Welcome to a bowl of warmth and comfort! This healthy cabbage soup isn’t just a dish; it’s a hug in a bowl that nourishes both body and soul. I remember my grandmother making this soup on chilly evenings, filling the house with a savory aroma that wrapped around us like a cozy blanket. It’s one of those recipes that’s incredibly simple yet so satisfying, making it perfect for any day of the week. The best part? This healthy cabbage soup is loaded with nutrients, ensuring you’re not just indulging but also caring for your well-being. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up with just a few fresh ingredients, bringing a touch of home-cooked goodness to your table. Trust me, once you try this comforting bowl of goodness, you’ll find yourself reaching for it time and again, especially when you need a little extra love in your life.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious healthy cabbage soup. I like to keep things simple, so you won’t find any complicated ingredients here—just fresh, wholesome goodness!
- 1 medium cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces—this is the star of the show!
- 2 carrots, diced for a touch of sweetness and color.
- 1 onion, chopped for that lovely depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced to add a fragrant kick.
- 4 cups vegetable broth, or chicken broth if you prefer a different flavor.
- 1 can diced tomatoes, for a hint of acidity and extra nutrition.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme, a wonderful herb that adds warmth.
- Salt and pepper to taste—seasoning is key!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, to sauté the vegetables and enhance the flavors.
How to Prepare Healthy Cabbage Soup
Making this healthy cabbage soup is a breeze! First, gather all your ingredients and give your veggies a good wash. It’s always a good idea to have everything prepped before you start cooking. I like to chop my cabbage into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly. Next, get your pot ready; heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them sizzle until they’re fragrant and soft—oh, that smell is heavenly!
Now, add in the diced carrots and cabbage, stirring them around for a few minutes to blend the flavors. Then, pour in the vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes, making sure to scrape any bits off the bottom of the pot—those little bits are packed with flavor! Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a boil, and then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This is when the magic happens! The cabbage will become tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
As it simmers, don’t forget to taste your soup! You might want to adjust the seasoning a bit to suit your preferences. Once it’s ready, serve it warm, and enjoy the nourishing goodness that you’ve just created!
How to Prepare Healthy Cabbage Soup
Making this healthy cabbage soup is not only easy but also a delightful experience! Let’s take it step by step so you’ll feel confident as you cook. First, gather all your ingredients and give everything a good wash. I always find it helpful to have my veggies chopped and ready before I start cooking. This way, you won’t feel rushed and can enjoy the process!
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 to 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This is where the magic begins! The aroma will fill your kitchen, and it’s one of the best parts of cooking. After that, toss in the diced carrots and chopped cabbage, stirring them for another 2 to 3 minutes. You just want to mix those flavors together nicely.
Next, pour in the vegetable broth and add the can of diced tomatoes. Give it a good stir, scraping any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper to your liking. Now, bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This is when all the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a comforting bowl of soup. Remember to taste it along the way, adjusting the seasoning if needed. Once it’s ready, serve it warm and relish the nourishing goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for about 3 to 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in 2 diced carrots and the chopped cabbage, mixing for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and 1 can of diced tomatoes, stirring well.
- Season with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
- Taste the soup before serving, adjusting seasonings as necessary to suit your preference.
- Serve warm and enjoy the comforting bowl of healthy cabbage soup!
Nutritional Information
This healthy cabbage soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients! Each serving, which is about 1 cup, contains approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
With its low calorie count and high fiber content, this soup makes for a healthy and satisfying meal that you can feel good about enjoying!
Tips for Success
To ensure your healthy cabbage soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t rush the sautéing process—taking a few extra minutes to soften the onion and garlic really enhances the flavor of the soup. If you find yourself short on cabbage, feel free to substitute with other leafy greens like kale or spinach. They’ll add a nice touch and boost the nutrients!
For added protein, consider throwing in some canned beans or lentils; just be sure to adjust the broth quantity if needed. If you prefer a heartier soup, diced potatoes or even cooked grains like quinoa can be a delightful addition. And remember, tasting as you go is key! Adjust the salt, pepper, and thyme to suit your palate. Lastly, this soup freezes beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch and enjoy it later. Happy cooking!
Variations of Healthy Cabbage Soup
One of the best things about this healthy cabbage soup is how easily it adapts to your taste and dietary needs! If you’re looking to add some protein, try mixing in a can of drained beans like kidney or chickpeas. They’ll not only make the soup heartier but also boost its nutritional value. For meat lovers, shredded chicken or turkey makes for a delicious addition—just toss it in with the broth!
If you’re feeling adventurous, switch up the vegetables! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach can add delightful new flavors and textures. Don’t hesitate to throw in any leftover vegetables you have on hand, as they can make the soup even more nourishing. Want a little kick? Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy twist! The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its own comforting charm to this already beloved dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your healthy cabbage soup is simple and keeps it delicious for later! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, it freezes beautifully! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a bit thick, you can add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Enjoy your comforting bowl once more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy recipe, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Warm and comforting, this soup feels like a hug in a bowl.
- Loaded with healthy ingredients, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
- Versatile and adaptable, you can easily customize it to your taste.
- Great for meal prep—freeze it for a cozy meal anytime!
- High in fiber, helping you feel full and satisfied.
- A wonderful way to use up any leftover vegetables in your fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme? Absolutely! Fresh thyme adds a lovely flavor. Just use about three times the amount since fresh herbs are milder.
Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, this healthy cabbage soup is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
How can I make this soup spicier? If you enjoy a little heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while it simmers.
Can I prepare this soup in advance? Definitely! It stores well in the fridge for a few days, and the flavors deepen as it sits, making it even better.
What other vegetables can I add? Feel free to get creative! You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or even potatoes for a heartier soup. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly!
Print
Comforting Healthy Cabbage Soup: 7 Simple Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A warm and comforting healthy cabbage soup that nourishes your body and soul.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add carrots and cabbage, stir for a few minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes.
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a different flavor.
- Add beans for protein if you prefer.
- Use other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: healthy cabbage soup, comfort food, easy recipe
