Hearty Cabbage Soup

Short Description

A wholesome, vegetable-packed soup featuring sautéed onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and tender cabbage simmered in broth with tomatoes and herbs. Finished with a splash of lemon juice and fresh parsley, it’s vibrant, nourishing, and easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and nutritious—filled with simple veggies that satisfy hunger and taste buds alike.
• Quick and adaptable—easy to customize with favorite herbs or mix-ins.
• Bright finishing touches—lemon juice and parsley add a fresh lift to the savory base.
• Meal prep friendly—holds up well in the fridge or freezer for future meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ cabbage head, chopped
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 4–6 cups vegetable broth (adjust to preferred thickness)
• 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• Cracked black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook the Vegetables
   In a large pot over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
2. Add Aromatics
   Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Cabbage
   Mix in the chopped cabbage. Cook, stirring frequently, until it begins to soften—about 5 minutes.
4. Simmer the Soup
   Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes (longer if you prefer softer vegetables).
5. Finish and Serve
   Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice, chopped parsley, and cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot.

Servings And Timing

• Yield: About 4–6 servings
• Prep Time: ~10 minutes
• Cook Time: ~20 minutes
• Total Time: ~30 minutes

Variations

• Add beans or cooked grains (like barley or quinoa) for protein and texture.
• Stir in a dollop of pesto or a squeeze of hot sauce for a flavor boost.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme or dill instead of dried, or add greens like kale or spinach.
• For a heartier version, include chopped potatoes or pumpkin.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4–5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze portions using silicone trays or freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove; add a splash of broth if needed to refresh texture.

FAQs

Can I make this vegan?

Yes—just use vegan broth or water, and every ingredient here is already vegan-friendly.

Can I add meat?

Absolutely. Cooked sausage, roast chicken, or bacon bits would make it more substantial.

Should I increase broth for a thinner soup?

Yes—add up to 6 cups total for a lighter, more brothy texture.

Why add lemon juice at the end?

The acidity brightens the palette and balances the flavors—you’d lose some of that brightness if added too early.

Any shortcuts?

Use pre-chopped veggies or pre-made frozen mixes to reduce prep time.

Conclusion

This Hearty Cabbage Soup is a simple, comforting classic—full of flavor, easy to customize, and ideal for warming up on busy days. Let me know if you’d like pairing ideas or quick sides to serve with it!

Print