Of course! Cabbage Soup is the epitome of comfort food that’s also healthy, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile. It can be a light broth-based soup or a hearty, tomato-based meal.
Here are two fantastic recipes: a classic Hearty Cabbage Soup and a light Detox-style Cabbage Soup.
- Hearty & Savory Cabbage Soup (The Family Favorite)
This version is a robust, satisfying meal-in-a-bowl with a rich tomato broth, tender vegetables, and savory herbs.
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
· 2 tbsp olive oil
· 1 medium onion, chopped
· 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
· 2 celery stalks, sliced
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· 1/2 small head green cabbage, cored and chopped (about 6-8 cups)
· 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
· 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
· 1 teaspoon dried oregano
· 1 teaspoon dried thyme
· 1 bay leaf
· 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional, for protein)
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
· Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Cabbage & Seasonings: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir and cook for 5-8 minutes, until the cabbage begins to wilt. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth. Add the oregano, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the cabbage and vegetables are very tender.
- Finish: About 5 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the kidney beans (if using) to heat through. Remove the bay leaf.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Optional Add-Ins for a Heartier Soup:
· With Meat: Brown 1 lb of ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey with the onions at the beginning.
· With Grains: Add 1/2 cup of uncooked white rice or pasta with the broth (note: they will absorb liquid, so you may need to add more broth later).
- Simple “Detox” Cabbage Soup (Light & Brothy)
This is the famously lean, low-calorie soup that’s perfect for a light lunch or a reset. It’s surprisingly flavorful thanks to the herbs and vegetables.
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
· 1 tbsp olive oil
· 1 large onion, chopped
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· 1/2 head green cabbage, cored and chopped
· 3-4 carrots, peeled and sliced
· 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
· 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
· 4 cups water
· 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
· 2 tbsp tomato paste
· 1 tsp paprika
· 1/2 tsp dried basil
· 1/2 tsp dried oregano
· Salt and pepper to taste
· Hot sauce (like Tabasco), optional
· Fresh lemon juice or vinegar (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté: In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add Vegetables: Add the cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir to combine and cook for 5-7 minutes to slightly soften.
- Create Broth: Add the broth, water, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, basil, and oregano. Stir well until the tomato paste is dissolved.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
- Season: Season generously with salt and pepper. For an extra kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce. A splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of vinegar at the end can really brighten up the flavors.
- Serve: Enjoy hot as a light and cleansing meal.
Essential Tips for Perfect Cabbage Soup
· Core the Cabbage Easily: Place the cabbage core-side down on a cutting board. Make four cuts around the core in a square shape and pull it out. Then, chop or shred the leaves.
· Don’t Overcook: For the best texture, cook the soup just until the cabbage is tender. Overcooking can make it mushy and overly strong in flavor.
· The Flavor Improves Overnight: Like most soups, this one tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
· Customize Freely: This is a “clean out the fridge” dream. Add zucchini, green beans, mushrooms, or spinach. Use whatever herbs you have on hand.
Both versions are delicious, so choose based on your craving! Enjoy your cozy, healthy bowl of soup.