Veggie-Packed Cabbage Soup Recipe for Hearty Warmth

Crafting a soul-warming veggie-packed cabbage soup can turn an ordinary evening into a nutritious culinary adventure.

Crisp vegetables mingle with tender cabbage, creating layers of robust flavor.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen drift through each spoonful, inviting comfort and warmth.

Nutritionists celebrate this dish as a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals.

Seasonal produce becomes the star, dancing with herbs and aromatic spices.

Packed with goodness and simple ingredients, this soup promises to nourish both body and spirit.

You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe whenever hunger calls for something genuinely satisfying.

Cabbage Soup FAQs

• What makes this cabbage soup nutritious?

This soup is packed with a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and zucchini, providing a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The combination of fresh produce makes it a nutrient-dense meal that supports overall health.

• Can I make this soup if I'm on a diet?

Absolutely! This veggie-packed cabbage soup is low in calories and high in nutrients, making it an excellent choice for weight management. It’s filling, satisfying, and helps support healthy eating goals without sacrificing flavor.

• Is this soup good for vegetarians?

Yes, this cabbage soup is completely vegetarian-friendly. It uses vegetables, herbs, and olive oil as the base, with no meat or animal products. It’s a great option for vegetarians looking for a hearty and nutritious meal.

• How difficult is this recipe to prepare?

This cabbage soup is very beginner-friendly. With simple chopping and basic cooking techniques like sautéing vegetables, even novice cooks can easily prepare this dish. The recipe requires minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen equipment.

Why Veggie-Packed Cabbage Soup Warms the Soul

• This soup comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Loaded with colorful vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and zucchini, this soup delivers a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, and fiber in every spoonful.
• Flexible recipe allows you to swap vegetables based on what's in your fridge, making it an adaptable dish that prevents food waste and keeps cooking exciting.
• Whether you're battling a cold, need a light lunch, or want a comforting dinner, this veggie-packed cabbage soup provides delicious, wholesome satisfaction for any occasion.

What You’ll Need for This Cabbage Soup

• Cabbage: Hearty base that provides bulk and nutrition to the soup.
• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup aromatic trio that builds deep flavor foundation.
• Bell Pepper, Zucchini: Adds color, texture, and extra vegetable goodness to the soup.

• Garlic: Provides intense, pungent flavor boost to the vegetable mixture.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth and warm complexity to the soup.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal and traditional Mediterranean flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and provides smooth, rich cooking base with healthy fat.

Instructions to Make Hearty Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Sizzle and Prep Aromatics

• Chopped onions
• Sliced carrots
• Diced celery

Sauté these veggies until they turn tender and release their sweet aroma, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Boost Flavor Explosion

• Minced garlic
• Chopped bell peppers
• Diced zucchini
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning

Stir everything together and let the spices dance and release their fragrant oils for about 1 minute.

Step 3: Unleash Cabbage Power

Roughly chop green cabbage and tumble it into the pot. Allow the cabbage to mingle with the aromatic vegetables, wilting and soaking up all the delicious flavors.

Step 4: Liquid Magic

Pour in vegetable broth or chicken stock to create a rich, warming base. If you want extra depth, add a splash of white wine or tomato sauce.

Step 5: Simmer and Transform

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat. Let the soup simmer, allowing ingredients to blend and soften, typically 25-30 minutes.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley or add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.

Tips for Perfecting Veggie Cabbage Soup

• Maximize Veggie Flavor: Sauté vegetables in olive oil to release their natural sugars and enhance overall taste profile of the soup.
• Boost Umami Depth: Add a splash of soy sauce or a small amount of tomato paste while cooking vegetables to create a richer, more complex flavor.
• Choose Fresh Produce: Select crisp, firm vegetables at peak ripeness to ensure maximum nutrition and vibrant texture in your cabbage soup.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Easily make this soup gluten-free by using gluten-free vegetable broth and checking seasoning ingredients for hidden gluten.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so prepare a large batch and store in airtight containers for quick, nutritious meals throughout the week.

How to Store and Reheat Cabbage Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly heated.

Delicious Pairings for Cabbage Soup

• Slice a warm, tangy sourdough to soak up the rich, veggie-laden broth and add a delightful textural contrast.
• Choose a light Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the soup's hearty flavors and refresh the palate.
• Sprinkle aged cheddar on top for a creamy, tangy element that enhances the soup's smoky undertones.
• Toss a simple mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, fresh counterpoint to the warm, robust soup.

Variations of Hearty Veggie-Packed Cabbage Soup

• Protein Power Boost: Replace zucchini with diced chicken or tofu for added protein, perfect for fitness enthusiasts seeking a more substantial meal.
• Gluten-Free Version: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and swap Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to maintain flavor complexity.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Reduce carrots and replace bell peppers with cauliflower florets, creating a keto-friendly soup with fewer carbohydrates while maintaining vegetable richness.
• Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate chickpeas, swap smoked paprika for cumin, and add a splash of lemon juice to create a Middle Eastern-inspired vegetable soup with vibrant, tangy notes.

Hearty Veggie-Packed Cabbage Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rustic cabbage soup brings comfort and nutrition straight from Eastern European kitchens, blending seasonal vegetables with rich, warming broth. Home cooks can savor this nourishing one-pot wonder that delivers satisfying flavors with minimal preparation.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables and Produce:

• 1 green cabbage (chopped, about 6 cups)
• 3 carrots (sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (chopped)
• 1 zucchini (diced, optional)
• 1 bell pepper (diced, any color)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• Fresh parsley (chopped)

Proteins and Canned Goods:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) white beans or kidney beans (drained & rinsed, optional for protein)
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) diced tomatoes (with juices)

Liquids, Seasonings, and Additional Flavors:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) vegetable broth (or water with bouillon cubes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for richness, optional)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for umami, or soy sauce for vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (brightens the flavors!)
• Grated Parmesan (

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Instructions

1. Drizzle olive oil into a generously sized cooking vessel, creating a shimmering base over moderate warmth.
2. Introduce chopped onions, sliced carrots, and diced celery, allowing them to gently soften and release their aromatic essence for approximately 5 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic, vibrant bell peppers, and tender zucchini cubes into the vegetable medley.
4. Sprinkle smoked paprika and Italian seasoning across the sautéing vegetables, stirring briefly to awaken their intense flavors and release their fragrant oils.
5. Let the spices dance and meld together, creating a rich and complex base for the upcoming soup transformation.

Notes

• Swap out olive oil for coconut or avocado oil if you prefer a different flavor profile or have specific dietary needs.
• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Enhance protein content by adding white beans, lentils, or quinoa for a more filling vegetarian meal.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting smoked paprika or adding red pepper flakes for extra heat and depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg