Description
Best Cabbage Soup is a hearty, comforting, and healthy one-pot meal that transforms humble ingredients into a rich and flavorful soup. Perfect for chilly days and packed with vegetables and herbs.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and shredded
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: Cooked sausage, diced (Italian or kielbasa work well)
Optional: Diced potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the shredded cabbage, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. If using, stir in diced cooked sausage or potatoes and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
8. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the apple cider vinegar.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a heartier version, add cooked sausage or diced potatoes.
This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.
Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan or vegetarian depending on broth and optional ingredients used.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cabbage Soup, healthy cabbage soup, best cabbage soup, vegetable soup