Name: Easy & Hearty CABBAGE SOUP RECIPE That Warms the Soul
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 medium green cabbage, chopped; 2 large carrots, sliced thin; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes (or fresh if in season); 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if preferred); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, fresh parsley for garnish; Optional: red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, white beans, lentils, ground turkey, or rotisserie chicken

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There’s something deeply nostalgic about the smell of simmering cabbage, onions, and herbs wafting from the kitchen. I’m Raymond Dorsey, a chef from Austin with Southern roots, and let me tell you—this CABBAGE SOUP RECIPE feels like a hug in a bowl. Growing up in a small Georgia town, weekends were all about big pots of soup shared around a bustling family table. Add a loaf of crusty bread and some laughter, and you had yourself a proper gathering. This recipe remains my go-to reboot meal—light, nourishing, and perfect for using what’s in your fridge. In this post, we’ll explore what makes a great cabbage soup, how to cook it to flavorful perfection, smart ingredient swaps, reheating tips, and how to customize it for your health goals.

Why Cabbage Soup is Always a Good Idea

A Southern Staple Gets a Modern Twist

In many Southern kitchens, cabbage played sidekick on every soul food plate. But when I first tossed chopped cabbage into a pot with rich broth, garlic, and carrots just to see what would happen, I discovered a magic worth repeating. This cabbage soup recipe was born from tradition, but it swings modern—easy to whip up after work, packed with nutrients, and endlessly customizable.

Remember those bubbling Dutch ovens during chilly Georgia winters? That’s the vibe we’re channeling here, just with smarter prep and seasoning. I’ve even adapted it to go alongside trendy mains. I once served it with a twist on cabbage slaw to boost crunch and texture, and the combo was next-level.

Comfort Food with Nutritional Buzz

Eating cabbage soup doesn’t just feel good—it also checks several nutrition boxes. Cabbage is low-calorie, high-fiber, and jam-packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. That means you’re slurping on something satisfying and good for your body at the same time. I frequently recommend it to readers looking for budget dinner ideas, too. Cabbage is cheap. So are onions, tomatoes, and broth. Add a few spices and pantry staples, and you’ve got a meal that stretches—without stretching your wallet.

Let’s keep going and see exactly what you need to bring this pot full of savory joy to life.

The Ultimate CABBAGE SOUP RECIPE You’ll Crave Weekly

The Ingredient List You’ll Actually Love

You don’t need a fancy pantry to nail this cabbage soup recipe. Grab these:

1 medium green cabbage, chopped
2 large carrots, sliced thin
1 yellow onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 14-oz can diced tomatoes (or fresh if in season)
4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if preferred)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tsp apple cider vinegar for zip, fresh parsley for garnish

Want to spice it up? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a hit of Worcestershire sauce. Prefer a meatier version? Brown up ground turkey or try it with leftover rotisserie chicken—just like I do in this protein-packed chicken soup. Vegetarians can amp it up with white beans or lentils—it’s a cousin of my lentil soup recipe, after all.

Another pro tip? A mandoline slicer like this Amazon-recommended slicer makes chopping uniform and fast.

Timing & Planning Ahead

This recipe comes together faster than most think—just about 35 minutes total:

Step	Duration
Prep veggies	10 minutes
Sauté aromatics	5 minutes
Add broth & simmer	20 minutes

That’s right—under 40 minutes from chopping board to table. You could double it easily too. I like using my stainless steel soup pot—big capacity for big batches.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent—about 4 minutes.
Stir in garlic, carrots, and cabbage. Cook for 3 more minutes until the cabbage just begins to wilt.
Add diced tomatoes, broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
Let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cabbage should be soft, not mushy.
Taste for seasoning. Add apple cider vinegar if desired for a bright finish.
Serve hot, sprinkled with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon. It’s even better with crusty bread—or alongside a scoop of my turkey chili if you’re serving a crowd.

I use this handy soup ladle set to serve up clean and elegant bowls every time. It’s great for presentation and portioning.

Making It Work for Every Table: Creative CABBAGE SOUP RECIPE Variations

Vegetarian & Protein-Boosted Options

For the vegans and veggie lovers out there, this soup already starts off plant-based and light. But swapping beans—a trick I use often in my bean chili—can instantly make it more satisfying. White beans like cannellini or navy beans work wonders for texture and nutrition.

Want even more protein? Add cooked lentils or quinoa. For meat eaters, browned sausage brings intense depth; just make sure to drain excess fat. I particularly love throwing in smoked turkey for a nod to my Southern roots.

Flavor Additions That Aren’t Basic

Bored of bland? Boost flavor the non-boring way. Here are some original ideas:

Sauté a bit of tomato paste in Step 1 for richer umami.
Add a Parmesan rind to the simmer—it’s a chef’s trick for savoriness.
A splash of soy sauce or fish sauce might sound odd, but it deepens the flavor beautifully.

For more flavor fusion, I drew inspiration from split pea soup techniques to add an extra layer of herbs (hello, bay leaves!).

Even the USDA backs up cabbage’s value as a low-calorie, high-impact vegetable. According to this USDA guide to cruciferous veggies, cabbage is rich in disease-fighting compounds and makes a smart daily option.

Oh—and don’t forget spice tools. This magnetic spice rack set keeps yours freshly ground and instantly accessible.

How to Store, Reheat & Serve CABBAGE SOUP RECIPE Like a Pro

Storage Tips for Busy Weeks

This soup holds up beautifully, which is why I always make a double batch. Refrigerate it in an airtight container—it’ll last 4 to 5 days. For freezer storage, place portions in resealable silicone bags or glass containers, label them, and stack flat. It’ll stay good for up to 3 months.

Reheating? Simply simmer on the stove or use a quality microwave soup container for fast lunches.

What to Serve & Clever Leftover Ideas

Want to stretch the experience? Pair it with garlic bread, cornbread, or my personal hack—serve over rice or farro. Grain bowls like this bring texture and keep you full longer, kind of a rustic version of my barley soup.

Got leftovers? Use it as a base for stir-fry or toss in scrambled eggs for a cabbage-hash breakfast! With a good multipurpose skillet, transitions from soup to savory scramble are seamless.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does cabbage soup keep?

Cabbage soup lasts up to 5 days in the fridge and 3 months in the freezer. Store it in airtight containers for best freshness.

Is cabbage soup good for weight loss?

Yes. It’s high in fiber and low in calories, making it a filling and healthy meal. It hydrates, supports digestion, and helps cut back on unnecessary snacking.

Can I add beans or meat?

Absolutely. You can toss in cooked lentils, beans, or shredded chicken to make it heartier. Ground turkey or sausage also adds bold flavor.

How do I boost the flavor?

Try sautéing a spoonful of tomato paste in the base, adding a Parmesan rind, or splashing in soy sauce or vinegar for brightness.

Conclusion

There’s a reason this cabbage soup recipe stands the test of time: it’s cozy, cost-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re after clean comfort food, meal prep for the week, or a versatile dish that pairs with everything from chicken soup to grain-forward recipes like barley soup, it delivers.

You don’t need to be a culinary wizard to pull it off, either. Just heart, fresh ingredients, and maybe a little jazz from your spice cabinet. Try it, play with it, and serve it your way. After all, that’s what makes food feel like home.

Easy & Hearty CABBAGE SOUP RECIPE That Warms the Soul