Hearty Cabbage Soup Recipe: A Bowl of Cozy Comfort

Hearty cabbage soup has been my comfort food during chilly winters in Poland.

Memories of my grandmother’s kitchen inspire this wholesome dish that warms from the inside out.

Packed with nutrients and incredible flavor, this recipe brings simplicity and nourishment to your table.

Simple ingredients combine to create a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Chopped vegetables and tender cabbage mingle in a rich broth that promises satisfaction.

Home cooks can easily master this delightful recipe with minimal effort.

Let’s transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will become your new favorite winter staple.

FAQs

• Is cabbage soup healthy?

Absolutely! This soup is packed with nutrients, low in calories, and rich in fiber. It’s a great option for those looking to eat nutritiously while enjoying a delicious, warming meal.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, the recipe is already vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth. It’s naturally plant-based and perfect for vegetarian diets.

• How can I add more protein to the soup?

Try adding cooked beans like white beans or chickpeas, or include cubed tofu. These additions will boost the protein content without changing the soup’s core flavor profile.

• What type of cabbage works best?

Green cabbage is ideal for this recipe because it holds its texture well and provides a mild, slightly sweet flavor. However, you can also use Napa or savoy cabbage if preferred.

Cabbage Soup That’s Comforting, Nourishing, And Surprisingly Flavorful

• Boost Nutrition Quickly: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean ingredients, this cabbage soup delivers maximum health benefits in a single hearty bowl.
• Budget-Friendly Meal Solution: Featuring affordable, accessible ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and basic pantry spices, this soup provides an economical way to feed multiple people with minimal expense.
• Versatile Winter Comfort: Perfect for cold days, this warming soup serves as an excellent lunch, light dinner, or starter that can be easily customized with additional protein or served alongside crusty bread.

Everything Required for the Best Cabbage Soup

• Onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic foundation to the soup's flavor profile.
• Carrot: Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle, fresh background flavor and extra texture.
• Cabbage: Hearty vegetable that gives the soup its primary substance and character.

• Garlic: Intense flavor booster with robust, pungent notes.
• Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: Classic Mediterranean herbs that enhance overall taste complexity.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb for final garnish and added brightness.

• Olive Oil: Healthy cooking fat for sautéing vegetables and building initial flavor.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides liquid base and additional depth to the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity, color, and slight tanginess to the soup.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, fresh citrus notes to balance the soup.
• Salt: Essential seasoning to enhance all other flavors.
• Cracked Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the final dish.

Cabbage Soup Instructions for the Best Comfort Bowl

Step 1: Fire Up the Cooking Vessel

Grab a large pot or Dutch oven and heat olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering and ready to cook.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onion
• Chopped carrot
• Sliced celery

Sauté the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they become soft and release their delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Awaken the Flavor Builders

• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Salt

Stir constantly for 1 minute to help the spices dance and release their intense flavors.

Step 4: Create the Soup Base

• Chopped cabbage
• Diced tomatoes
• Vegetable broth

Mix everything thoroughly, then bring the mixture to a bubbling boil.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce heat to low and let the soup gently simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cabbage becomes wonderfully tender.

Step 6: Final Flavor Boost

Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley just before serving to brighten the soup’s profile.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust with additional salt and cracked black pepper to make the flavors pop.

Ladle into bowls and enjoy your comforting cabbage soup!

Comforting Cabbage Soup Secrets

• Chop ingredients finely to maximize nutrient release and ensure even cooking throughout the soup.
• Easily add cooked chicken, beef, or plant-based protein like beans to transform this soup into a more substantial meal.
• Use low-sodium vegetable broth and adjust salt gradually to manage overall sodium content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Let soup simmer uncovered to allow liquid reduction and concentrate flavors, creating a more robust and satisfying consistency.
• Add fresh parsley just before serving to maintain its vibrant color, aroma, and maximum nutritional benefits.

Save Best Cabbage Soup for Later

• Store leftover cabbage soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Transfer frozen or refrigerated soup to a pot. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving to avoid scorching.

Simple Pairings for Cabbage Soup

• Complement Cabbage Soup with Perfect Pairings
• Rustic Bread Dunking: Grab a hearty slice of sourdough or whole wheat bread to soak up the delicious broth, adding a satisfying crunch and texture to each spoonful.
• Wine & Warmth Companion: Pour a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the soup's richness and enhances its fresh vegetable flavors.
• Protein Power Side: Add grilled chicken strips or crumbled feta cheese on top to boost protein content and provide a savory contrast to the soup's light and tangy profile.
• Herbal Tea Finale: Finish the meal with a soothing chamomile or mint tea that cleanses the palate and complements the soup's clean, fresh vegetable essence.

Cabbage Soup Enhancements to Try

• Protein Power Soup: Replace vegetable broth with chicken broth and add shredded rotisserie chicken or diced lean beef for extra protein and heartiness.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Include chopped fresh rosemary, swap lemon juice with red wine vinegar, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Vegan Low-Carb Option: Substitute vegetable broth with mushroom broth, add cauliflower rice instead of traditional cabbage, and incorporate nutritional yeast for a cheesy undertone without dairy.
• Spicy Kick Version: Include diced jalapeños, add ground cumin, replace black pepper with red pepper flakes, and stir in sriracha sauce for a fiery, warming soup experience.

Best Cabbage Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Polish cabbage soup dances with robust flavors, warming hearts from Warsaw’s bustling kitchens. Comforting ingredients meld together, creating a nourishing bowl that connects you to generations of culinary tradition.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 1/2 head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Canned/Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 (14-ounce / 400 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 4–6 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• Cracked black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate heat, creating a fragrant base for the soup.
2. Introduce diced onion, carrot, and celery into the pot, gently sautéing until the vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt, stirring vigorously to awaken the herb’s intense flavors and create a robust foundation.
4. Allow the herb-infused mixture to bloom for a brief moment, ensuring the garlic becomes translucent and the spices distribute evenly.
5. Cascade chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth into the pot, creating a vibrant and hearty liquid landscape.
6. Thoroughly mix the ingredients, bringing the liquid to a vigorous boil before reducing to a gentle simmer that allows the cabbage to tenderize and flavors to harmonize.
7. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, monitoring the cabbage’s texture and ensuring it becomes perfectly soft yet retains a subtle crispness.
8. In the final moments of cooking, brighten the soup with a splash of lemon juice and a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley, lifting the entire dish with a burst of freshness.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding additional salt and cracked black pepper to personalize the soup’s flavor profile.

Notes

• Boost veggie intake by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for more nutrients and flavor variety.
• Transform soup into a protein-packed meal by adding cooked chickpeas, white beans, or shredded chicken for extra substance.
• Enhance soup’s depth by roasting vegetables before adding them to the pot, which intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a richer taste profile.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, noting that flavors will develop and improve over time, making the soup even more delicious when reheated.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg