Cabbage Vegetable Soup Recipe

There’s something uniquely comforting about a steaming bowl of Cabbage Vegetable Soup, especially when the weather outside calls for serious coziness. This classic soup is hearty, nourishing, and packed with vibrant veggies that not only taste amazing but also brighten up any dinner table. The flavors are deepened by aromatic spices, and each spoonful offers a tender bite of cabbage and crisp notes from carrots and celery. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a way to use up humble ingredients in your fridge, Cabbage Vegetable Soup is a recipe you’ll want to revisit time and time again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how basic pantry staples transform into a bowl bursting with flavor! The magic lies in the harmony between each ingredient – building layers of taste, texture, and color that make this Cabbage Vegetable Soup something special.

• Cabbage: The star of the show, bringing sweetness and plenty of filling fiber to the soup.
• Carrots: Their natural sweetness and vibrant color balance out the savory notes.
• Celery: Adds an aromatic, slightly peppery bite and classic soup texture.
• Onion: A savory base layer that deepens the entire flavor profile.
• Garlic: Lends a warm, fragrant kick that wakes up the vegetables.
• Diced Tomatoes: A can of undrained tomatoes adds acidity and subtle sweetness.
• Vegetable Broth: Acts as the soup’s flavorful foundation (swap in chicken broth for richness, if you like).
• Olive Oil: Helps soften vegetables and carries the spices beautifully.
• Turmeric: Gives golden color and earthy depth—plus an anti-inflammatory boost!
• Cumin: Adds warmth and a subtle smokiness that lifts the soup.
• Black Pepper: A gentle touch of heat to round out the flavors.
• Paprika: Brings a hint of sweet smokiness and gorgeous color.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing and unifying every flavor in the pot.
• Fresh Parsley: (Optional) For a fresh, herbal finish and a pop of green.
• Lemon Juice: (Optional) A squeeze at the end brightens and lifts all the vegetable notes.

How to Make Cabbage Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by heating up the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the diced onions, chopped carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring every so often as they become tender and fragrant. Adding the garlic at the end for just a minute or two ensures everything is perfectly aromatic and nothing burns.

Step 2: Add the Cabbage and Seasonings

Next, pile in your chopped cabbage along with the turmeric, cumin, paprika, and black pepper. Give everything a big stir so that every vegetable is lightly coated with spices. This step is where the soup starts to develop its signature flavor profile, and the cabbage will just begin to soften.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in your vegetable broth and add the can of diced tomatoes with all their juices (don’t drain them!). Stir well to combine, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot. The mixture will already smell amazing, and the colors will become vibrant and inviting.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let your Cabbage Vegetable Soup gently cook for 25 to 30 minutes. This patient simmering makes the cabbage tender and melds all those lovely flavors together into a rich, golden broth you’ll want to sip straight from the ladle.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Give the soup a good taste and add salt as needed to bring out every flavor. If you like a bit of punch, a splash of lemon juice at the very end brightens up the whole pot. Ladle the soup into bowls piping hot and finish with a flurry of chopped parsley for a fresh lift.

How to Serve Cabbage Vegetable Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic and adds a burst of color and clean flavor, but you can also try a swirl of Greek yogurt, a handful of chopped chives, or even an extra cracking of black pepper. For extra zest, a wedge of lemon on the side invites people to add brightness to their own bowl.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a thick slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette, perfect for dipping and mopping up every last drop. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad, cheesy toasts, or a scoop of cooked grains like brown rice or quinoa stirred right into the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or family gatherings, serve your Cabbage Vegetable Soup in rustic soup crocks with toppings set out in little bowls so everyone can customize. Or try ladling it over roasted potatoes for a fun, stew-like twist. Left over? Stuff a thermos and take it for a satisfying lunch anywhere.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cabbage Vegetable Soup is one of those magical dishes that tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had extra time to mingle. Allow the soup to cool fully before pouring it into airtight containers. It will keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Give it a quick taste before reheating and add a splash more broth if needed.

Freezing

This soup is an ideal candidate for freezing! Simply divide cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat gently from frozen with a little extra broth or water.

Reheating

To reheat, pour the desired amount into a saucepan and warm over gentle heat until steaming hot. Stir occasionally and be careful not to boil, as this keeps the vegetables from becoming mushy. If microwaving, use a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely; stir halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I add more vegetables to my Cabbage Vegetable Soup?

Absolutely! This soup is wonderfully flexible. Try tossing in diced bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, or even spinach for extra color and nutrients. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for any additional veggies you add.

Can I use another type of broth?

Yes, both vegetable and chicken broth work beautifully in this recipe. Chicken broth adds richness, while vegetable broth keeps it fully plant-based. Homemade broth will always offer the best flavor, but store-bought is perfectly fine in a pinch.

What can I do to make the soup spicier?

For a little kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or use a spicy paprika. Stir these in with the other spices until you reach your desired heat level.

Is Cabbage Vegetable Soup gluten-free?

Yes! As written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure any broth you use doesn’t contain hidden gluten or wheat-based thickeners if you’re sensitive.

How can I make my soup thicker?

If you love a thicker texture, mash a few of the cooked vegetables with a potato masher directly in the pot, or add a diced potato at the start. This releases starches and helps create a more substantial broth.

Final Thoughts

Give this Cabbage Vegetable Soup a spot on your menu—you’ll be surprised by just how flavorful humble veggies can be! It’s warm, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable, making it a dependable favorite whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a solo comfort meal. Don’t forget to top it off with your favorite garnish and, most importantly, enjoy every spoonful!

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