Cabbage And White Bean Soup Recipe

When the weather gets colder, there’s nothing more comforting than a big bowl of homemade soup. Cabbage and White Bean Soup is one of those classic recipes that’s both hearty and healthy, with layers of flavor that develop beautifully the longer it simmers. This soup is a fantastic choice for those who want something filling yet light, with a balance of earthy, savory, and slightly tangy notes. Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins, it’s the perfect meal for cozy evenings or when you need a nutritious pick-me-up.

What makes this soup truly special is its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward, but when combined, they create a rich, complex broth that leaves you feeling satisfied without being overly heavy. Plus, it’s versatile and can be tailored to fit different tastes or dietary preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone meal or paired with a slice of crusty bread, this soup is sure to warm both your body and soul.

Cabbage And White Bean Soup Recipe

This recipe blends tender cabbage with creamy white beans, creating a hearty soup that’s not only nutritious but packed with flavor. The beans offer protein and fiber, while the cabbage adds a lovely texture and freshness. The savory broth, infused with garlic, onion, and herbs, gives the soup a savory depth that balances perfectly with the mild flavor of the vegetables.

Ingredients Needed

To make this comforting soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• Olive oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing and adding richness to the base.
• Onion (1 medium, chopped): Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation to the soup.
• Carrot (1 large, peeled and chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and color.
• Celery (2 stalks, chopped): Contributes a crisp texture and savory flavor.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the soup with a warm, aromatic fragrance.
• Cabbage (1/2 medium head, chopped): The star of the soup, offering bulk and a mild, slightly tangy flavor.
• White beans (2 cups, cooked or 1 can, drained and rinsed): These beans add a creamy texture and protein, making the soup filling.
• Vegetable broth (6 cups): The liquid base, giving the soup depth and flavor.
• Bay leaves (2): For a subtle earthy, herbal note.
• Thyme (1 tsp dried or 1 tbsp fresh): A fragrant herb that complements the cabbage and beans.
• Salt (to taste): Essential for seasoning.
• Black pepper (to taste): Adds a slight heat and depth.
• Lemon juice (1 tbsp): A bright finishing touch that balances the richness of the soup.

Cooking Instructions

Making this cabbage and white bean soup is simple, and the steps are easy to follow. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Chop the onion, carrot, celery, and cabbage. Mince the garlic and drain the beans if using canned.
2. Sauté the base: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
3. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Simmer the soup: Add the chopped cabbage, white beans, vegetable broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir everything together. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. Season to taste: Once the soup is ready, remove it from heat and discard the bay leaves. Stir in the salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. The lemon juice will give the soup a little brightness, balancing the flavors beautifully.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs (optional), and enjoy with a piece of crusty bread on the side.

Ingredient Insights

• Cabbage: This cruciferous vegetable is packed with nutrients, especially vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s low in calories, making it a great addition to any healthy meal. When cooked, cabbage softens and becomes slightly sweet, offering a subtle contrast to the hearty beans and savory broth.
• White Beans: These beans are a powerhouse of protein and fiber. They’re also a great source of folate, iron, and magnesium. White beans bring a creamy texture to the soup, making it feel more indulgent than it actually is. Cannellini or Great Northern beans are ideal choices, but any mild white bean will work.
• Thyme: A classic herb for soups, thyme has a warm, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with cabbage and beans. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help improve digestion.
• Lemon Juice: The addition of lemon juice at the end of cooking brightens up the dish and cuts through the richness of the beans, giving the soup a refreshing edge that lifts the whole flavor profile.

Expert Tips

• Enhance the broth: If you want a deeper, more complex flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of soy sauce or miso to the broth. These ingredients can bring an umami richness to the soup.
• Make it ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld. It’s perfect for meal prep, as it stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months-just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
• Add greens for extra nutrients: Spinach, kale, or collard greens can easily be added in the last 10 minutes of cooking. These greens add even more texture and nutrition to the soup.
• For extra protein: If you want a boost of protein, consider adding cooked chicken or turkey sausage. Simply slice it up and add it to the soup along with the beans.
• Control the consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans with a fork before adding them to the soup, or purée a portion of the soup once it’s cooked.

Recipe Variations

• Vegan Version: This recipe is already vegan, but if you’re looking to add more plant-based protein, you could throw in some quinoa or lentils instead of beans.
• Spicy Version: For those who like a little heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables. This will bring a nice kick to the soup.
• Hearty Meat Lover’s Option: Adding some smoked sausage or ham will give the soup a savory, smoky flavor. You can brown the sausage in the pot before sautéing the vegetables to render out the fat and infuse the broth with extra flavor.
• Noodle Addition: If you want a more filling soup, try adding some cooked pasta towards the end of cooking. Small pasta like ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni works best for this kind of soup.

Final Words

Cabbage and white bean soup is the definition of simple comfort food. It’s hearty, nourishing, and doesn’t require a lot of effort to prepare. Whether you make it from scratch or tweak it to your tastes, it’s a dish that brings people together around the table. The best part? You don’t have to be an expert cook to make it-you just need a few fresh ingredients and the patience to let everything come together.