Cabbage Soup Recipe

This Cabbage Soup is simple, cozy, and full of fresh vegetables. It is light but still filling, and it comes together in just 30 minutes.

I love making this on busy weeknights when I want something warm and healthy without a lot of effort.

In my small Raleigh kitchen, this is one of those recipes I turn to after a weekend of heavier meals. It feels fresh and clean, but it still tastes comforting.

And the best part is how easy it is to make with basic pantry ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Soup

1. It is ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
2. Made with simple, affordable vegetables.
3. One pot keeps cleanup easy.
4. Naturally light but still satisfying.
5. Easy to adjust depending on what you have in the fridge.
6. Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully.

What Kind of Cabbage Should I Use?

This recipe works best with regular green cabbage. It softens nicely and has a mild flavor that blends well with the broth and tomatoes.

You can also use savoy cabbage if that is what you have. It will cook down a little softer.

Red cabbage can work too, but keep in mind it may change the color of the soup. I usually stick with green cabbage because it is affordable and easy to find year round.

Options for Substitutes

• No fresh parsley? Leave it out or use a pinch of dried parsley.
• You can swap vegetable broth with chicken broth if you are not keeping it vegetarian.
• Fresh tomatoes can replace canned diced tomatoes. Just chop them small.
• Add zucchini or green beans if you want more vegetables.
• A squeeze of apple cider vinegar can stand in for lemon juice if needed.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

1. Do not rush the first step. Let the onion, carrot, and celery soften so they build flavor.
2. Stir the garlic and spices for only about a minute. Garlic can burn quickly.
3. When adding the broth, start with 4 cups. You can always add more if you want it more brothy.
4. Let the cabbage simmer until it is tender but not mushy. Taste it as it cooks so you get the texture you like.

What to Serve With Cabbage Soup?

This soup pairs nicely with simple sides:

• Crusty bread or a slice of toast
• A grilled cheese sandwich
• A small green salad
• Brown rice on the side
• A spoonful of plain yogurt if you like it creamy

Storage Instructions

1. Let the soup cool completely before storing.
2. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
3. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Store in freezer-safe containers in single portions if possible.
4. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warm. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between. If it thickens, just add a splash of broth or water.

How To Make Cabbage Soup?

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cabbage, chopped
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 4 to 6 cups vegetable broth, depending how thick or brothy you’d like it
• 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
• Cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 2:
Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt. Stir well and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3:
Add the chopped cabbage and stir it in. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, so it softens and reduces slightly.

Step 4:
Pour in the diced tomatoes and 4 cups of vegetable broth to start. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are as tender as you like. Add more broth if you prefer a thinner soup.

Step 5:
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, and cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm.

Cabbage Soup Recipe

Cabbage Soup is a light and cozy vegetable soup made with cabbage, tomatoes, and simple herbs. It is quick to prepare and made in one pot, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.

This is a great recipe when you want something healthy, affordable, and easy to reheat throughout the week.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Calories: 145

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion diced
• 1 large carrot diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cabbage chopped
• 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 4 to 6 cups vegetable broth depending how thick or brothy you’d like it
• 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
• Cracked black pepper to taste

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt. Stir well and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped cabbage and stir it in. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, so it softens and reduces slightly.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and 4 cups of vegetable broth to start. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are as tender as you like. Add more broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
5. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, and cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient size, quality, brand, location, and the proportions used. All nutritional information is calculated on a per-serving basis.

If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Emma Parker

I’m Emma Parker, the writer and founder behind Emma’s Home Guide. This blog was created to share practical ideas, honest experiences, and helpful guidance for everyday living. My goal is to make home life feel easier, warmer, and more enjoyable, without pressure or perfection.