Picture a warm bowl of cabbage soup, steaming and inviting, with the comforting aroma of sautéed onions and garlic wafting through your kitchen.
There’s something so satisfying about creating this simple yet hearty dish, perfect for a cozy night in.
As the cabbage, carrots, and celery simmer together with rich vegetable broth and vibrant tomatoes, they transform into a delicious symphony of flavors.
Let’s bring this comforting classic to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 stirring spoon
- 1 measuring cup
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking cabbage soup, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Setup (5 minutes)
- Read through the recipe thoroughly to understand the steps.
- Gather all equipment and ingredients listed.
- Preparation (15 minutes)
- Chop the cabbage.
- Dice the onion.
- Mince the garlic.
- Slice the carrots.
- Chop the celery.
- Measure out the vegetable broth, olive oil, and other ingredients.
- Cooking (30 minutes)
- 0-5 minutes: Heat olive oil in the large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- 5-10 minutes: Stir in the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, and chopped celery.
- 10-12 minutes: Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juice.
- 12-15 minutes: Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and add the bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- 15-45 minutes: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Resting & Serving (5 minutes)
- 45-50 minutes: Remove the bay leaf from the soup and stir in the fresh parsley. Let the soup rest for an additional 5 minutes to enhance flavors before serving.
Adjust the steps as necessary, especially if you need more time for certain tasks.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.
Stir in chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, and chopped celery.
Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juice.
Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and add the bay leaf.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Simmer for about 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Serve alongside to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle on top for a cheesy, savory finish.
- Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Roasted Potatoes: Complement the soup with crispy, herbed potatoes.
- Grilled Cheese: Enjoy with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting combination.
Storage
Cabbage soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing
Cabbage soup can be frozen effectively.
To do so, let the soup cool completely. Then, transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Label each container with the date. Freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to use it, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat cabbage soup, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat.
Stir occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, in short intervals until heated through.
Final Thoughts
Cabbage soup is a versatile and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed by many.
With its quick prep and cook time, it’s perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.
The combination of vegetables and herbs creates a flavorful broth that’s both warming and satisfying.
Additionally, the simplicity of this recipe allows for easy customization.
You can add your favorite vegetables or even some beans for added protein.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, cabbage soup is a comforting choice that can be made ahead and enjoyed over several days.
Remember to let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
For an extra kick, try adding a splash of vinegar or a dash of hot sauce just before serving.
This not only elevates the taste but also brings out the richness of the ingredients.
Enjoy this delicious soup as part of your regular meal rotation for a wholesome and hearty option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cabbage Soup Be Made in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make this in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method enhances flavor by allowing spices to meld, creating a richer, more aromatic soup experience.
Is Cabbage Soup Suitable for a Vegetarian Diet?
You can definitely enjoy this dish on a vegetarian diet. It uses vegetable broth and fresh produce, ensuring a meat-free meal. Balance flavors by adjusting seasonings, adding beans for protein, or incorporating umami-rich ingredients for depth.
What Variations Can Be Made to Cabbage Soup for More Protein?
You can boost protein by adding legumes like chickpeas or lentils. Consider incorporating tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option. If you’re not vegetarian, shredded chicken or turkey also elevates protein content while maintaining flavor.
How Can I Make Cabbage Soup Less Spicy?
To reduce spiciness, dilute the soup with more vegetable broth or water. Balance flavors by adding a touch of sweetness with a pinch of sugar or honey. Neutralize heat by stirring in a dollop of cream.
Are There Health Benefits to Eating Cabbage Soup?
You’ll gain numerous health benefits by incorporating it into your diet. It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins C and K. Additionally, it supports digestion and may boost your immune system.
Cabbage Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 Stirring spoon
- 1 measuring cup
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cabbage chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 large carrots sliced
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.
- Stir in chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, and chopped celery.
- Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juice.
- Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and add the bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for about 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
- Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
- Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
Notes
