Hearty Veggie-Packed Cabbage Soup Recipe

The Best Hearty Veggie-Packed Cabbage Soup Recipe You’ll Love

Cold winter nights call for this hearty veggie-packed cabbage soup that warms you from the inside out.

Packed with colorful vegetables and rich, satisfying flavors, our recipe promises comfort in every spoonful.

Crisp cabbage mingles with tender carrots and robust seasonings, creating a nutritious meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Nutritionists love this low-calorie option that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this soup a perfect weeknight solution for busy households.

Simple yet delicious, this recipe transforms humble vegetables into a bowl of pure, nourishing goodness.

You’ll want to savor every last drop of this soul-satisfying soup.

How To Store Hearty Veggie-Packed Cabbage Soup

  • 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: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for 2-3 months, leaving some space for expansion. Label with date and contents.
  • Microwave Reheating: Transfer refrigerated soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving.
  • Stovetop Reheating: Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of vegetable broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

Hearty Veggie-Packed Cabbage Soup Questions Answered

  • Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables like cabbage, carrots, zucchini, and celery, this soup provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber while being low in calories.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

The recipe is already vegetarian and vegan-friendly, using only plant-based ingredients and vegetable broth.

  • How can I add more protein to the soup?

You can easily boost protein by adding cooked beans like white cannellini or chickpeas, or include cubed tofu for a protein-rich version.

  • What herbs work best in this cabbage soup?

The recipe uses thyme, basil, and oregano, which create a classic Mediterranean flavor profile, but you can experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or sage for different taste variations.

What Makes Hearty Veggie-Packed Cabbage Soup So Fulfilling

  • Boost Nutrition: Packed with an incredible array of vegetables, this soup delivers a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that nourish your body from the inside out.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows you to swap or add vegetables based on what's in your fridge, making it perfect for reducing food waste and creating your own unique version.
  • Master One-Pot Wonder: Simple cooking method means minimal cleanup, with everything prepared in a single pot – saving time and reducing kitchen mess while delivering maximum flavor.
  • Weight-Friendly Meal: Low-calorie, high-volume soup helps support healthy eating goals, keeping you satisfied without feeling heavy or guilty after enjoying a hearty bowl.

What Goes Into Hearty Veggie-Packed Cabbage Soup

Base Vegetables:
  • Onion: Provides a foundational flavor and aromatic base for the soup.
  • Garlic: Adds depth and a robust, pungent taste to the soup's overall profile.
  • Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
  • Celery: Contributes a subtle, fresh flavor and additional vegetable texture.
  • Zucchini: Offers a mild, soft vegetable component with extra nutrients.
  • Cabbage: Serves as the primary vegetable, adding heartiness and volume to the soup.
Liquid Components:
  • Diced Tomatoes: Provides a tangy, rich base and adds moisture to the soup.
  • Vegetable Broth: Creates the liquid foundation and enhances the overall soup flavor.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Thyme, Basil, Oregano: Blend Mediterranean herbs that add complex, aromatic flavors to the soup.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's taste.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional herb that adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a smooth cooking base.

How To Make Hearty Veggie-Packed Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Drizzle olive oil into a large pot and set it over medium heat. Allow the oil to shimmer and warm up.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Add chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Stir and cook these vegetables, letting them soften and release their flavors for 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce Additional Vegetables

Toss in chopped zucchini and shredded cabbage. Continue cooking and stirring for another 5 minutes until the new vegetables start to become tender.

Step 4: Pour in Liquid and Seasonings

Add these ingredients:
  • Diced tomatoes with their juice
  • Vegetable broth
  • Dried thyme
  • Dried basil
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring to combine all ingredients.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Reduce heat to low.

Let the soup gently simmer for 25-30 minutes, allowing vegetables to become completely tender and flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed.

If desired, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top before serving. Remove from heat and ladle into warm bowls.

Helpful Tips For Hearty Veggie-Packed Cabbage Soup

  • Swap zucchini with other seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or butternut squash for variety and added nutrition.
  • Enhance protein content by adding white beans, lentils, or quinoa to make the soup more filling and satisfying.
  • For a richer flavor, roast vegetables like carrots and onions before adding them to the soup to develop deeper caramelized notes.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, noting that flavors will continue to develop and improve over time.
  • Make this soup gluten-free and low-carb by ensuring vegetable broth is certified gluten-free and using cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains.

Easy Ways To Switch Up Hearty Veggie-Packed Cabbage Soup

  • Protein Power Boost: Add cooked chicken, turkey, or white beans for extra protein and a heartier meal.
  • Mediterranean Magic: Include chickpeas, kalamata olives, and swap herbs with rosemary and mint for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Spicy Kick Soup: Incorporate chili flakes, jalapeños, and a dash of cayenne pepper to create a warming, spicy variation.
  • Korean-Style Fusion: Mix in gochujang paste, kimchi, and top with green onions for a Korean-inspired flavor profile.

What To Serve With Hearty Veggie-Packed Cabbage Soup

  • Savor Rustic Red Wine Pairing: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the soup's rich vegetable profile, enhancing its earthy flavors and providing a smooth, velvety counterpoint to the hearty broth.
  • Create Crusty Bread Accompaniment: Serve with a warm, artisan sourdough or whole grain baguette to soak up the delicious soup liquid, adding textural contrast and making the meal more satisfying.
  • Brighten with Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light green salad with crisp mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the soup's warmth and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
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Hearty Veggie-Packed Cabbage Soup Recipe

Hearty Veggie-Packed Cabbage Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting cabbage soup delivers a nourishing symphony of garden-fresh vegetables and robust flavors. Simmering with wholesome ingredients, this Mediterranean-inspired dish promises a satisfying meal that warms both body and soul.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables:

  • 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini, chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup (0.12 liters) fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Liquids and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 4 cups (0.95 liters) vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over moderate temperature, introducing chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened.
  2. Incorporate zucchini and finely shredded cabbage into the pot, continuing to cook while stirring periodically for an additional 5 minutes.
  3. Pour in diced tomatoes with their natural juices, vegetable broth, and carefully sprinkle thyme, basil, oregano, salt, and ground black pepper. Elevate heat to generate a rolling boil.
  4. Immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the soup to gently bubble for 25-30 minutes. Vegetables should become fork-tender and develop a rich, harmonious flavor profile.
  5. Carefully taste the soup, adjusting seasonings to enhance overall depth and complexity.
  6. Transition pot from heat source and delicately fold freshly chopped parsley throughout, creating a vibrant finishing touch before ladling into warm serving bowls.

Notes

  • Customize the soup’s thickness by adding more or less broth depending on your preference for a lighter or heartier consistency.
  • Boost protein content by adding cooked lentils, white beans, or shredded chicken for a more filling meal.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by roasting vegetables like zucchini and carrots before adding them to the soup for deeper, caramelized notes.
  • Make the recipe gluten-free and low-carb by substituting cabbage with cauliflower or zucchini noodles for added nutrition and varied texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 80
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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