Cabbage And Kale Soup Recipe

When the weather turns chilly and you’re in the mood for something hearty, warming, and nourishing, there’s nothing better than a big bowl of soup. But, let’s be honest-many soups are heavy on calories, rich in fat, and can sometimes feel like they’re more indulgent than comforting. Enter Cabbage and Kale Soup-a fresh, nutrient-packed option that delivers warmth and satisfaction without the guilt.

This soup brings together two of the most popular leafy greens-cabbage and kale-in a simple, rustic recipe that’s both healthy and delicious. Whether you’re looking for something vegan, vegetarian, or just something light but filling, this soup fits the bill perfectly. It’s full of fiber, rich in antioxidants, and packs a punch when it comes to vitamins A, C, and K. And let’s not forget that hearty, savory flavor, which makes it feel like a cozy bowl of goodness on even the coldest of days.

But what exactly makes this soup such a powerhouse in both health and flavor? Let’s break it down with the recipe, ingredients, and a few tips that will elevate your kitchen game. Let’s dive into this nourishing bowl of cabbage and kale soup, shall we?

This Cabbage and Kale Soup recipe is as simple as it is nutritious. It’s made with a base of flavorful broth, sautéed vegetables, and those powerful greens-cabbage and kale. Add some garlic, herbs, and a dash of your favorite seasonings, and you’ve got yourself a dish that’s easy to prepare, but will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful and nutritious soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and giving the soup a rich base.
1 large onion – Chopped finely. The onion will provide that sweet, savory base flavor.
3 cloves garlic – Minced. Garlic is the heart of any good soup and brings depth to the flavor.
1 large carrot – Sliced. Carrots add a touch of sweetness and some great texture.
2 medium potatoes – Peeled and diced. Potatoes will add some creaminess and make the soup more filling.
1 small head of cabbage – Thinly sliced. Cabbage adds crunch and a mild flavor that absorbs the broth beautifully.
2 cups kale – Torn into bite-sized pieces. Kale is a nutritional powerhouse and gives the soup a robust, leafy texture.
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes – For a touch of acidity and color.
6 cups vegetable broth – Or chicken broth, depending on your preference. This serves as the base liquid.
Salt and pepper – To taste, because even the healthiest of dishes needs proper seasoning!
1 teaspoon dried thyme – For that lovely herbaceous flavor.
1 teaspoon dried oregano – Adds an earthy, slightly peppery note.
1 bay leaf – This will infuse the broth with a subtle, aromatic taste as it simmers.
Lemon juice (optional) – A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the entire soup, adding some freshness.

Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to bring all those ingredients together for a nourishing bowl of soup:

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). This builds the base flavor for your soup.
Add the garlic and carrots to the pot. Stir occasionally, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the carrots start to soften.
Add the diced potatoes and cabbage to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes, letting the cabbage begin to wilt slightly.
Pour in the vegetable broth along with the diced tomatoes, dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
Add the kale to the pot and simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the kale is wilted and tender.
Taste and adjust seasonings. If you prefer a touch of acidity, add a squeeze of lemon juice. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Serve hot, and if you like, you can garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a deeper look at the star ingredients that make this soup both nutritious and flavorful:

Cabbage: Low in calories but high in fiber, cabbage is a fantastic source of vitamin C and antioxidants. It’s great for digestion and can help support heart health due to its high content of flavonoids and glucosinolates.
Kale: Often regarded as a “superfood”, kale is loaded with vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin C, plus a variety of other essential nutrients. It’s great for bone health and immunity, and its deep green color indicates the high levels of beneficial compounds like lutein and zeaxanthin.
Potatoes: These humble vegetables provide a good amount of complex carbohydrates, which means they’ll keep you feeling fuller longer. They also offer potassium, which supports healthy blood pressure levels.
Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene (which the body converts into vitamin A), carrots help support healthy vision, skin, and immune function. Their natural sweetness balances out the savory flavors in the soup.
Vegetable Broth: Using vegetable broth as your base helps keep this soup vegan, but also contributes a savory umami flavor that’s rich and satisfying. It’s low-calorie and works as the perfect foundation for your greens.

Expert Tips

To make your soup even better, here are a few expert tips:

Sauté your veggies well: The better you sauté the onions and garlic, the more flavorful your broth will be. Don’t rush the process!
Use homemade broth: If you have the time, homemade vegetable broth will elevate the soup even more. It’s fresher, more flavorful, and free of any preservatives.
Add beans or lentils: For added protein, you can toss in some beans (like white beans or chickpeas) or lentils. They’ll blend perfectly with the other ingredients and make the soup even heartier.
Let it rest: Soup often tastes better the next day, so if you have time, make it ahead of time and let it sit in the fridge. The flavors will deepen as they meld together.

Recipe Variations

This Cabbage and Kale Soup is incredibly versatile, and you can make it your own in several ways. Here are some variations to keep the recipe fresh each time:

Meat Option: Add diced chicken, sausage, or bacon if you want a more robust flavor. Brown the meat before adding your vegetables to the pot for an extra layer of richness.
Spicy Twist: Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for some heat. This pairs beautifully with the earthy greens.
Creamy Version: To make the soup creamy, blend a portion of the soup after it’s cooked (before adding the kale), then return it to the pot. You can also stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream for extra richness.
Vegan Version: This recipe is already vegan, but you can further enhance it by adding more plant-based ingredients like quinoa, tofu, or tempeh for extra protein.

Final Words

Cabbage and Kale Soup is one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s simple, affordable, and packed with nutrients that your body will thank you for. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef looking for something light yet hearty, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your soup rotation. It’s easy to make, adaptable to different tastes, and offers so much potential for customization.

Cabbage And Kale Soup Recipe