Comforting Light Cabbage Soup (Printable Version)

Light cabbage soup with vegetables. Vegan, gluten-free, budget-friendly. Perfect for healthy meal prep.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 small green cabbage (about 1.5 lb), cored and chopped
02 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
03 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 - 1 medium onion, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
08 - 1 small zucchini, diced (optional)

→ Broth & Seasonings

09 - 6 cups vegetable broth, low sodium preferred
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
15 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
16 - Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
17 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add bell pepper, zucchini if using, and chopped cabbage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add thyme, oregano, black pepper, salt, and chili flakes if using.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
06 - Adjust seasoning to taste. Stir in lemon juice if desired.
07 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Nutritious and Light: At only 85 calories per serving, this soup is vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie.
  • Quick to Prepare: With only 15 minutes of prep time, it is an easy meal to put together for busy weeknights.
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients like cabbage and carrots to create a hearty yield of 6 servings.
02 -
  • Storage: Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days, and you will find that the flavors actually improve overnight.
  • Allergen Safety: This recipe is naturally free from common allergens, but always double-check your broth ingredients for hidden gluten or soy.
  • Brighten the Flavor: Adding the optional lemon juice at the end provides a fresh, bright finish to the savory broth.
Go Back