Hearty Cabbage Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Hearty Cabbage Soup is the perfect comfort dish for chilly days. Packed with vegetables and flavor, it's a nourishing meal that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients for Hearty Cabbage Soup

Cabbage: Adds bulk and subtle sweetness to the soup. It's low in calories and high in vitamins. Olive oil: Used to sauté the veggies, giving a rich base flavor. Onion: Provides a savory depth and aromatic foundation for the soup. Carrots: Add a touch of natural sweetness and color. Garlic: Infuses the soup with a warm, comforting aroma. Vegetable broth: Forms the main liquid base, carrying the flavors of all the ingredients. Potatoes: Make the soup hearty and filling, with a comforting texture. Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing overall taste. Dried thyme: Adds a subtle earthiness and complexity. Bay leaf: Infuses the soup with a robust, aromatic flavor. Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with a pop of color and fresh flavor at the end.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you like a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot to release their starch.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, especially if using a low-sodium broth.
  • For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices.

Serving Suggestions

This Hearty Cabbage Soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a homemade roll. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely, just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
What can I add for extra protein?
Try adding a can of drained and rinsed beans or some cooked lentils.

Hearty Cabbage Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté these until they're translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. You'll know they're ready when your kitchen starts smelling amazing.

Next, stir in the carrots and potatoes. Let them cook for about 5 minutes to start softening. The idea is to give them a head start, so they become tender by the end.

Now, add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Continue to sauté everything for another 5 minutes. The cabbage will start to wilt and meld with the other vegetables.

Pour in the vegetable broth and crank up the heat to bring everything to a boil. This is where the magic happens as the flavors begin to come together.

Once boiling, add the salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer away for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom.

Finally, remove the bay leaf and stir in the fresh parsley just before serving. This adds a fresh, herby finish to your soup.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients that are easy to find and budget-friendly.
  • Rich in flavor yet light on calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
  • Perfect for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day.
  • Vegan-friendly without sacrificing any heartiness.

Ingredients

1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 carrots, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups vegetable broth
2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in carrots and potatoes, cooking for 5 minutes.
4. Add chopped cabbage and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
6. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf.
7. Reduce heat and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Remove bay leaf and stir in fresh parsley before serving.

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