Oh, you know those days when you just want something *good* for you, but also something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl? That’s exactly what this Healthy Cabbage Soup is all about! I developed this recipe after I realized how much flavor you could pack into something so wonderfully light and simple. It’s become my absolute go-to when I want a delicious, low-calorie meal that doesn’t feel like I’m missing out on anything. Trust me, this soup proves that healthy eating can be incredibly satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Cabbage Soup
Honestly, this soup is a total winner for so many reasons. It’s ridiculously easy to whip up, even on a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s packed with good-for-you stuff and is super low in calories, making it a fantastic option if you’re watching what you eat. But don’t let the ‘healthy’ fool you – it’s also bursting with flavor! And the best part? It’s so versatile; you can tweak it to make it your own.
- Super Easy to Make: Seriously, even a beginner cook can nail this one.
- Health Benefits Galore: Low calorie, nutrient-rich, and good for your digestion.
- Big Flavor, Small Package: Don’t underestimate how tasty simple ingredients can be!
- So Versatile: Customize it with your favorite veggies or a protein boost.
Gather Your Ingredients for Healthy Cabbage Soup
Alright, let’s get everything ready for this delicious soup! It’s pretty straightforward, and the shopping list isn’t too crazy. You’ll want to grab:
- 1 tablespoon of good olive oil
- 1 big onion, chopped up nice
- 2 carrots, also chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic – don’t be shy, mince ’em up!
- 1 whole head of cabbage, shredded
- 6 cups of vegetable broth (your favorite kind!)
- A 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, juice and all
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- And about 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- Of course, salt and black pepper to make it just right!
That’s it! Simple stuff that makes for an amazing bowl of soup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Healthy Cabbage Soup
Alright, let’s get this soup simmering! It’s honestly so straightforward, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can have a bowl of this goodness ready. We’re going to build layers of flavor starting from the very beginning. It’s all about taking it slow for just a bit to get the best taste possible. You can find more easy recipes like this over at my easy recipes section!
Sautéing the Aromatics for Your Healthy Cabbage Soup
First things first, grab a nice big pot or a Dutch oven. Pop it on medium heat and let that tablespoon of olive oil get warm. Then, toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Let them do their thing for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring them around till they start to get nice and soft. You’re looking for them to soften up, not brown up!
Simmering the Healthy Cabbage Soup to Perfection
Now, pour in that shredded cabbage, your vegetable broth, the can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain ’em!), the dried thyme, and that lovely rosemary. Give it all a good stir to combine everything. Crank the heat up a bit to bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, turn the heat down low, pop a lid on, and let it simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes. You want the cabbage to get tender, not mushy!
Seasoning and Finishing Touches
Almost there! Taste your soup and add salt and pepper until it’s just how you like it. A little trick I love is to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving. It just wakes everything up and makes the flavors pop! It’s a simple step but makes a big difference.
Tips for the Best Healthy Cabbage Soup
Making this soup is already pretty darn easy, but I’ve picked up a few little tricks over the years that really make it shine. So, you want that perfect bowl of goodness every single time? Here’s what I do:
- Make it Heartier: If you’re looking for a more filling meal, don’t hesitate to toss in some lean ground turkey or chicken. Just brown it up in the pot after the onions and veggies have softened, before adding the cabbage. It adds awesome flavor and makes it a complete meal!
- Fresh Herbs are Your Friend: While the dried herbs work perfectly, if you happen to have fresh thyme or rosemary on hand, chop them up and add them in near the end of simmering. The flavor is just incredible!
- Spice it Up (or Down!): Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings. I love a good pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, or maybe some bay leaves while it simmers for extra depth. Taste as you go – that’s the best way to get it *just* right for you.
- Lemon Zest Magic: Seriously, that squeeze of lemon juice at the end? Game changer. For an extra pop, try adding just a tiny bit of fresh lemon zest too. It really brightens everything up!
These little tips, along with the base recipe, come from a lot of testing in my kitchen to find what really works. You can find more recipes perfect for a healthy lifestyle, like this one, over here!
Ingredient Spotlight: The Power of Cabbage
You know, cabbage gets a bad rap sometimes, but it’s honestly a superstar ingredient, especially in a soup like this! It’s not just filler, either. Cabbage is packed with vitamins C and K, and it’s super low in calories but high in fiber, which is why it’s so great for a healthy meal. Plus, it cooks down perfectly to give our lunch a lovely texture without being heavy.
Serving Suggestions for Your Healthy Cabbage Soup
So, you’ve made this amazing bowl of healthy cabbage soup – what do you serve it with? My favorite way is with a big chunk of crusty whole-wheat bread. It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that flavorful broth! Sometimes, when I want to feel a little fancy, I’ll add a small side salad with a light vinaigrette. And if you want a little creamy contrast, a dollop of plain Greek yogurt right on top of the soup is surprisingly delicious, or even a swirl of sour cream if you’re feeling indulgent!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers are the best, right? You can totally make this cabbage soup ahead of time, and honestly, I think it tastes even better the next day! Just let it cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, that works too! Just use a freezer-safe container or a good quality freezer bag. It should be good in the freezer for about 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat, just gently warm it up on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it, but give it a stir halfway through to make sure it heats evenly. Careful, it can get steamy!
Frequently Asked Questions about Healthy Cabbage Soup
Got questions? I get it! This soup is so easy, but we all have those little things we wonder about. Let me clear a few things up for you! If you’re looking for even more dinner ideas, check out my dinner recipes section. And if you want to know more about me, you can read my about page!
Can I make this Healthy Cabbage Soup ahead of time?
Oh, absolutely! This soup is one of those dishes that actually tastes even better the next day. The flavors really meld together beautifully!
How can I make this Healthy Cabbage Soup more substantial?
If you want to turn this into a heartier meal, you can totally add lean ground turkey or chicken, or even some white beans or lentils. It makes it super filling!
What other vegetables can I add to this Healthy Cabbage Soup?
Feel free to toss in other veggies you love! Chopped bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, or even some spinach stirred in at the end would be delicious and keep it wonderfully healthy.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutrition info for this fantastic healthy cabbage soup is an estimate, of course. It can change a bit depending on exactly what you use! But a serving is roughly around 120 calories, with about 3g of fat, 4g of protein, and 20g of carbs. It’s a really light and wholesome choice!
Share Your Healthy Cabbage Soup Creation!
Okay, now it’s your turn! I absolutely LOVE hearing from you all in the kitchen. Let me know in the comments below what you thought of this Healthy Cabbage Soup. Did you try it? Did you add anything special? I can’t wait to hear about your cooking adventures! You can also leave a quick rating and check out the contact page or terms of service if you have any questions!
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Healthy Cabbage Soup
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and nutritious cabbage soup recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head cabbage, shredded
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Stir in shredded cabbage, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until cabbage is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- For a heartier soup, add lean ground turkey or chicken during the onion cooking step.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg



