Cabbage Minestrone Soup Recipe

When the temperature drops and the winds start to chill, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, hearty bowl of soup. And if you’re on the lookout for something that combines nutrition, flavor, and a touch of homemade goodness, Cabbage Minestrone Soup is an absolute winner. It’s a vibrant, vegetable-packed dish with an Italian twist that will fill you up without weighing you down. What makes this recipe even better is its flexibility-perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing guests at your next dinner party.

This soup is bursting with rich, savory flavors from a mix of fresh vegetables, beans, and a perfectly balanced tomato base, complemented by cabbage that brings a unique texture and nutritional boost. What’s more, it’s a one-pot wonder, making clean-up a breeze!

Cabbage Minestrone Soup Recipe

Cabbage Minestrone Soup is a take on the classic Italian minestrone, traditionally made with pasta, beans, and vegetables, but with the addition of cabbage to make it extra hearty. It’s a warming, satisfying soup that’s perfect for those days when you need something healthy and comforting all at once. Plus, it’s vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by skipping the Parmesan topping.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to make this soul-satisfying soup:

• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the vegetables and infusing them with flavor.
• Yellow Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Carrot (2 medium, peeled and sliced): Adds color and sweetness to the soup.
• Celery (2 stalks, chopped): Adds a fresh crunch and subtle bitterness.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For that aromatic, savory backbone.
• Cabbage (½ medium head, chopped): The star of the show, lending texture and a slight peppery taste.
• Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons): Deepens the flavor of the soup with its rich, umami profile.
• Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Adds a base of tangy sweetness.
• Vegetable Broth (4 cups): Use low-sodium if you prefer to control the salt level.
• White Beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): These provide creaminess and extra protein.
• Zucchini (1 medium, sliced): Adds freshness and color.
• Spinach (2 cups, fresh or frozen): For added greens and nutrients.
• Italian Seasoning (2 teaspoons): A blend of herbs that bring an authentic Italian flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese (grated, optional): A sprinkle on top adds a rich, salty finish.
• Pasta (½ cup, optional): Traditional minestrone often includes pasta, and adding it gives a bit more body to the soup.

Cooking Instructions

This soup comes together quickly, making it a great option for dinner after a busy day. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you there:

1. Prep your veggies: Start by chopping all your vegetables-onions, carrots, celery, zucchini, and cabbage. Mince your garlic and set everything aside so it’s easy to add in steps.
2. Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent.
3. Add garlic and tomato paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant, and the tomato paste begins to darken slightly. This step builds the flavor base of the soup.
4. Add the broth and tomatoes: Pour in the vegetable broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir everything together, and bring it to a simmer.
5. Incorporate the cabbage and zucchini: Add the chopped cabbage and zucchini. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the cabbage wilts and the zucchini softens.
6. Add beans, spinach, and seasoning: Toss in the white beans, spinach, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine, and continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Optional – add pasta: If you’re using pasta, add it at this point and cook according to package directions. If you’re skipping the pasta, the soup is already hearty enough to stand on its own.
8. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan (if desired), and enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness!

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a moment to look at what makes the ingredients in this Cabbage Minestrone Soup not just delicious but also nutritious:

• Cabbage: This humble vegetable is a powerhouse of nutrients. It’s rich in Vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and high in fiber, which aids digestion. Plus, cabbage contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation.
• White Beans: Not only do they add creaminess to the soup, but they’re also an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber. This helps keep you full longer and supports healthy digestion.
• Tomatoes: Packed with lycopene, an antioxidant linked to various health benefits, tomatoes also add a touch of sweetness and acidity to balance the flavors of the soup.
• Spinach: A great source of iron, calcium, and Vitamin A, spinach is one of those veggies you can never go wrong with. It also adds a vibrant green color to the soup, making it more visually appealing.
• Olive Oil: Rich in heart-healthy fats, olive oil not only adds flavor but also helps your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins in the vegetables.

Expert Tips

To make sure your Cabbage Minestrone Soup is as delicious as possible, here are some expert tips:

• Use fresh herbs for extra flavor: If you have fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary on hand, they can really elevate the flavor of the soup. Add them toward the end of cooking to preserve their freshness.
• Let it sit overnight: Like many soups, Cabbage Minestrone tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. It’s perfect for leftovers and meal prepping.
• Adjust the broth: If you like a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth, or if you prefer a more brothy soup, add a bit more liquid. You can even use a blend of vegetable broth and water to adjust the consistency.
• Add heat: If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño while sautéing the vegetables. It gives the soup a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
• Use homemade broth: If you have the time, homemade vegetable broth can make all the difference in flavor. It’s rich and savory and can be tailored to your taste.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about this soup is how versatile it is. You can swap ingredients based on what you have in your pantry or what’s in season:

• Swap the beans: Use kidney beans, chickpeas, or even lentils for a different texture and flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: If you’re avoiding gluten, simply leave out the pasta or use gluten-free pasta. You could also skip the pasta entirely and let the beans be the main source of “body” in the soup.
• Add different greens: If spinach isn’t your thing, try kale, Swiss chard, or even collard greens. These will add a hearty, earthy flavor.
• Add sausage: For those who eat meat, adding Italian sausage (either ground or sliced) will add another layer of savory goodness to the soup. Brown it first before adding it to the pot.
• Go vegan: Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan version to make this a fully plant-based meal.

Final Words

Cabbage Minestrone Soup is the perfect recipe to whip up when you want something filling, nutritious, and packed with flavor. The best part? It’s easy to make, and you can adjust it to fit your dietary preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy dinner or packing it for lunch the next day, this soup is sure to impress with its vibrant, fresh flavors.