There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly evening, and for me, this BEST Cabbage Soup has always been that perfect comforting embrace. I remember vividly those crisp autumn days growing up, the kind where the air just bites at your nose and you can see your breath. My grandmother, with her hands smelling faintly of garlic and herbs, would often be simmering a huge pot of this very soup. The aroma would waft through our cozy kitchen, a promise of warmth and nourishment that would chase away any lingering chill from a day spent playing outside. It wasn't just food; it was a ritual, a symbol of her unending love and care. Every spoonful felt like a hug, a little piece of home. Over the years, I've tweaked her classic recipe, adding my own little twists to make it even more vibrant, more flavorful, and truly the BEST Cabbage Soup I’ve ever had. It’s a recipe that has stood the test of time in my family, evolving slightly but always retaining its soulful essence. This soup isn't just easy to make; it's incredibly versatile, packed with wholesome vegetables, and guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen, just as it is in mine.

Why This BEST Cabbage Soup Recipe is a Must-Try

• Incredibly Flavorful & Satisfying: Forget bland, watery cabbage soup! This recipe layers flavors with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a rich broth, creating a deeply satisfying meal that tastes indulgent yet is wonderfully healthy. It's truly the BEST Cabbage Soup experience.
• Packed with Nutrients: Bursting with fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and more, this soup is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s a fantastic way to boost your vegetable intake and feel good about what you're eating. It’s the kind of healthy eating that doesn’t feel like a chore.
• Budget-Friendly & Versatile: Cabbage and most of the ingredients are inexpensive, making this an economical meal option. Plus, it's incredibly adaptable – easily add your favorite protein or adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Making this the BEST Cabbage Soup for any budget.
• Excellent for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen. It’s perfect for making a big batch on Sunday and enjoying healthy, delicious meals all week long. Store it in airtight containers, like these Basics Glass Food Storage containers, for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.

Key Ingredient Notes for the BEST Cabbage Soup

While this soup is fairly forgiving, a few key ingredients truly elevate it from good to the BEST Cabbage Soup:

Fresh Green Cabbage

The star of the show! A good, fresh head of green cabbage is essential. Look for one that feels heavy for its size and has crisp, vibrant green leaves. Avoid any heads with significant bruising or wilting. While red cabbage can be used, it will change the color of your soup significantly. Savoy or Napa cabbage can also be interesting variations, offering a slightly different texture, but classic green cabbage gives you that authentic BEST Cabbage Soup experience. Don't be shy about using a generous amount; it cooks down considerably.

High-Quality Broth

This is where much of your soup's foundational flavor comes from. Opt for a good quality vegetable broth (or chicken broth if you're not keeping it vegetarian). Look for low-sodium options so you can control the seasoning yourself. A rich, savory broth will provide a much deeper base for your BEST Cabbage Soup. If you have homemade broth, even better!

Canned Diced Tomatoes

Diced tomatoes add a lovely tang and depth to the soup. I prefer fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra layer of smoky flavor, but regular diced tomatoes work perfectly. Don't drain them; the juices are crucial for the soup's body and flavor. A touch of tomato paste cooked down with the aromatics also helps to concentrate that rich tomato flavor, making this the BEST Cabbage Soup it can be.

Step-by-Step Guide with Pro Tips for the BEST Cabbage Soup

Creating the BEST Cabbage Soup is a simple process, but these tips will ensure yours is extraordinary.

Gather Your Ingredients and Prep

The first step to any great soup is having all your ingredients ready. Dice your onions, mince your garlic, chop your carrots and celery, and core and shred your cabbage. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. This is called 'mise en place' and it truly makes a difference. Remember, the smaller you chop your vegetables, the faster they will cook. For this BEST Cabbage Soup, I like a slightly rustic chop, but consistency is key for even cooking.

Building the Flavor Base

This is arguably the most important step for the BEST Cabbage Soup. In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Don't rush this step! Softened onions provide a sweet base. Next, add the carrots and celery and cook for another 5-7 minutes until they start to soften. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for just 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. This aromatic foundation is what gives the BEST Cabbage Soup its incredible depth.

Layering the Vegetables and Liquids

Once your aromatics are fragrant, it's time to add the rest of the vegetables. Stir in the shredded cabbage, diced potatoes, and bell pepper. Give everything a good stir to coat the vegetables in the flavorful base. Pour in the vegetable broth and canned diced tomatoes (with their juices). Add the dried herbs like oregano and thyme, and the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. This gentle simmer allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a truly delicious BEST Cabbage Soup.

Seasoning and Finishing Touches

Once the vegetables are tender, remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This is your chance to really make this the BEST Cabbage Soup for your palate. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be a wonderful addition. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten all the flavors beautifully. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro. For another hearty and healthy soup option, check out our recipe for The Ultimate Best Lentil Soup.

Variations & Serving Suggestions for the BEST Cabbage Soup

The beauty of the BEST Cabbage Soup lies in its adaptability. While delicious on its own, it’s also a fantastic canvas for creative twists and serving ideas.

Make it a Heartier Meal

• Add Protein: For a more substantial soup, consider adding cooked lean ground beef, turkey, or sausage during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering. Cooked shredded chicken is also a great addition. If you're a fan of heartier cabbage dishes, you might also enjoy our The Ultimate Easiest Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe.
• Beans or Lentils: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas during the last 15 minutes of cooking for added fiber and protein.
• Grain Power: Cooked brown rice, quinoa, or small pasta shapes like ditalini can be added to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking, or served separately, for extra substance.

Flavor Twists

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pot for a little extra warmth and heat.
• Smoky Depth: A smoked ham hock simmered with the soup for the first hour (then removed) can add an incredible smoky flavor. Alternatively, a teaspoon of smoked paprika will do the trick.
• Creamy Indulgence: For a richer soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream right before serving.
• Herbal Boost: Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill or chives as a garnish to change the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Crusty Bread: A thick slice of warm, crusty bread is essential for dipping into the flavorful broth of the BEST Cabbage Soup.
• Grilled Cheese: Pair a bowl of this hearty soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food meal.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory soup.

Nutrition Information for the BEST Cabbage Soup

Enjoy this delicious and healthy BEST Cabbage Soup knowing you're nourishing your body!

Conclusion

This BEST Cabbage Soup isn't just a recipe; it's a testament to simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly magical. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out, evokes fond memories, and leaves you feeling completely satisfied. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal prep option, a budget-friendly dinner, or just a comforting bowl of goodness, this recipe has you covered. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your own kitchen. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors and the pure comfort of a homemade meal. Happy cooking!

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The Ultimate BEST Cabbage Soup

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Discover the ultimate BEST Cabbage Soup recipe, a heartwarming and healthy classic packed with vegetables and rich flavor. Perfect for a cozy meal or healthy meal prep!

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 head green cabbage (about 2 lbs), cored and shredded
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1.5 cups)
1 red bell pepper, cored and diced
6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted if possible)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Optional: 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This step builds the foundational flavors for the BEST Cabbage Soup.
Step 3: Add the shredded cabbage, diced potatoes, and diced red bell pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all the vegetables with the aromatics.
Step 4: Pour in the vegetable broth and the undrained can of diced tomatoes. Add the dried oregano, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 5: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until all the vegetables, especially the potatoes and cabbage, are tender. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors of this BEST Cabbage Soup will deepen.
Step 6: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Taste and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If desired, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Step 7: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro before serving. This BEST Cabbage Soup is delicious immediately and tastes even better the next day.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, you can sauté a small piece of bacon or pancetta before adding the onions, then remove the meat and proceed with the recipe, or leave it in for added texture. The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg