Soul-Warming Cabbage Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Warm, comforting soups can chase away winter chills, and this hearty cabbage soup recipe brings pure nourishment to your table.

Packed with robust vegetables and rich flavors, the soup delivers a nutritious meal in every spoonful.

Tender cabbage mingles with aromatic herbs and savory broth, creating a delightful harmony of textures.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to provide maximum taste and health benefits.

The simple yet delicious combination ensures a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

Affordable, easy to prepare, and loaded with nutrients, this soup promises to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Dive into this comforting culinary experience and savor every delectable bite.

Cabbage Soup Serving Ideas

• Cozy Bread Companion: Slice up a warm, crusty sourdough or rustic French bread to dip into the rich, hearty soup. The bread soaks up the flavorful broth, adding a delightful texture and extra satisfaction.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the soup with grilled chicken strips, crumbled feta cheese, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to transform it into a more substantial meal. These protein additions create a balanced and filling dinner option.
• Green Herb Finale: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, chives, or dill over the soup just before serving. These bright green herbs add a fresh pop of color and a crisp, light flavor that lifts the entire dish.
• Warming Side Suggestion: Pair the cabbage soup with a small side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to create a complete, nutritious meal that feels both comforting and refreshing.

How To Store Cabbage Soup

• Fridge Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover soup into airtight containers, keeping it fresh for 45 days in the refrigerator. Cool the soup completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Tactics: Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick and delicious meal is always ready when needed.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Flavor Revival Tricks: Refresh leftover soup by adding fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese just before serving. These simple touches can transform day-old soup into a vibrant, exciting meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 80 kcal

Servings: 5

Cabbage Soup Ingredients List

• Onion: Builds a flavor foundation with its sweet, pungent profile that adds depth to the soup's base.
• Carrots: Introduces natural sweetness and vibrant color while providing essential nutrients.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle, refreshing crunch and earthy undertone to the soup's overall taste.
• Garlic: Delivers a robust, intense flavor that elevates the entire dish's aromatic complexity.

• Cabbage: Forms the heart of the soup, offering a tender, slightly crisp texture and mild, slightly peppery flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds tangy brightness, natural acidity, and a rich, robust red color to the soup.
• Vegetable Broth: Creates a light, flavorful liquid base that enhances the vegetables' natural tastes.

• Oregano: Provides a classic Mediterranean herbal note with slightly bitter, earthy undertones.
• Basil: Introduces a fresh, slightly sweet, and peppery flavor that complements the vegetables.
• Smoked Paprika: Offers a subtle smoky warmth and deep, rich color (optional but recommended).
• Bay Leaf: Infuses a subtle, complex herbal essence that adds depth to the broth.
• Salt and Pepper: Balances and enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup.

Helpful Tools For Cabbage Soup Cooking

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking this hearty soup, providing ample space for all ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping vegetables with ease and keeping your kitchen clean.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp and reliable tool for precise vegetable preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching your pot.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding accurate amounts of herbs and seasonings.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving the soup into bowls smoothly.
• Optional Garnish Chopping Tool: Useful for finely chopping fresh parsley for topping.

Step-By-Step For Cabbage Soup

• Veggie Foundations

Start by warming olive oil in a spacious cooking pot. Toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Let them dance and soften, releasing their delightful aromas. Sprinkle in minced garlic, allowing its rich fragrance to bloom.

• Cabbage Magic

Introduce shredded cabbage to the pot, stirring gently. Watch as the vegetables mingle and transform. Pour in vibrant diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Shower the mixture with herbs like oregano, basil, and a hint of smoked paprika. Drop in a bay leaf for extra depth.

• Simmering Symphony

Allow the soup to bubble up briefly, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and let everything simmer peacefully. The vegetables will soften and the flavors will weave together like a delicious melody. After about 20 minutes, your soup will reach perfect harmony.

• Warm Comfort

Discard the bay leaf. Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve alongside crusty bread for a complete, soul-warming meal.

Tips To Tweak Cabbage Soup

• Cabbage Chopping Trick: Slice cabbage into thin, uniform strips for even cooking and a more delicate texture. Thinner cuts help the cabbage soften quickly and absorb more flavor.
• Vegetable Layering Magic: Sauté vegetables in order of cooking time – start with onions, then carrots and celery, finishing with garlic to prevent burning and maximize flavor development.
• Protein Variations: Transform this soup into a hearty meal by adding cooked chicken, ground turkey, white beans, or diced tofu. Each protein option brings a different nutritional profile and taste dimension.- Low-Carb Hero: Replace vegetable broth with bone broth for added protein. Skip starchy vegetables and focus on leafy greens to keep the carbohydrate count low.
• Vegan Friendly: Already plant-based, this soup naturally suits vegan diets. Consider adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or hemp seeds for extra protein.
• Flavor Enhancement Technique: Let the soup sit overnight in the refrigerator. Flavors will intensify, making each subsequent serving more delicious.

Hearty Cabbage Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Polish cabbage soup (kapuśniak) brings hearty comfort from traditional Eastern European kitchens. Simmering cabbage, potatoes, and smoky meat create a soul-warming bowl you’ll crave during chilly seasons.

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Ingredients

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• 1 small green cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups (1.4 L) vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 can (14.5 oz/414 g) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Combine diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and translucent.
2. Aromatics Integration: Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds to release its intense flavor profile.
3. Cabbage Infusion: Introduce shredded cabbage to the vegetable mixture, allowing it to wilt and merge with existing ingredients.
4. Liquid Foundation: Pour in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and seasonings including oregano, basil, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a robust boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
5. Flavor Development: Cover and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and develop a rich, complex taste. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove bay leaf, ladle soup into serving bowls, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread for a complete, hearty meal experience.

Notes

• Optimize Vegetable Cutting: Uniformly dice vegetables to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Control Sautéing Temperature: Maintain medium-low heat when softening onions, carrots, and celery to prevent burning and develop deep, sweet flavor foundations.
• Manage Cabbage Wilting: Stir cabbage occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and promote even softening without overcooking.
• Adjust Broth Consistency: Add extra vegetable broth if soup becomes too thick during simmering, maintaining a balanced liquid-to-vegetable ratio for optimal texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg