Cabbage Soup Healthy Recipe

Cabbage soup, often associated with comfort food and weight loss diets, has earned its reputation for being simple, healthy, and incredibly versatile. This humble dish is loaded with rich, hearty flavors, but it’s also packed with nutrients that make it not just delicious, but also beneficial for your body. Whether you’re looking for a light, nutritious meal or need something to warm you up on a cold day, cabbage soup is the answer. Its versatility allows for easy adjustments to fit various dietary preferences or even specific health goals.

Now, you may be thinking, ’Cabbage soup? Is it really that exciting?’ The answer is absolutely yes! This recipe isn’t just about the cabbage-it’s about balancing flavors, textures, and nutrients. The cabbage, with its crunchy, mild taste, pairs beautifully with other fresh vegetables, and with the right seasonings, it transforms into a bowl of satisfaction. Let’s break down everything you need to know about making this classic cabbage soup at home!

If you’ve been searching for a healthy, no-fuss, low-calorie soup, this cabbage soup recipe will not disappoint. It’s packed with fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins that promote overall well-being, while still being rich in flavor and filling enough to curb your hunger. A great part of this recipe is that it uses whole, wholesome ingredients, with no processed additives, so you’re nourishing your body the natural way.

This recipe is also great for meal prep. The soup stores wonderfully, and as it sits, the flavors continue to meld and deepen, making it even better the next day.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to get started. These ingredients are easy to find, affordable, and you might already have many of them in your pantry or fridge!

1 medium head of cabbage – The star of the soup! Choose a fresh, firm cabbage. You can use either green or purple cabbage depending on your preference or availability.
2 large carrots – A great source of vitamin A and adds a touch of sweetness to the soup. They also provide a nice crunch.
2 celery stalks – Celery adds a mild flavor and texture that balances out the more robust ingredients like the cabbage and onions.
1 large onion – The onion adds a savory depth to the soup. You can go for yellow or white onions, but red onions will add a more robust flavor.
4 cloves garlic – Garlic is a powerhouse ingredient that not only enhances the soup’s flavor but also offers anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – This gives the soup a rich, tangy base. You could also use fresh tomatoes if you have them on hand.
6 cups vegetable broth – This provides the liquid foundation for the soup, bringing all the flavors together.
2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables. Olive oil is full of healthy fats and adds richness to the dish.
1 tablespoon dried thyme – Adds earthy and aromatic notes to the soup.
1 teaspoon dried oregano – This herb brings a Mediterranean flair and blends nicely with the other seasonings.
Salt and pepper – These are essential for balancing out the flavors. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste.
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional) – A little lemon juice at the end brightens the entire soup and cuts through the richness of the cabbage and broth.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to put them to good use! The cooking process is simple, and you’ll have a bowl of delicious soup ready in no time.

Prepare The Vegetables

Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Cut the cabbage into thin strips or roughly chop it, depending on your preference. Slice the carrots and celery into bite-sized pieces, and dice the onion and garlic.
Sauté The Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Add The Carrots And Celery

Toss the chopped carrots and celery into the pot, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This helps to soften them slightly before adding the liquids.
Add The Cabbage And Broth

Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and stir it with the other vegetables. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Season The Soup

Add the dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
Add Tomatoes And Finish

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes and let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes. If you want to add a bit of brightness, squeeze in a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
Taste And Adjust

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or thyme, depending on your personal preferences.
Serve And Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot. It’s perfect on its own or with a slice of whole grain bread on the side.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this cabbage soup recipe brings its own set of benefits. Here’s a deeper look at why these ingredients are both tasty and healthy:

Cabbage: Full of fiber and low in calories, cabbage is a fantastic source of vitamin C, which helps boost immunity and supports skin health. It’s also rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, which help protect against oxidative stress.
Carrots: Known for their high vitamin A content, carrots are great for eye health. They also contain beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, an essential nutrient for healthy skin and a strong immune system.
Celery: Celery is low in calories and provides a decent amount of potassium, which is vital for heart health. It also contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation.
Garlic: Garlic has long been known for its medicinal properties. It’s rich in allicin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and heart-healthy benefits.
Tomatoes: Packed with vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, tomatoes add both flavor and nutrients to the soup.

Expert Tips

For a richer flavor: If you want to deepen the flavor profile, try adding a splash of soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option). A small amount of balsamic vinegar can also add a complex depth to the soup.
Don’t overcook the cabbage: Cabbage can become mushy if overcooked. Keep an eye on it as it simmers, and remove the pot from the heat once the cabbage is tender, but still holding its shape.
Make it heartier: If you want to make the soup more filling, add cooked lentils, beans, or even quinoa for a boost of protein and fiber.
Batch cooking: Cabbage soup makes great leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about cabbage soup is how customizable it is! You can easily change up the recipe to fit your tastes or dietary restrictions.

Add protein: Consider adding chicken, turkey, or even tofu if you want to increase the protein content of the soup. These additions can be tossed in with the broth and cooked until tender.
Spicy version: If you enjoy a bit of heat, throw in some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper while sautéing the aromatics. For an even bolder flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or a bit of chili powder.
Use different greens: If you don’t have cabbage, you can use kale, spinach, or collard greens. They all offer a different texture and flavor but still provide the same nutritional benefits.
Swap the broth: You can use chicken broth for a richer flavor or go for a low-sodium vegetable broth if you’re watching your sodium intake.

Final Words

Cabbage soup isn’t just a weight-loss staple; it’s a genuinely nourishing, tasty dish that can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter what your health goals are. With its combination of fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and customizable options, it’s the perfect meal for any season. Whether you’re making a batch to help you feel lighter or simply craving something wholesome, this recipe will never disappoint.

Cabbage Soup Healthy Recipe