There’s something magical about a warm bowl of cabbage soup. The aroma wafts through the air, inviting you into the kitchen, promising a comforting experience that warms both the body and soul. warm and comforting soup Imagine crisp cabbage leaves swimming in a vibrant broth, mingling with fresh herbs and spices that dance on your taste buds like a joyful jig at a summer fair.
Every time I whip up this delightful dish, I’m reminded of cozy family gatherings where laughter fills the room and the soup pot never seems to run dry. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you need a hug in a bowl or for impressing guests with minimal effort. perfect side dish for soup Get ready for an adventure that will tickle your senses and leave you craving more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This fabulous cabbage soup is simple to make and requires minimal prep time
- Packed with flavors from fresh vegetables and herbs, it’s healthy without sacrificing taste
- The vibrant colors make it visually stunning, perfect for any dining occasion
- Enjoy it as a hearty meal or a light appetizer; it’s wonderfully versatile!
Sharing this recipe with friends always brings smiles. Last time, my friend declared it “the best soup ever,” which felt like winning an Oscar in my kitchen.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Green Cabbage: Go for a firm, fresh head of cabbage; it adds great texture and sweetness when cooked down. sweet treat for dessert.
- Carrots: Choose bright orange carrots for sweetness; they add color and nutrients to the soup.
- Celery: Fresh celery provides a crunchy bite and aromatic flavor; pick stalks that are crisp and green.
- Onion: Use yellow onions for their sweetness; they caramelize beautifully and enhance the broth’s depth.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves pack a punch of flavor; chop them finely to release their essential oils.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add acidity and richness; go with no-salt-added varieties if you’re watching sodium.
- Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt levels while keeping flavors vibrant.
- Herbs (Thyme & Bay Leaf): Fresh thyme is best, but dried works too; these herbs infuse the soup with wonderful aroma.
- Salt & Pepper: Adjust seasoning to taste as you go along; every palate is unique!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing all your vegetables thoroughly. Chop the cabbage into thin strips, dice the onions, slice the carrots, and chop the celery into small pieces. The colors should brighten your workspace!
Sauté Your Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add some olive oil. Once heated, toss in chopped onions and garlic until they turn translucent and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. fun party snack idea.
Add Vegetables & Broth: Stir in chopped carrots and celery next. Cook for about five minutes until they soften slightly before adding diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
Incorporate Cabbage & Herbs: Gently fold in shredded cabbage along with thyme and bay leaf. You’ll love how your kitchen smells at this point—just wait until it simmers!
Season & Simmer Away!: Add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low; let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes until all veggies are tender.
Serve & Enjoy!: Ladle servings into bowls or mugs—because who doesn’t love eating from a mug sometimes? Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired!
Now sit back, take a moment to appreciate your creation—maybe snap a picture for Instagram—and enjoy every spoonful of warmth!
You Must Know
- Cabbage soup is not just a dish; it’s a health booster packed with nutrients
- The aroma of simmering cabbage can uplift your kitchen ambiance
- Plus, it’s the perfect way to use up leftover veggies lurking in your fridge
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add chopped cabbage and broth. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your cabbage soup with beans, tomatoes, or even a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can also elevate the flavor profile. For more inspiration, check out this Corned beef and cabbage recipe recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cabbage soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your cabbage soup shines, chop veggies evenly for consistent cooking
- Avoid overcooking the cabbage to maintain texture and vibrant color
- Experiment with different broth types for unique flavors that surprise your taste buds!
Cooking this cabbage soup always reminds me of my college days when I had a very tight budget. I would whip up a big pot every Sunday, inviting friends over for a cozy dinner, and we’d laugh while slurping away at our bowls.
FAQ
Can I make cabbage soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delightful vegetarian version.
How long does cabbage soup last in the fridge?
Cabbage soup can stay fresh in the fridge for about five days when stored properly.
Can I freeze cabbage soup?
Yes! Cabbage soup freezes well; just cool it completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
Cabbage Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Cabbage soup is a warm, hearty dish that nourishes both body and soul. This delightful recipe combines fresh cabbage, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a savory broth, making it perfect for chilly evenings or as a light appetizer. With its simple preparation and wholesome ingredients, this cabbage soup is not just comforting—it’s packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups green cabbage (shredded)
- 2 medium carrots (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (chopped)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no salt added)
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
- Add carrots and celery; cook for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
- Incorporate shredded cabbage, thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low, simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes until veggies are tender.
- Serve hot in bowls or mugs, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Various
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
