Picture a pot brimming with vibrant colors and the comforting aroma of fresh vegetables melding together.
This Easy Cabbage Soup is a warm hug in a bowl, simple to whip up and perfect for those cozy evenings in.
As the cabbage softens and the flavors deepen, each spoonful promises a delightful transformation of humble ingredients into something extraordinary.
Let’s bring this comforting dish to life together!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Easy Cabbage Soup, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
- Spend a few minutes reading through the recipe and gathering all necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Prep Work (15 minutes)
- Chop the medium head of cabbage.
- Dice the large onion.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Slice the large carrots and celery stalks.
- Cooking Time (30 minutes)
- Minute 0-5: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Minute 5-10: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Minute 10-15: Stir in the sliced carrots and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Minute 15-20: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and cook until it begins to soften.
- Minute 20-25: Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Minute 25-30: Season the mixture with salt, pepper, thyme, and basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Minute 30-40: Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Resting Time (5 minutes)
- Remove the soup from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic, and sauté until onion is translucent.
Stir in carrots and celery, cooking for 5 minutes.
Add chopped cabbage and cook until it begins to soften.
Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and basil.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an added layer of taste and a touch of creaminess.
- Side Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal and added nutrients.
- Crackers: Offer a side of crackers for a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese: Complement the soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a hearty and comforting combination.
Storage
To store cabbage soup, let it cool completely.
Then transfer to airtight containers.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Alternatively, freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing
To freeze cabbage soup, let it cool completely.
Then transfer to airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to three months for ideal freshness.
Reheating
To reheat Easy Cabbage Soup, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat.
Stir occasionally until hot.
Alternatively, use a microwave-safe bowl.
Cover it loosely, and heat in intervals.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cabbage Soup is a simple, wholesome dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
The combination of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs creates a comforting and nutritious meal.
Feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy the robust flavors and warmth that this soup brings to your table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Cabbage With Another Vegetable?
You can substitute cabbage with kale or Swiss chard. Maintain the same chopping technique for uniformity. Adjust blanching and sautéing times, as these greens cook faster. Make sure the greens are vibrant and tender to achieve ideal texture.
Is This Soup Suitable for a Gluten-Free Diet?
Yes, this soup’s suitable for a gluten-free diet. Confirm all ingredients, like vegetable broth, are certified gluten-free. Monitor cross-contamination by thoroughly cleaning equipment. Homemade broths offer greater control over gluten content, enhancing your culinary experience.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
To spice up this soup, incorporate cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes during the sautéing stage. You can also add a diced jalapeño with the onions for additional heat. Adjust quantities based on your spice preference.
What Can I Serve Alongside Cabbage Soup?
Pair cabbage soup with crusty bread for texture contrast. Opt for a rustic baguette or sourdough. For added richness, serve with a side salad featuring mixed greens, vinaigrette, and toasted nuts, enhancing the meal’s flavor complexity.
Can I Add Meat to This Cabbage Soup?
You can certainly enhance the soup by adding meat. Sauté cubed beef or chicken until browned, then incorporate with the vegetables. This technique imparts a robust umami flavor, elevating the soup’s depth and making it heartier.

Easy Cabbage Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cabbage chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 large carrots sliced
- 2 stalks celery sliced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, and sauté until onion is translucent.
- Stir in carrots and celery, cooking for 5 minutes.
- Add chopped cabbage and cook until it begins to soften.
- Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and basil.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.