes for everything to get nice and tender.

Best Cabbage Soup (Easy & Healthy!) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you can’t find green cabbage, try red cabbage or even kale. They bring a little twist to the flavor, though its not exactly the same.
• No olive oil? You can swap in canola oil or a bit of melted butter. Either works just fine in a pinch.
• If onion isn’t your thing, use shallots or leeks instead. They have a milder taste, but still give that great savory flavor.
• For low-sodium broth, you could use bouillon cubes mixed with water if you’re running low on veggie broth.

Pro Tips

1. Try to chop your veggies into similar sizes so they all cook more evenly rather than some getting mushy while others are still a bit crunchy.
2. Make sure you don’t overcook the onion and garlic in the beginning because their flavor adds so much–if they burn the soup, you’ll get a bitter taste which ruins everything.
3. Taste as you go, especially after adding the broth and tomatoes. Sometimes the salt or pepper might not be enough so you can always tweak it, even if you ended up using the recipe instructions verbatim.
4. If youre feeling adventurous you can experiment with adding a little splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end to brighten up the flavors, its a tiny twist that really makes a difference.