Cabbage Soup Dill Recipe

Cabbage soup with dill is one of those comforting, soul-warming dishes that effortlessly blends simplicity with flavor. It’s perfect for cold weather, a light detox meal, or simply when you’re craving something nourishing and wholesome. This soup, with its savory broth, tender cabbage, and the distinct aroma of dill, is more than just a meal-it’s a cozy bowl of warmth that’s both satisfying and heart-healthy.

What makes this cabbage soup even better is that it’s ridiculously easy to prepare, and you likely have most of the ingredients already stocked in your pantry. Plus, it can be made in large batches, making it ideal for meal prepping or serving a family. So whether you’re familiar with the dish or new to the cabbage soup world, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Let’s dive into the recipe and see how you can create this simple yet delicious dish in your own home.

This cabbage soup recipe takes a classic and elevates it with the bold flavor of fresh dill. It’s a clear broth-based soup that doesn’t rely on heavy cream or too many ingredients to create its hearty and flavorful taste. The dill, a herb often associated with pickles and tangy flavors, complements the cabbage perfectly and adds a refreshing brightness that lifts the entire dish.

If you’re looking to make something light but satisfying, this recipe is an excellent choice. It’s easy to modify based on personal preferences, and you can add other ingredients to make it your own, but the simplicity of this version is what makes it truly special.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to create this cabbage soup with dill. The ingredients are simple, fresh, and relatively easy to find at your local grocery store.

Cabbage (1 medium head): The star ingredient! Cabbage is packed with nutrients, and its subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with the tang of dill.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a rich base to sauté the aromatics and enhances the flavors of the soup.
Onion (1 medium, chopped): For that savory, sweet flavor that comes from caramelizing onions.
Carrots (2, peeled and sliced): Adds a mild sweetness and color to the soup.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic gives the soup that aromatic backbone and depth of flavor.
Celery (2 stalks, chopped): Adds a slight earthiness and crunch that contrasts with the soft cabbage.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth (4 cups): The base of the soup. Using a high-quality broth will elevate the entire dish.
Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons): Brings a slight acidity and depth to the soup, balancing the sweetness of the vegetables.
Dried Dill (1 teaspoon) and Fresh Dill (1 tablespoon, chopped): Dill is the hero of this recipe, giving the soup its signature flavor. You’ll use both dried and fresh dill for a layered taste.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): A dash of lemon brightens everything and helps cut through the richness of the cabbage and broth.

Cooking Instructions

Making this soup is as easy as it gets. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect cabbage soup with dill:

Prepare Your Ingredients
- Chop the cabbage, slice the carrots, chop the onion, celery, and mince the garlic.
- Measure out your broth, dill, tomato paste, and lemon juice so everything is ready to go.
Sauté The Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add The Tomato Paste And Dill
- Stir in the tomato paste and dried dill. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to deepen in color and the dill to infuse the mixture.
Add The Broth And Cabbage
- Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. Add the chopped cabbage and stir everything together.
- Cover and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still has a bit of bite to it.
Season And Finish
- Once the cabbage is cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the fresh dill and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to combine all the flavors.
Serve
- Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or a sprinkle of extra dill for garnish if desired.

Ingredient Insights

Here’s a deeper look at the ingredients and what makes them so special in this cabbage soup with dill recipe:

Cabbage: This vegetable is often underrated, but it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, cabbage helps support digestive health and boosts the immune system. It’s low in calories and high in water content, making it perfect for soups.
Dill: Dill is more than just a garnish; it’s a full-flavored herb that’s often used in Mediterranean, Eastern European, and Scandinavian cuisine. It has a unique balance of citrusy, slightly sweet, and tangy flavors that make it an excellent pairing for cabbage. Dill also has digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great addition to this healthy soup.
Broth: A good-quality broth, whether vegetable or chicken, is key. Broth adds richness and depth of flavor, which is especially important in a simple soup like this. It helps carry all the other flavors and melds everything together.
Tomato Paste: The tomato paste is a secret ingredient that adds a little complexity and umami to the soup. Even though this soup isn’t tomato-based, the paste’s concentrated flavor gives the broth a subtle, savory sweetness.

Expert Tips

Use Fresh Dill: Fresh dill really shines in this recipe, so don’t skip it. The fresh herb brings a much brighter, more aromatic flavor than dried dill alone. You can always add extra to taste when serving.
Balance the Acidity: The lemon juice balances the sweetness of the cabbage and the richness of the broth. If you want a little more zing, feel free to add an extra squeeze of lemon, or even a splash of vinegar for added tang.
Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: Cabbage can go from perfectly tender to mushy in no time, so keep an eye on it while it simmers. You want the cabbage to hold its shape, offering a slight crunch and texture in every spoonful.
Make it a Meal: If you want to make this soup a heartier dish, you can add some cooked grains like quinoa or rice. Or, for extra protein, toss in some shredded chicken or white beans.
Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds some heat, while a dollop of sour cream can give it a creamy finish.

Recipe Variations

While this cabbage soup with dill is delicious as is, there are many ways to mix it up based on your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

Add Potatoes: For a more filling version, add diced potatoes to the soup. They’ll soak up the flavors and add an extra layer of texture.
Spicy Cabbage Soup: If you like some heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Meat Lovers: You could add sausage, ground turkey, or even beef to make this a meatier soup. Brown the meat before sautéing the vegetables for added flavor.
Add Greens: For extra nutrition, throw in some spinach or kale near the end of cooking. These greens will wilt down and add some extra texture and vitamins.
Vegan Version: To make this soup vegan, simply skip the chicken broth and replace it with vegetable broth. It’s just as delicious!

Final Words

Cabbage soup with dill is an easy, nourishing dish that combines fresh ingredients with hearty flavor. Its simplicity is what makes it so enjoyable, and it can be customized to fit any diet or taste preference. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold day or need a light meal that’s still filling, this cabbage soup checks all the boxes.

Cabbage Soup Dill Recipe