5 Star Cabbage Soup Recipe

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a hearty bowl of cabbage soup. It’s a dish that not only fills you up but also nourishes you from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal, a low-calorie option, or just something to warm your soul, cabbage soup is an excellent choice. This 5-star cabbage soup recipe is not just any ordinary cabbage soup – it’s a vibrant, flavorful, and nutritious dish that will make your taste buds dance. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, it’s a recipe that serves as the perfect balance between delicious and nutritious. Plus, it’s so simple to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been enjoying this classic comfort food more often.

In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about making this incredible 5-star cabbage soup, from the ingredients to the expert tips and recipe variations. Let’s dive into the details!

Here’s a recipe that’s going to elevate your cabbage soup experience. It’s full of flavor, with a wonderful blend of vegetables, herbs, and spices. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main dish or serving it as a side, it’s going to be a hit.

Ingredients Needed

1 medium head of cabbage (green or a mix of green and purple for more color)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or another cooking oil of your choice)
1 large onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
3 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
2 celery stalks (chopped)
2 medium tomatoes (diced, or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (adds a tangy kick)
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Cooking Instructions

Making this cabbage soup is surprisingly easy, and you’ll have a bowl of steaming comfort ready in no time. Here’s how you do it:

Prep the vegetables: Start by chopping your cabbage into bite-sized pieces, slicing the carrots, chopping the celery, and dicing the onions and tomatoes. Mince the garlic as well.
Sauté the base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, letting the fragrance fill the kitchen.
Cook the carrots and celery: Add the sliced carrots and chopped celery to the pot. Stir them into the onions and garlic, and cook for another 3-4 minutes to allow them to soften slightly.
Add the cabbage and tomatoes: Toss in the chopped cabbage and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together, letting the cabbage wilt down a bit.
Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the broth (vegetable or chicken, depending on your preference). Add the thyme, basil, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
Simmer the soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 30-40 minutes, uncovered, or until the cabbage and vegetables are tender.
Add a tangy twist: Stir in the apple cider vinegar about 5 minutes before the soup is finished cooking. It’ll give the soup a bright, tangy flavor that really enhances the other ingredients.
Taste and adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a spicier kick, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes can take it to the next level.
Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with a slice of crusty bread.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup has its own role in enhancing the flavor profile and nutritional value of the dish. Here’s a little insight into why we use these ingredients:

Cabbage: Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, cabbage is the star of the show here. It’s low in calories, making it a perfect choice for those watching their weight, while still being filling and satisfying.
Carrots & Celery: These vegetables bring a natural sweetness and crunch to the soup. Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A in the body, supporting eye health and boosting immunity. Celery adds a refreshing flavor and is a good source of vitamins A and K.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes give the soup a slightly tangy and rich flavor while providing a boost of lycopene, an antioxidant that promotes heart health and fights inflammation.
Onion & Garlic: These aromatics not only create a flavorful base for the soup but also have various health benefits. Garlic, for example, has been linked to improved heart health and immune support, while onions are full of fiber and antioxidants.
Herbs & Spices: Dried thyme and basil bring out savory, earthy flavors, while paprika adds a subtle smokiness to balance out the sweetness from the vegetables. Bay leaves lend a rich, aromatic depth to the broth.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This is the secret ingredient that adds a tangy punch to the soup, helping to brighten up all the flavors. Plus, it’s known to support digestion and can promote a feeling of fullness.

Expert Tips

To make sure your cabbage soup turns out absolutely perfect every time, here are some expert tips:

Don’t skip the sautéing step: Sautéing the onions and garlic first helps to develop a deeper flavor base, making the soup more aromatic and delicious.
Simmer for longer if possible: While 30 minutes will give you a perfectly good cabbage soup, allowing the soup to simmer for an hour or more will deepen the flavors even further. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors have time to meld together.
Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, simply puree a portion of the soup and stir it back in to thicken the broth. You can also add some potato to the pot for a creamy texture.
Feel free to make it spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Make it a meal: To turn this into a more substantial meal, you can add cooked chicken, turkey, or beans for extra protein. A side of whole grain bread would complement the soup nicely.

Recipe Variations

This cabbage soup is extremely versatile, and there are a number of ways to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas for different twists on this classic recipe:

Add protein: If you want a more filling soup, toss in some cooked chicken breast, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even some beans (like cannellini or kidney beans).
Low-carb option: For a low-carb version, skip the potatoes or add cauliflower instead. You could also turn this into a paleo-friendly soup by using bone broth as the base.
Spicy Cabbage Soup: Throw in some hot peppers, chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to turn up the heat.
Vegan version: If you’re following a vegan diet, this recipe is already plant-based, but you can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and skip the optional fish sauce or chicken additions.
Chunkier version: For a heartier soup, add some diced potatoes or quinoa. This will make the soup more filling and give it a thicker consistency.

Final Words

This 5-star cabbage soup is more than just a dish; it’s a flavorful, healthy, and soul-warming experience. Packed with fresh ingredients, bold spices, and a nourishing broth, it’s the perfect meal to enjoy year-round, whether you’re recovering from a cold, looking for a light lunch, or simply craving comfort food. It’s incredibly easy to make, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.

5 Star Cabbage Soup Recipe