Okay, so the holidays just wrapped up, and if you’re anything like me, your kitchen might be feeling a *little*… well, overstuffed! After all the feasting, I’m always craving something light that doesn’t feel like punishment, you know? That’s where this amazing cabbage soup comes in. Seriously, it’s my go-to for a healthy reset. It’s so wonderfully satisfying and packed with flavor, which is exactly what I needed when I was trying to find that balance between eating well and still enjoying my food after busy times. This recipe is a hug in a bowl, and I’m so excited to share it with you!
- Why You'll Love This Easy Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Cabbage Soup
- How to Make Cabbage Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
- Tips for Success with Your Cabbage Soup
- Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Cabbage Soup
- Serving Suggestions for Your Healthy Cabbage Soup
- Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Soup
- Nutritional Information for This Cabbage Soup
- Share Your Cabbage Soup Creations!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cabbage Soup Recipe
Why is this soup a post-holiday lifesaver? Well, let me tell you!
- It’s incredibly healthy and low-calorie.
- It’s ridiculously easy to whip up, even on a busy weeknight.
- The flavors are so comforting and delicious; you won’t believe it’s so good for you!
- It’s the perfect way to hit the reset button after all that holiday indulgence.
Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Cabbage Soup
Alright, let’s get our kitchen prepped for this wonderful cabbage soup! You’ll be surprised how simple these humble ingredients come together. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 pound cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
How to Make Cabbage Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
Making this delicious cabbage soup is honestly so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner! It’s all about building layers of flavor without any fuss. Let’s get cooking! You can find more soup and salad recipes like this over on my blog.
Sautéing the Aromatics for Flavorful Cabbage Soup
First things first, grab a big pot or a Dutch oven and heat up that olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Let them get nice and soft – this usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. It’s super important to let these veggies soften up properly; it’s the flavor foundation for this whole amazing cabbage soup. Next, add your minced garlic and let it cook for just one minute until you can really smell it. Don’t let it burn, though!
Simmering to Perfection: The Cabbage Soup Magic
Now, it’s time for the main event! Pour in your low-sodium vegetable broth. Then, add in the diced tomatoes (juice and all!), your thinly sliced cabbage, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and that bay leaf. Give it all a good stir. Bring the whole mixture up to a boil, and then – here’s the crucial part – reduce the heat to low, cover your pot, and let it all simmer away. You’ll want to let it cook for at least 30 minutes. This is where all the magic happens, letting the cabbage get perfectly tender.
Finishing Touches for Your Healthy Cabbage Soup
Once your cabbage soup has simmered and the veggies are tender, just fish out that bay leaf and toss it. Now, taste it and add salt and pepper until it’s just right for you. Trust me, a little seasoning goes a long way to make this healthy cabbage soup sing! If you’re feeling a little adventurous, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage is *chef’s kiss*.
Tips for Success with Your Cabbage Soup
Listen, I’ve made this soup more times than I can count, and a few little tricks really make it shine. For starters, don’t rush that sauté time at the beginning! Letting those onions, carrots, and celery soften and get a little sweet makes a world of difference in the final flavor. It’s the base, remember? Also, if you’re looking to bulk it up a bit, this soup is super forgiving. I love tossing in some extra veggies like green beans or bell peppers if I have them hanging around. And for a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes while it’s simmering adds just the right amount of warmth without making it super spicy. You can also find more kitchen tips and tricks on my blog!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Cabbage Soup
Choosing the right ingredients is super important for this cabbage soup, and I’ve learned a few things along the way! I always go for low-sodium vegetable broth because you can control the saltiness much better yourself. Plus, it lets the fresh veggie flavors really come through. If you can’t find low-sodium, just use regular and maybe skip adding extra salt at the end. Don’t have fresh onions, carrots, or celery? No worries! You can totally use a frozen mirepoix mix, which is a lifesaver on busy days. And that bay leaf? It adds this subtle, lovely background note – if you forget it, the soup will still be delish, but it’s a nice little secret weapon for this cabbage soup recipe!
Serving Suggestions for Your Healthy Cabbage Soup
This healthy cabbage soup is so satisfying on its own, but you know I love a good pairing! It’s fantastic with a crusty piece of whole-wheat bread for dipping – especially if you’ve got some simple sides ready to go. A light, crisp salad tossed with a vinaigrette is also a lovely addition if you’re looking to round out your meal. Sometimes, a little extra protein is nice, so maybe some grilled chicken or a perfectly cooked meal delivery service option on the side if you’re short on time!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Soup
Got questions about making this yummy cabbage soup? I’ve got answers! It’s one of my favorite easy recipes, and I get asked a bunch of things, so let’s dive in.
Can I make this cabbage soup ahead of time?
Oh, absolutely! This cabbage soup is actually *better* the next day. The flavors really meld together beautifully overnight. Just pop it in the fridge once it’s cooled down, and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. It’s perfect for meal prep, which is a lifesaver when you’re trying to stick to healthy eating goals.
Is this cabbage soup recipe low-calorie?
Yes, it is! This recipe is fantastic for a healthy reset because it’s naturally low in calories. It’s packed with veggies and uses low-sodium broth, so you get all that flavor without the guilt. It’s a great option if you’re thinking about weight loss programs or just want a lighter meal.
What other vegetables can I add to cabbage soup?
That’s the beauty of this easy cabbage soup recipe—it’s so adaptable! Feel free to toss in things like green beans, chopped bell peppers of any color, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach right at the end. Peas are great too! Just make sure they’re added towards the end of the cooking time so they don’t get too mushy.
Nutritional Information for This Cabbage Soup
The following nutritional information for this cabbage soup is an estimate, of course! Exact amounts can vary based on the specific brands you use and any little tweaks you make. But generally, you’re looking at about:
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
Share Your Cabbage Soup Creations!
I just LOVE seeing your cabbage soup creations! Seriously, it makes my day when you share your photos or tell me how it turned out. Did you add anything special? Did your family love it? Pop a comment below, give this recipe a star rating, or tag me on social media. It helps me know what you’re enjoying and keeps us all connected! You can also reach out anytime through my contact page. Happy cooking!
PrintHealthy Cabbage Soup
A light and satisfying cabbage soup recipe perfect for a healthy reset after holiday indulgence, offering comforting flavors without the heaviness.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 40 min
- Total Time: 55 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 pound cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add diced tomatoes, cabbage, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for at least 30 minutes, or until cabbage is tender.
- Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- This soup is a great base; feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or bell peppers.
- This recipe is a good option for those looking for simple meal planning ideas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg



