Hearty Homemade Cabbage Soup a Comforting Classic

Hearty Cabbage Soup Recipe Classic Comfort Food

By Cameron BlytheSeptember 14, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a cabbage soup that actually tastes amazing ? Remember those dreary winter nights? This recipe is a total game changer.

Forget bland and boring, we're talking proper comfort food soup with a flavour punch.

Brief Overview

Cabbage soup has roots in peasant cuisine. It's a staple across Europe. This easy soup recipe takes about an hour, start to finish.

It yields six generous servings. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping.

Main Benefits

This healthy soup recipe is packed with nutrients. It's brimming with fiber and vitamins. Serve this budget friendly meal when you're feeling a bit under the weather.

What makes it special? The depth of flavour you get from humble ingredients.

Right then , let's stir up a batch of homemade soup that will blow your socks off.

From Humble Beginnings

Okay, cabbage soup . Many people associate it with dieting or something bland. I remember my grandma making it, and honestly.

.. it wasn't my favourite. But this version? This is different. We're building layers of flavour, like a proper chef!

Why You'll Love This Cabbage Soup

Honestly, this cabbage soup is a lifesaver on cold evenings. It's cheap as chips to make. Plus, it's secretly good for you.

Who knew something so tasty could be so virtuous? It really is a great winter warmer recipe .

What Makes This Recipe Special

It's not just chucking everything in a pot. We're talking about coaxing flavour out of the vegetable broth , browning the veggies, and adding a secret ingredient the cannellini beans for extra creaminess.

Trust me, it makes all the difference. If you are in a cabbage soup diet , then remember to avoid these ingredients.

So, let’s get started, shall we? Next, let's gather the ingredients. You'll be surprised how simple they are.

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Cabbage Soup

Okay, right then, let's stir up this cabbage soup recipe, shall we? It's easier than you think! Think of it as a big hug in a bowl.

Perfect for a chilly night or a budget friendly meal .

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Here's what you'll need. Honestly, this recipe is so flexible. Don't stress too much about exact measurements. I usually eyeball it!

Olive oil: 1 tbsp ( 15 ml ) This is for sautéing. Any oil will do really.
Onion: 1 large, chopped (about 150g ) Go for yellow or white. Quality? Just make sure it's firm.
Carrots: 2 , peeled and diced (around 100g ) Bright orange ones, if you can!
Celery: 2 stalks, diced (about 100g ) Get the crunchy kind!
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is best, okay?
Dried thyme: 1 tsp ( 5 ml ) Adds a lovely earthy note.
Dried rosemary: /12 tsp ( 2.5 ml ) A little goes a long way!
Vegetable broth: 8 cups (approx. 2 liters ) Use a good vegetable broth for flavour.
Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (approx. 800g ) Diced tomatoes work too!
Green cabbage: 1 medium, cored and shredded (about 500g ) Essential for that cabbage soup flavour!
Red bell pepper: 1 , cored and diced (around 150g ) Adds sweetness and colour.
Cannellini beans: 1 (15 ounce) can, rinsed (approx. 425g ) For extra protein and comfort food soup vibes.
Salt and pepper: To taste. Season generously!
Fresh parsley: Optional, chopped, for garnish. Makes it look fancy!

Seasoning Notes

Spice it up! This is where you can really make it your own.

For essential spices, thyme and rosemary are key. They create a winter warmer recipes feeling. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a kick.

For flavor enhancers, garlic is your best friend. Don't be shy! For a quick swap, use Italian seasoning if you don't have thyme and rosemary.

Essential Equipment

You don't need fancy gadgets for this easy soup recipe .

All you need is a large stockpot or Dutch oven. A cutting board and a chef's knife are also essential.

If you don't have a stockpot, a large saucepan will work. Honestly, anything that can hold a lot of homemade soup .

How to Make Hearty Homemade Cabbage Soup : A Bowl of Hugs

This cabbage soup recipe is a real winner. Honestly, it's comfort food soup at its finest, a total winter warmer recipes .

Forget bland, boring soup. We're building layers of flavour. Okay, right then, let's stir up some goodness!

Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Mise en Place Sorted

Essential mise en place is key, folks. Chop 1 large onion , dice 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks .

Mince 2 cloves garlic . Shred 1 medium green cabbage . Dice 1 red bell pepper . Rinse and drain 1 can cannellini beans .

Having everything prepped saves loads of time. Always use a sharp knife safely, yeah?

step-by-step to Soup Heaven

Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat for 5- 7 minutes , until softened.
Add garlic, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1/2 tsp dried rosemary and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Mmm, lovely smells!
Pour in 8 cups vegetable broth and 1 can crushed tomatoes . Bring to a simmer.
Add shredded cabbage and diced bell pepper . Simmer for 30 minutes until cabbage is tender. Not mushy, mind!
Stir in 1 can cannellini beans and heat through for 5 minutes .
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Boom.
Garnish with fresh parsley if you fancy.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup Game

Browning those veggies? Absolutely crucial. Don't skip it! Getting a good colour on them is the key to a deep, savoury flavour.

Easy soup recipe , eh? Don't overcook the cabbage! Soggy cabbage? Nah. Aim for tender but slightly firm. This soup is a star of budget friendly meals too.

Homemade soup for the win! Feel free to try the cabbage soup diet , if you're into weight loss soup .

Honestly, this cabbage soup tastes even better the next day. Flavours meld, and it's just... chef's kiss . Add a splash of lemon juice at the end for a zing! I once added a bit of smoked paprika.

.. oh my gosh, game changer! You know? It adds depth. Serve with some crusty bread and you're laughing. It's a simple and healthy soup recipes .

Recipe Notes That'll Make You Say "Oh My Gosh!"

Okay, right then, let's dive into some extra tips and tricks for this amazing cabbage soup ! I promise, these will take your homemade soup game to the next level.

Honestly, I've learned these the hard way, so you don't have to!

Serving Suggestions: Fancy Pants or Comfy Casual?

This comfort food soup is like a blank canvas. Feeling fancy? Ladle it into bowls and top with a swirl of cream and fresh parsley.

I've even seen people serve it in hollowed out bread bowls how cool is that? If you are searching for a weight loss soup then I'd omit the bread.

For a cosy night in, just grab a big spoon and dig in! Some crusty bread for dipping never goes amiss.

I sometimes serve it with a simple side salad of fresh rocket.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Refrigeration guidelines are simple. Pop any leftover cabbage soup into an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing options are excellent, too! Divide into portions and freeze for up to 3 months. Then, just defrost overnight and reheat on the hob or in the microwave.

Easy peasy! Honestly, making a big batch and freezing some is such a time saver, its great as budget friendly meals .

Variations: Making it Your Own

Fancy a twist? For a vegetarian cabbage soup , make sure you're using vegetable broth . You could add a tin of lentils for extra protein.

Looking for healthy soup recipes ? Chuck in some extra veggies like chopped courgette or spinach. To make it suitable for a cabbage soup diet , simply increase the amount of cabbage.

If you fancy something a little different, the cannellini beans can be replaced with borlotti or butter beans, whichever you prefer.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

This easy soup recipe isn't just delicious; it's good for you too! Each serving is packed with fibre and vitamins.

We are talking 200 calories, 10g of protein, 5g of fat, 30g of carbs, 8g of fibre, 8g of sugar, and 600mg of sodium (but will vary based on broth) per serving, it is full of goodness.

The cabbage soup diet has its place, but I see this more as a winter warmer recipes or a hearty addition to a balanced diet.

One of my personal challenges was making sure to choose low-sodium vegetable broth .

So, there you have it! All the tips and tricks you need to make the perfect cabbage soup . Honestly, it's easier than making a cuppa.

Now go on, get cooking and enjoy this bowl of goodness!.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cabbage soup actually good for you, or is it just another fad diet thing?

Cabbage soup can absolutely be part of a healthy diet! It's packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and it's relatively low in calories. While it's sometimes associated with quick fix diets (like a sort of culinary detox), the real benefits come from enjoying it as part of a balanced eating plan a proper "everything in moderation" approach, as Mary Berry would say.

How can I make my cabbage soup taste less bland? It seems to be missing that "oomph"!

Flavour is key! Make sure you're really browning those onions, carrots, and celery at the start that's where a lot of the depth comes from. Don't be shy with the herbs and spices either; a little thyme and rosemary go a long way.

Also, consider adding a dash of something acidic like lemon juice or balsamic vinegar at the end to brighten it all up it's like giving your soup a little "sparkle", a bit like when Nigella Lawson adds a secret ingredient.

Can I freeze cabbage soup, and how long does it last in the fridge? I'm a big fan of meal prepping!

Good news, mate! Cabbage soup freezes brilliantly. Let it cool completely before portioning it into freezer safe containers or bags. It'll happily keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. In the fridge, it's good for about 3-4 days. Just remember to reheat thoroughly before serving.

It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld, it's a total win-win!

I'm vegetarian/vegan. How do I make sure this cabbage soup recipe is suitable?

Easy peasy! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. Also, double check that any other ingredients you're using are plant based. Serve without sour cream or Greek yogurt as a garnish. Also, look at the link to the cabbage soup diet to verify it is vegetarian or vegan.

What other vegetables can I add to my cabbage soup for more variety and nutrition? I am feeling a bit adventurous!

Get creative! Diced zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, or even spinach are fantastic additions to cabbage soup. Potatoes or sweet potatoes can also add some heartiness. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly you want everything to be tender but not mushy.

Think of it as your personal "Great British Veg-Off" challenge!

I'm trying to follow a low-carb or keto diet. Can I still enjoy cabbage soup?

Absolutely! You can adapt the cabbage soup recipe to be more keto friendly. Omit the cannellini beans and drastically reduce or remove the carrots, as they are higher in carbohydrates.

Consider adding more high fat ingredients like bacon or sausage (if you're not vegetarian/vegan) or simply adding a drizzle of olive oil to each serving. This will help you stay within your carb limits while still enjoying a delicious bowl of soup.