If you’re someone who appreciates hearty, comforting meals that are as nutritious as they are delicious, then cabbage chowder soup is a recipe you’ll want to try. It’s a rich and savory dish that combines tender cabbage, potatoes, and a flavorful broth, perfect for warming you up on a chilly evening. This soup not only offers the satisfying taste of vegetables but also delivers a creamy texture that feels indulgent without being too heavy. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone new to the kitchen, this cabbage chowder recipe is simple enough to make but impressive enough to serve for any occasion.
This soup is also wonderfully versatile-it can be made with or without meat, and you can adjust the seasoning to suit your personal taste. If you’ve never tried cabbage in a chowder before, you’re in for a treat. The cabbage provides a gentle sweetness and a slight crunch, while the creamy broth ties everything together.
Let’s dive into the recipe and break down all the essential steps for making cabbage chowder soup, as well as some insightful tips for making the most of this cozy dish.
Cabbage Chowder Soup Recipe
This cabbage chowder soup is a perfect balance of comfort food and nutrition. It brings together wholesome ingredients that you can find in most kitchens-nothing too fancy, just simple staples that come together to create a bowl of warmth. And best of all? It’s incredibly easy to prepare!
Ingredients Needed
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1 medium head of cabbage (shredded)
- The star of the show! The cabbage will cook down to a tender and sweet addition to your soup. It gives the soup body and adds a nice texture.
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3 large potatoes (peeled and diced)
- Potatoes are the foundation of many chowder recipes, offering creaminess and heartiness. They help thicken the soup and make it more filling.
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1 medium onion (chopped)
- Onion adds a savory base flavor that complements the cabbage. It helps create a more well-rounded taste profile for the broth.
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2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Garlic is a must for adding that fragrant, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the cabbage and potatoes.
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4 Cups Vegetable Broth Or Chicken Broth
- This serves as the liquid base for the soup. Using broth instead of water enhances the flavor and adds depth.
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1 Cup Heavy Cream
- This is what transforms the soup from a simple vegetable dish into a creamy, indulgent chowder. The cream adds richness without overwhelming the flavor.
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2 Tablespoons Butter
- Butter is added to sauté the onions and garlic and give the soup an extra layer of richness.
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Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Season to your preference. The salt will bring out the sweetness of the cabbage, while pepper adds a subtle kick.
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1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme, if available)
- Thyme adds an earthy, herbal note that deepens the soup’s flavor.
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- A bit of smoked paprika can give the soup a smoky edge, which works especially well if you’re adding bacon or sausage.
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare The Vegetables
- Begin by peeling and dicing the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Shred the cabbage and chop the onion into small pieces. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.
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Sauté The Aromatics
- In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
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Add The Cabbage And Potatoes
- Once the onions and garlic have softened, toss in the shredded cabbage and diced potatoes. Stir everything together and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the cabbage to wilt and the potatoes to start softening.
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Pour In The Broth
- Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the pot, making sure the vegetables are fully covered. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
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Simmer The Soup
- Once the broth is simmering, lower the heat and let the soup cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You want the cabbage to be soft but still have some texture.
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Add The Cream And Seasonings
- Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
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Taste And Adjust
- Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or thyme if desired. If you like a thicker chowder, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher to help thicken the broth.
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Serve
- Ladle the chowder into bowls and serve hot. You can top it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of extra smoked paprika for added flair.
Ingredient Insights
- Cabbage: Cabbage is a low-calorie vegetable packed with vitamins C and K, making it a great addition to a healthy soup. It also contains fiber, which promotes digestion and adds to the soup’s heartiness.
- Potatoes: A classic soup ingredient, potatoes add both texture and bulk. They are an excellent source of carbohydrates, providing energy to keep you satisfied.
- Heavy Cream: While heavy cream might not be the healthiest ingredient on the list, it’s essential for achieving the silky texture that defines chowder. You can substitute it with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative if you prefer a lighter version.
- Broth: Broth is the key to a flavorful soup. You can opt for vegetable broth to keep the recipe vegetarian or chicken broth for a more robust taste. Homemade broth is always best if you have the time!
Expert Tips
- Add a protein: If you want to turn this soup into a more substantial meal, consider adding some cooked bacon, sausage, or even ham. These meats will add an extra layer of savory flavor to complement the cabbage.
- Make it creamy without the cream: For a lighter version of this soup, blend half of the soup with an immersion blender to create a creamy texture without adding cream. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Balance the flavors: If the soup feels too heavy, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of vinegar can brighten it up and cut through the richness.
- Freeze leftovers: This cabbage chowder soup freezes well, so if you make a big batch, you can store it in an airtight container and reheat it for a quick meal later. Just note that the cabbage may lose some texture after freezing.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Cabbage Chowder: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give your soup a spicy kick. It contrasts wonderfully with the creamy base.
- Vegan Cabbage Chowder: Swap the butter and heavy cream for olive oil and coconut milk. Use vegetable broth for a completely vegan version.
- Bacon & Cheddar Cabbage Chowder: Crisp up some bacon and crumble it into the soup, then stir in some sharp cheddar cheese at the end for a cheesy, meaty variation.
- Add other veggies: Feel free to throw in some carrots, celery, or leeks for additional flavor and texture.
Final Words
Cabbage chowder soup is more than just a dish-it’s a comforting, nutritious bowl of goodness that can easily be tailored to your preferences. Whether you like it rich and creamy or lighter and vegetable-packed, there’s no wrong way to make it. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can experiment with ingredients and seasonings to find your perfect version, and it’s a great way to use up whatever vegetables you have lying around.