Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: cabbage soup! This hearty, flavorful dish is not only a breeze to whip up, but it also warms the soul on those chilly nights. I remember my grandma making a big pot of cabbage soup whenever we visited her. The aroma would fill the house, promising something delicious was on the way. It’s packed with nutrients and is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy meal. Plus, it’s super versatile! You can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want a cozy meal, this cabbage soup is your go-to. Trust me, you’ll love how satisfying and nourishing it is!
Ingredients for Cabbage Soup
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 carrots, diced into small cubes
- 1 onion, chopped finely
- 3 cloves garlic, minced for that aromatic kick
- 4 cups vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought, totally your call!)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (don’t forget to drain a bit of the liquid)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (for that lovely herby flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (these are your final touches!)
How to Prepare Cabbage Soup
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this delicious cabbage soup! Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through each step so you can make it like a pro.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- First, grab a large pot and heat it over medium heat. You want it nice and warm before adding anything.
- Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant—this is where the magic begins!
- Now, add in the diced carrots and chopped cabbage. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes. You want the cabbage to soften just a bit; it’ll shrink down beautifully!
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the drained diced tomatoes. Give it a good stir to combine all those flavors.
- It’s thyme to shine! Sprinkle in the dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t be shy—taste as you go!
- Bring the soup to a boil. You’ll know it’s ready when you see those lovely bubbles. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This is the part where the flavors meld together, and your kitchen starts smelling divine.
- After 30 minutes, take a moment to breathe in that wonderful aroma. Serve hot and enjoy a big bowl of comfort!
And there you have it! A simple yet hearty cabbage soup that’s sure to warm up your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick to make—ready in just 45 minutes!
- Packed with vitamins and nutrients, making it a healthy choice.
- Full of flavor from fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs.
- Super versatile—feel free to toss in any veggies you have on hand!
- Perfect for meal prep; it stores and reheats beautifully.
- Great for warming up on a chilly day or when you’re under the weather.
Tips for Success
Alright, here are some of my tried-and-true tips to ensure your cabbage soup turns out perfectly every time! First off, don’t hesitate to get creative with your veggies. If you have leftover spinach, zucchini, or even some potatoes, throw them in! Just remember to adjust cooking times for harder vegetables like potatoes.
Another little secret? If you want an extra depth of flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. It brightens up the soup beautifully! Also, consider sautéing your veggies a bit longer for a caramelized taste; it adds a lovely richness.
Lastly, keep tasting as you go! Seasoning is key, and everyone’s palate is different. Don’t be shy about adjusting the salt and pepper to your liking. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious cabbage soup, you’ll probably have some leftovers—lucky you! To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to label it, so you don’t forget it’s there!
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup. I like to portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot throughout. You can also use the microwave; just make sure to cover it to avoid splatters. Enjoy your warm bowl of goodness!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! This cabbage soup is not only delicious but also pretty healthy. Just keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. On average, a serving size of 1 cup packs about 100 calories, 1g of fat, 4g of protein, and 20g of carbs. Plus, it’s loaded with 5g of fiber, which is fantastic for your digestion. So, dig into this nourishing bowl of goodness without guilt!
FAQ About Cabbage Soup
Got questions about making the perfect cabbage soup? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my tips.
Can I use other types of cabbage?
Absolutely! While I love green cabbage, you can use Napa or purple cabbage for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that different cabbages may alter the flavor slightly.
How can I make this soup heartier?
If you want to beef it up, consider adding some cooked beans or lentils for extra protein and fiber. You could even toss in some cooked rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
Can I make cabbage soup ahead of time?
Definitely! This soup is great for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop!
What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
No problem! You can use water, but I recommend adding a bit of soy sauce or miso paste for that savory depth. You could also try using chicken broth if you’re okay with non-vegan options.
Can I add spices for more kick?
For sure! If you’re looking for some heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. It’ll give your cabbage soup a delightful kick!
Call to Action
If you give this cabbage soup a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Leave a comment below to share your experience, any tweaks you made, or just to say hi! And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to rate it. Your feedback means the world to me! Oh, and feel free to share the love—snap a pic and tag me on social media. Let’s spread the warmth of this delicious soup together!
For more delicious recipes, check out this cabbage soup diet for a healthy twist, or explore vegetable stir-fry for a quick meal option!
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Cabbage Soup: 7 Comforting Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A hearty cabbage soup that is easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add the carrots and cabbage, cook for about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes.
- Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for longer storage.
- Add other vegetables as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cabbage soup, healthy soup, vegetable soup