Comforting Light Cabbage Soup

This Cabbage Soup is a comforting, light, and budget-friendly meal packed with wholesome vegetables. It is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a gentle body reset or a healthy option for meal prep, offering a warming dish that is both nutritious and satisfying.

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This international soup is designed for simplicity and ease, making it a great addition to any healthy eating routine. The combination of savory vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and aromatic herbs like dried thyme and oregano creates a deep flavor without the need for heavy ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 small green cabbage (about 700 g), cored and chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 400 g (1 can) diced tomatoes
• 1 small zucchini, diced (optional)
• 1.5 liters vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 2

Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the bell pepper, zucchini (if using), and cabbage. Sauté for another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add thyme, oregano, black pepper, salt, and chili flakes if using.

Step 5

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until all vegetables are tender.

Step 6

Adjust seasoning to taste. Stir in lemon juice if desired.

Step 7

Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To prepare this soup efficiently, you will need a large soup pot, a chef's knife, a cutting board, a wooden spoon, and a ladle. Ensuring your vegetables are chopped uniformly will help them cook evenly during the simmering process.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra greens, you can add chopped spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking. If you are looking for more protein, try adding drained white beans or chickpeas to the pot.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. For a more filling meal, enjoy your bowl with a slice of whole-grain bread on the side.

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Whether you are making this as a gentle reset or as part of your weekly meal prep, this Cabbage Soup offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy a variety of healthy vegetables in one bowl. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful international classic.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup is excellent for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

→ How can I add more protein to this soup?

You can easily boost the protein content by adding drained white beans, chickpeas, or cannellini beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking. For non-vegan options, shredded chicken or diced tofu also work well.

→ Can I freeze cabbage soup?

Yes, this soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

Serve with whole-grain bread, crusty sourdough, or crackers for a more filling meal. A simple side salad or grilled cheese sandwich also pairs wonderfully with this light vegetable soup.

→ How do I prevent the cabbage from getting too soft?

To maintain some texture, cut the cabbage into larger chunks and avoid overcooking. Check the soup after 25 minutes of simmering. The cabbage should be tender but not mushy.

→ Can I use other vegetables in this soup?

Absolutely! This soup is very versatile. Try adding green beans, spinach, kale, mushrooms, or cauliflower. Add heartier vegetables at the beginning and leafy greens during the last 5 minutes of cooking.