If you’re craving something both comforting and packed with wholesome goodness, this Hearty Cabbage Soup Recipe is just what you need. It’s a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables swimming in a flavorful broth, offering warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a nourishing lunch, this soup brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward, fresh ingredients sets the stage for this soup’s wonderful balance of flavors and textures. Each one plays an important role, from building the depth in the broth to adding color and crunch that make every bite interesting.
- 3 cups nonfat low-sodium beef broth: This creates a rich, savory base without overwhelming the natural flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a gentle punch of aromatic warmth that lifts the entire soup.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a luscious thickness to the broth.
- 2 cups chopped cabbage: The star ingredient that gives the soup its hearty, satisfying bulk and slight sweetness.
- ½ yellow onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and savory depth when sautéed.
- 1 cup chopped carrot: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant orange color that brightens the bowl.
- 1 cup green beans: Perfect for a crisp bite and a pop of green freshness.
- ½ cup chopped zucchini: Softens during cooking and adds a delicate texture.
- 1 cup diced tomato: Brings juicy acidity that balances the richness of the broth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped): Infuses the soup with a fragrant herbal note that feels like sunshine in every spoonful.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthiness that complements the fresh basil beautifully.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring everything together perfectly.
How to Make Hearty Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pot
Start by lightly spraying a large pot with olive oil spray to keep things light but flavorful. This helps your veggies sauté without sticking and keeps the soup healthy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Gently cook the yellow onion, carrots, and minced garlic over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. You want the onions to turn translucent and the carrots to start softening. This step unlocks those sweet and savory flavors that form the base of your Hearty Cabbage Soup Recipe.
Step 3: Add Broth and Vegetables
Pour in the beef broth and stir in the tomato paste along with the diced tomatoes, cabbage, green beans, and all your herbs and spices. Mixing everything well ensures every component infuses beautifully into the soup.
Step 4: Simmer to Tenderness
Lower the heat so the soup gently simmers for about 10 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften perfectly while letting the flavors mingle and deepen.
Step 5: Add Zucchini and Continue Cooking
Fold in the chopped zucchini and keep simmering for another 10 minutes. The zucchini adds a lovely softness without taking over, making your soup even more hearty and inviting.
Step 6: Time to Serve
Your soup is ready when all the vegetables are tender and the broth tastes rich and well-seasoned. Ladle it into bowls, and get ready to enjoy a warm, nourishing hug in a bowl.
How to Serve Hearty Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or thyme on top to add a fresh, pop of herbal brightness. These garnishes make the presentation cheerful and layer in a delightful flavor boost that pairs wonderfully with the soup’s comforting taste.
Side Dishes
This soup shines best alongside some crusty bread or a warm whole grain roll to soak up every last drop of that scrumptious broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the meal beautifully, keeping it light but satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Hearty Cabbage Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls or garnish with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can also bring some exciting new dimensions to this homey favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your soup to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep wonderfully for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or easy lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
This Hearty Cabbage Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup feels too thick, add a splash of water or broth to reach your preferred consistency. Microwave reheating works well too for quick meals.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
Absolutely! Using vegetable broth creates a lighter soup and keeps it vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure your broth is flavorful to keep that delicious depth you expect from this recipe.
How can I make this soup more filling?
Adding cooked beans or lentils is a fantastic way to increase protein and fiber, making the soup even heartier without changing the flavor profile too much.
Is it possible to prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, definitely! Start by sautéing the onions, carrots, and garlic as the recipe suggests. Then transfer all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Feel free to experiment! Potatoes, corn, or even kale can be excellent additions and blend nicely with the existing flavors, increasing the variety and nutritional value.
What’s the best way to season the soup to my taste?
Since taste buds vary, start with the recommended amounts of salt, pepper, and herbs, then adjust gradually as the soup simmers. Fresh herbs added at the end brighten the flavors instantly.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Cabbage Soup Recipe is a total keeper—easy to make, beautifully balanced, and incredibly comforting. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how satisfying a simple bowl of soup can be. Once you do, it might just become your go-to for cozy, healthy meals that warm both body and soul.
Print
Hearty Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 6.6 bowls
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting and healthy cabbage soup packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, perfect for a light meal or as a nourishing starter. This hearty soup combines sautéed onions, carrots, garlic, and a medley of green beans, zucchini, tomatoes, and cabbage simmered in a flavorful low-sodium beef broth with herbs for a deliciously warming dish.
Ingredients
Broth and Base
- 3 cups nonfat low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Vegetables
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup chopped carrot
- 2 cups chopped cabbage
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- ½ cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup diced tomato
Herbs and Spices
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Chopped chives or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the pot: Lightly spray a large pot with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and add a subtle flavor to the base of your soup.
- Sauté aromatics: Over medium-high heat, sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and carrots start to soften. This step builds a flavorful foundation for the soup.
- Add liquids and vegetables: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chopped cabbage, green beans, and all herbs and spices. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer initial vegetables: Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook the mixture for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender to your preference, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add zucchini and continue cooking: Incorporate the chopped zucchini into the soup and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to ensure all vegetables are cooked just right without becoming mushy.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped chives or thyme if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- Use nonfat low-sodium broth to keep the soup low in fat and sodium, making it heart-healthy.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, especially if using broth with varying salt levels.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
- The soup can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding chopped fresh herbs at the end enhances freshness and aroma.
