Cabbage Soup Recipe: A Light, Nourishing, and Comforting Classic
Cabbage soup is a simple, wholesome dish that has remained popular for decades thanks to its comforting flavor, affordability, and nourishing ingredients. Made with basic vegetables and simmered gently in broth, this soup delivers warmth and satisfaction without feeling heavy. Whether enjoyed as part of a short reset, a light dinner, or a nourishing lunch, cabbage soup fits easily into many eating styles and routines.
At its heart, cabbage soup celebrates vegetables. Cabbage, carrots, celery, onion, and tomatoes come together to create a balanced flavor that is both savory and naturally sweet. The broth ties everything together, allowing the vegetables to soften while still retaining their texture and freshness. Herbs and seasoning add depth without overpowering the clean taste of the vegetables.
One of the reasons cabbage soup is so widely loved is its simplicity. The ingredients are easy to find, budget-friendly, and require very little preparation. There is no complicated technique involved, making it an ideal recipe for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a dependable, low-effort meal. Despite its simplicity, the final result is flavorful, filling, and satisfying.
Cabbage itself is the star of the dish. When cooked slowly, it becomes tender and mildly sweet, absorbing the flavors of the broth and vegetables around it. Combined with carrots and celery, the soup develops a pleasant balance of sweetness and earthiness. Tomatoes add acidity and richness, preventing the soup from tasting flat or bland.
This soup is often associated with short-term meal plans or resets, but it is just as enjoyable as a regular everyday recipe. It works well as a standalone meal or as a starter before a main dish. Served hot, it offers comfort and warmth, while leftovers taste even better after the flavors have had time to blend.
Ingredients:
4 cups cabbage, chopped
1 large onion, diced
3 cups celery, sliced
3 cups carrots, sliced
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
8 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly translucent.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the carrots and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to begin softening and releasing their natural flavors.
Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir well so it combines evenly with the other vegetables.
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir gently to combine.
Season the soup with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
The key to a good cabbage soup is allowing enough time for the vegetables to cook evenly without overcooking them. The goal is tender vegetables that still hold their shape and color. Simmering gently rather than boiling aggressively helps preserve flavor and texture.
This soup is very flexible and can be adjusted easily. Additional vegetables such as green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers can be added without changing the overall character of the dish. For a heartier version, beans or lentils can be stirred in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Seasoning can also be customized. Some prefer a slightly spicy version with red pepper flakes, while others enjoy a deeper flavor by adding bay leaves or a pinch of smoked paprika. Fresh herbs can be added just before serving for brightness and aroma.
Cabbage soup stores well and is perfect for meal prep. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to four days and reheats easily on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors continue to develop over time, often making leftovers even more enjoyable than the first serving.
This soup is especially useful during busy weeks. A large pot can be prepared once and enjoyed over several meals. It is light enough for lunch yet satisfying enough for dinner, especially when paired with crusty bread or a simple salad.
Serving cabbage soup is simple and versatile. It can be served on its own or with a side of whole-grain bread, crackers, or a small sandwich. For added richness, a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can be added just before serving.
Cabbage soup is not only comforting but also refreshing in its simplicity. It proves that good food does not need to be complicated or heavy to be enjoyable. With minimal ingredients and effort, it delivers warmth, nourishment, and a sense of balance.
This recipe is a reminder that simple vegetables, treated with care and patience, can create a deeply satisfying meal. Whether enjoyed as part of a routine or simply when craving something warm and light, cabbage soup remains a timeless and reliable choice.