Cabbage Soup

Short, Catchy Intro

So you want cozy, cheap, and satisfying in one pot without doing cartwheels in the kitchen? Good news: this cabbage soup shows up, does the job, and asks for very little praise. It smells like comfort, tastes like you actually planned ahead, and lets you pretend you are super organized even if you are not. Want to pair it with something hearty later? Try a contrasting recipe like best meatball soup for a bold dinner mashup that says you know what you are doing.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Why is this cabbage soup worth your saucepan time? Short answer because it is forgiving and tasty. Let me break it down so you believe me.

• It cooks in one pot so you avoid washing a small army of dishes. Yes please.
• It uses pantry-friendly ingredients most people already have or can get easily.
• It plays nice with proteins and extras so you can make it vegetarian or proud carnivore style.
• It stores well and tastes even better the next day because flavors become best friends overnight.

And the best part? It is practically idiot proof. Seriously, even I did not mess it up the first time. Want a little more kick or a personality swap? This recipe pairs nicely with other soup vibes, like the Cajun potato soup classic if you want to bring some heat to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 medium head of cabbage chopped. Make it colorful if you want to feel fancy.
• 1 onion diced. Yellow or white, your call.
• 2 carrots sliced. No need for artistically thin slices.
• 3 celery stalks diced. The unsung hero of soup.
• 3 garlic cloves minced. Garlic is always invited.
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth. Use whatever broth you like best.
• 1 can diced tomatoes. The canned kind that refuses to be boring.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Or a pinch more if you are dramatic.
• Salt and pepper to taste. Don not be shy with this.
• Optional: Shredded chicken ground beef or sausage for meaty vibes.

Pro tip pay attention to the broth quality because it is the backbone here. If you have a decent broth you are already 80 percent to greatness. Bold move: taste and adjust salt at the end.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large pot sauté the onion carrots and celery until soft.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in the chopped cabbage broth diced tomatoes thyme salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
5. If adding protein stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve hot and enjoy

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Under seasoning your soup and expecting it to taste amazing. No. Salt is your friend here. Taste as you go.
• Adding protein at the start and then microwaving it into sadness. If you use pre cooked meat add it near the end to keep it juicy.
• Overcooking the veggies until they become mourning mush. You want tender not surrendered to oblivion.
• Skipping the garlic. Why would you do that to yourself.
• Using a weak broth and blaming the recipe. The broth matters. If your broth is shy bring it up with extra herbs or a splash of soy sauce for umami.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Here are some solid swaps that keep the spirit but change the vibe.

• Broth swap: Use beef broth for a deeper flavor or a mushroom broth if you want earthy vegetarian vibes.
• Tomatoes: Swap diced tomatoes for a can of crushed tomatoes for a smoother, thicker base.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary works well if you have it. Toss them in during the last ten minutes to preserve brightness.
• Spices: Add paprika or smoked paprika for warmth. Want heat add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño.
• Protein: Shredded chicken ground beef or sliced sausage fit perfectly. For a vegetarian protein punch add cooked lentils or white beans.
• Greens swap: Try napa cabbage or savoy for a different texture. Or throw in a handful of kale near the end for color and points for nutrition.
• Want a twist That spicy potato cousin is an odd but delightful partner if you are in a rebellious mood check out my other idea about a spicy potato twist for pairing suggestions.

My two cents If you are cutting calories keep it all veg and go heavier on herbs and acid like a splash of vinegar when serving. If you want indulgence add a pat of butter at the end and watch the soup strut.

FAQ

Q What if I never cook cabbage before won t it be bitter Well cabbage can be assertive but when you simmer it with broth tomatoes and seasonings it sweetens and softens. Simmer until tender and you will be rewarded.

Q Can I make this in a slow cooker Sure toss everything in on low for about 6 to 8 hours and add delicate stuff like fresh herbs or pre cooked meat near the end.

Q Can I freeze this soup Yes it freezes well. Cool completely then portion into freezer safe containers. Reheat gently on the stove. Texture of cabbage changes a bit but the flavor holds up.

Q Do I need to peel the carrots Nope just scrub them and slice. Peeling is optional unless you love the smooth carrot aesthetic.

Q Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned Fresh tomatoes work when in season. Chop them and add extra simmer time so they break down. Canned tomatoes save time and flavor consistency.

Q Is this soup healthy Absolutely. It is vegetable forward low in calories and full of fiber. Add beans or lean protein to up the protein game.

Q How do I make it heartier Want it to really stick to the ribs Add potatoes beans or brown rice and simmer until tender. Toast a slice of bread and dunk like a civilized animal.

Final Thoughts

This cabbage soup is the kind of simple meal that quietly makes your week better. It takes minimal effort rewards you with big flavor and adapts to whatever mood or fridge situation you bring to it. Remember to taste and adjust that salt and don t be afraid to personalize the soup with your favorite extras. Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills you earned it.

Conclusion

If you want another take or inspiration for cabbage soup try this detailed and lovely version from Cabbage Soup Recipe – Love and Lemons which offers fresh ideas and pretty photos to complement your kitchen triumph.

Cozy Cabbage Soup

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A forgiving, one-pot cabbage soup that’s cozy, cheap, and satisfying, perfect for any dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Shredded chicken, ground beef, or sausage

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in the chopped cabbage, broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 to 40 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
5. If adding protein, stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

Taste and adjust salt at the end. Consider adding fresh herbs for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: cabbage soup, one pot recipe, cozy soup