Classic Cabbage Soup (Print Version)

Tender cabbage and vegetables simmered in savory tomato broth. Comforting, light, and nutritious for any day.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and chopped (about 6 cups)
02 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
03 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Tomato Base

06 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
07 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste

→ Broth & Seasoning

08 - 6 cups vegetable broth
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1 bay leaf
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
12 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add a splash of oil, then sauté the onion, carrot, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the chopped cabbage, stir well, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it begins to wilt.
04 - Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
05 - Add diced tomatoes with juice, vegetable broth, thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika if using, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
06 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until cabbage and vegetables are tender.
07 - Discard the bay leaf and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It transforms the humblest vegetables into something deeply comforting and satisfying.
  • The whole pot costs less than a single takeout meal and feeds you all week.
  • You can walk away while it simmers and come back to a kitchen that smells like home.
  • It tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to become friends.
02 -
  • Don't rush the cabbage, it needs the full simmer time to go from tough to tender and sweet.
  • If your broth tastes flat, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end will wake everything up.
  • The soup thickens as it sits, so add a little water or broth when reheating if it's too thick.
03 -
  • Cut your cabbage into bite sized pieces, not too small or they'll disappear, not too big or they won't soften evenly.
  • Taste the soup after simmering and don't be shy with the salt, cabbage needs more seasoning than you think.
  • If you want a richer flavor, sauté the cabbage a few extra minutes before adding the liquid to bring out its sweetness.
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