If you’re in the mood for a bowl of pure comfort that also cares for your body, look no further than Healing Cabbage Soup. This vibrant, vegetable-packed wonder is the dish I turn to again and again when I crave something both nurturing and delicious. Each spoonful delivers gentle flavors and a soothing texture that warms you from the inside out, making it the perfect remedy for chillier evenings or when you simply need a little self-care in a bowl. With its medley of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a bright splash of lemon, Healing Cabbage Soup is here to make wellness taste wonderful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of Healing Cabbage Soup is its straightforward ingredient list. Every element plays an important part, from the aromatic base of onions and garlic to the hearty flavor of cabbage. Gather each one, and you’ll soon see how beautifully simple ingredients can result in truly nourishing food.
- Olive oil: The foundation for gentle sautéing that enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables.
- Onion: Adds a sweet, mellow depth when softened and releases a lovely aroma that sets the mood for the soup.
- Garlic: Brings a subtle bite and a comforting, familiar savoriness.
- Carrots: Offer a pleasant sweetness and bring cheerful color to the pot.
- Celery: Lends a crisp, herbal note and a bit of crunch as it simmers.
- Green cabbage: The star of the show—shredded for quick cooking and ultimate tenderness, it’s both hearty and light.
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): Provide tang, body, and rich tomato flavor that balances the vegetables.
- Low-sodium vegetable broth: Forms the soupy backbone, keeping things light while allowing the veggies to shine.
- Dried oregano: Adds warmth and a slightly floral, earthy backbone to the soup.
- Dried thyme: Gives a gentle woodsy flavor that pairs beautifully with cabbage and carrots.
- Salt: Enhances and brings all the flavors together—start with a little and adjust later.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
- Bay leaf: Imparts nuanced flavor as the soup simmers, then is discarded before serving.
- Lemon juice: A final, bright note that wakes up all of those cozy flavors at the very end.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top, this garnish introduces a burst of herby freshness and a pop of green.
How to Make Healing Cabbage Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by warming up the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Let everything sizzle gently for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll notice the vegetables soften and their rich scents start to mingle—a sign that you’re building flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Add the Cabbage
It’s cabbage time! Toss in the shredded green cabbage and stir it through the other veggies. Allow it to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring every so often. The cabbage will start to wilt and absorb those aromatic notes, making a softer, silkier bite in your finished soup.
Step 3: Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth
Now, pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with all their juice) and the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in your oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and the bay leaf. Give everything a thorough stir, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. As the soup cooks, the vegetables will become perfectly tender and the flavors will deepen beautifully.
Step 4: Brighten and Finish
Once your Healing Cabbage Soup is looking and smelling irresistible, fish out the bay leaf and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This touch of acidity really lifts the whole dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and, if you love a finishing flourish, top with chopped parsley for an extra-green, fresh vibe.
How to Serve Healing Cabbage Soup
Garnishes
Parsley is a classic finishing touch, adding visual appeal and herbal brightness to your Healing Cabbage Soup. For a peppery twist, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a swirl of olive oil also works beautifully. If you want to add creaminess, a dollop of dairy-free yogurt or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast are both lovely options.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs like a charm with warm, crusty bread—think whole grain or sourdough for added texture and flavor. For a heartier meal, try a side of brown rice, quinoa, or a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Each of these turns your Healing Cabbage Soup into a fully satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turning a simple bowl of soup into a special moment is easier than you’d think. Try serving Healing Cabbage Soup in colorful ceramic bowls or even in a bread bowl for a rustic touch. Drizzle with vibrant pesto or add toasted pumpkin seeds on top for extra crunch and visual flair. Let your imagination play!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, Healing Cabbage Soup stores wonderfully in the fridge. Pour it into a sealed container and it will stay fresh for up to five days without losing any of its cozy charm. If you love meal prepping, this soup is about to become your new best friend.
Freezing
This soup is made for the freezer! Ladle completely cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Frozen Healing Cabbage Soup will keep for up to three months. When a wellness craving hits, just defrost and you’re half way to dinner.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour your soup into a pot and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until thoroughly hot. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently on the stovetop. You might need to add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to its original soupy consistency.
FAQs
Can I add protein to Healing Cabbage Soup?
Absolutely! Stir in drained white beans, chickpeas, or even some shredded cooked chicken right at the end to boost the protein and make an even heartier meal. It’s delicious and endlessly adaptable.
Is this soup spicy?
No, Healing Cabbage Soup is all about gentle, soothing flavors, but you can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like a little heat in your bowl.
Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Red cabbage will work and add a gorgeous purple hue, though the flavor will be slightly more robust. Either way, you’ll have a nourishing and beautiful soup to enjoy.
What’s the best way to shred cabbage?
Cut your cabbage half into quarters, remove the core, then slice thinly with a sharp knife. If you have a mandoline, that works brilliantly too for getting those even, silky strips.
Will Healing Cabbage Soup help with digestion?
Yes! Loaded with fiber-rich cabbage and other vegetables, this soup is naturally supportive for digestion and especially comforting if you’re looking for a light, gentle meal.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to simmer a pot of Healing Cabbage Soup soon. It’s one of those recipes that’s a joy to prepare and an even greater pleasure to share. Whether you’re making it for someone you love or just seeking a vibrant, wholesome meal for yourself, this soup is always a heartfelt way to nourish and delight.
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Healing Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Healing Cabbage Soup is a nourishing and light dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with veggies and flavorful herbs, it’s a vegan soup that’s both delicious and easy to make.
Ingredients
Vegetable Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
Broth and Seasonings:
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add Cabbage: Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook Soup: Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25–30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove bay leaf, stir in lemon juice, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve hot. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- This soup is light, nourishing, and great for digestion.
- Add beans or cooked chicken for extra protein.
- Freezes well for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
