Quick & Cozy Best Cabbage Soup Recipe for Soul-Warming Meals

Crafting the best cabbage soup recipe isn’t just about mixing ingredients, it’s a warm embrace of comfort and flavor.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen often dance through my mind when I chop fresh vegetables.

Hearty and nutritious, this soup promises to chase away chilly evenings with its rich, aromatic profile.

Simple ingredients come together in a magical symphony that warms both body and soul.

Layers of seasoned broth and tender vegetables create a delightful harmony that feels like a culinary hug.

Packed with wholesome goodness, each spoonful tells a story of traditional cooking and love.

You’ll want to savor every bite of this soul-satisfying creation that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

How To Store Best Cabbage Soup The Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Microwave Reheat: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving.
• Stovetop Reheat: Pour soup into a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming hot throughout.

Best Cabbage Soup Questions And Answers

• Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with nutrient-rich vegetables, high-protein lentils, and low in calories, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a nutritious meal.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

The recipe is already vegetarian and vegan-friendly, using vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients, so no modifications are needed.

• How spicy is this soup?

The recipe includes a small amount of cayenne pepper, which adds a mild heat. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the cayenne to suit your taste preference.

• What makes red lentils special in this soup?

Red lentils cook quickly, break down easily, and add a creamy texture while boosting protein content, making the soup more filling and nutritionally balanced.

What Makes Best Cabbage Soup Stand Out

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with vegetables, lentils, and powerful spices, this soup delivers a wholesome meal loaded with essential nutrients and plant-based protein.
• Craft Quickly: Simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Customize Easily: Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients, adjusting spice levels, and adding personal touches to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Warm Comfort: Hearty and satisfying soup provides a comforting meal that's perfect for chilly days, offering warmth and nourishment in every spoonful.

Everything You Need For Best Cabbage Soup

• Onion: Adds a savory foundation and depth of flavor to the soup.
• Carrots: Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle earthy flavor and additional texture.
• Garlic: Brings intense and sharp flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Oregano, Cumin, Paprika, Cayenne: Spices that create a complex and warm seasoning profile.
• Cabbage: The star vegetable that gives the soup its signature texture and mild flavor.
• Red Lentils: Adds protein and creates a hearty, filling soup base.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides additional tomato flavor and slight acidity.
• Vegetable Broth: Creates the liquid base for the soup.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and freshness to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance flavors.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish and additional flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a rich base for the soup.

How To Cook Best Cabbage Soup Easily

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Toss in onion, carrots, and celery, allowing them to dance and soften for about 5 minutes until they become tender and release their fragrant essence.

Step 2: Infuse Warming Spices

• Garlic
• Oregano
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Cayenne

Let these spices sizzle and bloom for 1 minute, filling your kitchen with an enticing aroma.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

Stir in tomato paste and let it caramelize for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

• Vegetable broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Red lentils

Combine ingredients thoroughly.

Step 4: Embrace Cabbage Magic

Gradually add shredded cabbage in batches, gently pressing each handful into the liquid to ensure complete submersion.

Step 5: Simmer and Transform

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let the soup develop its rich flavors for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Finish with Brightness

Sprinkle in lemon zest and squeeze fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips For A Better Best Cabbage Soup

• Enhance flavor by using homemade vegetable broth for deeper taste complexity. Swap red lentils with quinoa or beans for protein variety and different textures. Make the soup more hearty by adding diced potatoes or sweet potatoes during the initial sautéing stage. Reduce cayenne pepper for a milder version or increase for extra heat, catering to personal spice preferences. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, noting that soup often tastes better the next day as flavors continue to develop.

Ways To Try Best Cabbage Soup Differently

• Spicy Southwest Cabbage Soup: Replace oregano with chili powder, add black beans, and top with fresh cilantro and jalapeño slices for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Cabbage Soup: Incorporate chickpeas, swap cumin for za'atar spice blend, and finish with crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives.
• Asian-Inspired Cabbage Soup: Add ginger and soy sauce, include shiitake mushrooms, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for an Eastern flavor profile.
• Hearty Protein Boost Soup: Mix in cooked ground turkey or shredded chicken, increase red lentils, and add diced bell peppers for extra nutrition and texture.

What Goes Well With Best Cabbage Soup

• Pair Zesty Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or hearty whole wheat bread to soak up the rich, tangy broth and complement the soup's robust flavors.
• Enhance with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the soup's earthiness and refresh the palate.
• Complement with Fresh Green Salad: Create a side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to add crispness and balance the warm, hearty soup.
• Top with Herbed Goat Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese on top for a creamy, tangy element that adds depth and richness to the vegetable-packed soup.

Best Cabbage Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 36 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Polish Cabbage Soup delivers comfort and nourishment in a single spoonful, with robust vegetables and tender meat simmering in a rich, aromatic broth. Packed with traditional flavors and simple ingredients, this soul-warming dish connects you to generations of home cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 1 small green cabbage, shredded
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 3 ribs celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Protein and Legumes:

• 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 6 cups vegetable broth (preferably low sodium)
• 1 (14-ounce / 400 grams) can fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Pinch of cayenne (optional)
• ½ lemon (zest and juice)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ⅓ cup chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature, gently transforming onion, carrots, and celery into soft, translucent fragments within approximately 5 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and aromatic spices, allowing them to bloom and release intense flavors for one minute.
3. Incorporate tomato paste, stirring vigorously to caramelize and deepen the sauce’s complexity for another minute.
4. Pour vegetable broth into the pot, blending with diced tomatoes and protein-rich red lentils to create a robust liquid foundation.
5. Gradually fold shredded cabbage into the liquid, ensuring each handful is completely submerged and integrated into the developing soup.
6. Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and allow ingredients to meld together for 20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
7. Brighten the soup’s profile by incorporating fresh lemon zest and its vibrant juice, then calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper according to personal preference.
8. Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the surface, adding a final layer of visual and flavor complexity before serving.

Notes

• Boost nutrition by adding protein-packed quinoa or beans for a more filling meal.
• Swap cayenne with smoked paprika for a milder, deeper flavor profile without intense heat.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium vegetable broth and controlling additional salt seasoning.
• Make it vegan-friendly by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based and avoiding any animal products.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 26 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg