🥬 Easy Homemade Cabbage Soup

This hearty cabbage soup is packed with fresh vegetables, simple ingredients, and comforting flavor. It’s an easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for beginners, meal prep, or a cozy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
• 1 (14.5-ounce / 410 g) can diced tomatoes, with juices
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup green beans
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup cooked beans
• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
• ½ pound (225 g) browned ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice or small pasta

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.

Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, broth, oregano, thyme, paprika, and bay leaf.

Stir everything together.

Step 3: Simmer

Bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the cabbage and vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Season

Remove the bay leaf.

Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serve with crusty bread, crackers, or a grilled cheese sandwich.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips for Success

• Use green or Savoy cabbage for the best texture.
• Add cooked meat or beans to make the soup more filling.
• For a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• The flavors become even better the next day, making this a great make-ahead meal.

The Result

This homemade cabbage soup is warm, comforting, and full of colorful vegetables. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing meals for the week, this classic soup is always a delicious choice.

🥬🍲 Enjoy every comforting spoonful!