If you’re on the lookout for a comforting and nourishing meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe is just what you need. Packed with vibrant vegetables and rich flavors from the beef broth and herbs, it’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s both light and hearty. Perfect for a cozy night in or a wholesome lunch, this soup brings together freshness and depth without any fuss, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding texture, color, or that subtle burst of flavor. The beauty lies in how these simple, wholesome components come together to create something truly special and nourishing.
- 3 cups nonfat low-sodium beef broth: Provides a rich, savory base without overpowering the freshness of the veggies.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds aromatic depth and a subtle kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Contributes a tangy sweetness and beautiful color to the broth.
- 2 cups chopped cabbage: The star of the show, bringing crunch and a mild, pleasant earthiness.
- ½ yellow onion: Offers a gentle sweetness and layers of flavor once sautéed.
- 1 cup chopped carrot: Adds natural sweetness and a splash of vibrant orange.
- 1 cup green beans: Introduces a fresh, crisp texture to keep every spoonful interesting.
- ½ cup chopped zucchini: Softens into tender bites that soak up the broth beautifully.
- 1 cup diced tomato: Brings juiciness and acidity, balancing the savory notes perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped): Infuses the soup with a fragrant herbal brightness.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a subtle hint of warmth and complexity.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
How to Make Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by spraying a large pot with olive oil spray to ensure your veggies cook without sticking. This keeps things light while allowing the onions, carrots, and garlic to soften perfectly and release their wonderful fragrances.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Over medium-high heat, sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic for about 5 minutes. Watch the onions turn translucent and the carrots begin to soften—this is when the flavors start to build and form a delicious foundation for the soup.
Step 3: Add Broth and Veggies
Now pour in the beef broth along with the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chopped cabbage, and green beans. Don’t forget to sprinkle in the dried oregano and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a good stir to marry the flavors.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Turn the heat down to a gentle simmer and let the soup bubble away for about 10 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften nicely while melding the savory broth with the herbs and spices.
Step 5: Add Zucchini for the Final Touch
Stir in the chopped zucchini and continue simmering for another 10 minutes. The zucchini will become tender but still hold its shape, contributing a subtle sweetness and silky texture that rounds out the soup beautifully.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once your Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe is piping hot and bursting with aroma, ladle it into bowls and garnish as you like. Fresh herbs like chives or thyme add a lovely finishing touch that elevates the dish from simple to spectacular.
How to Serve Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs such as chives, thyme, or basil can brighten the soup and add a fresh, vibrant note to each bite. Consider a dash of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil to bring extra richness and depth to your bowl.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with whole grain crusty bread or a slice of garlic toast for dipping. For a more substantial meal, a crisp side salad or even a simple quinoa pilaf can complement the flavors and keep things balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or comforting family meal, serve the Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe in rustic bread bowls or mini cast iron pots. Garnishing with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds an indulgent twist that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep wonderfully for 3 to 4 days, making it ideal for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen soup will stay delicious for up to 3 months, so you can always have a wholesome meal ready at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water can help restore the soup’s original texture and keep it from becoming too thick after cooling or freezing.
FAQs
Can I make this Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the beef broth for a rich vegetable broth, and you’ll still get incredible depth and flavor. You can also add mushrooms or lentils for extra heartiness.
Is it okay to use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables work well if fresh aren’t available. Just keep in mind they might release a bit more water, so adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.
Can I add protein to this soup?
Definitely! Cooked chicken, turkey, or beans can be added to make this soup more filling. Add them in during the last few minutes of simmering to heat through without overcooking.
How spicy is this soup?
This Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe is mild and soothing by default, but you can easily introduce some heat by adding chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to taste.
What’s the best way to chop the cabbage for this soup?
Go for bite-size pieces that aren’t too small so they hold up during cooking and provide a satisfying crunch and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe is everything you want on a day when you crave nourishment without any fuss. Its fresh veggies, savory broth, and lovely herbs combine into a bowl that comforts and energizes. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s a wonderful, wholesome recipe to add to your regular rotation.
Print
Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (about 6 bowls)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A light and wholesome cabbage soup packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, perfect for a nutritious and comforting meal. This recipe features a nonfat, low-sodium beef broth base with sautéed onions, carrots, garlic, and a medley of garden vegetables simmered to tender perfection.
Ingredients
Broth and Base
- 3 cups nonfat low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cups chopped cabbage
- 1 cup chopped carrot
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- ½ cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup diced tomato
Herbs and Spices
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Prepare the pot: Spray a large pot with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and add a hint of healthy fat to start your soup base.
- Sauté aromatics and vegetables: Over medium-high heat, sauté the chopped yellow onion, carrots, and minced garlic for about 5 minutes. Cook until the onions become translucent and the carrots soften, building rich flavor at the base of the soup.
- Add broth and main vegetables: Pour in the nonfat low-sodium beef broth along with tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chopped cabbage, green beans, and all sprinkled herbs and spices. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes. This step allows the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finish with zucchini: Add the chopped zucchini to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, until the zucchini is tender but still retains some texture.
- Serve: Ladle the hot cabbage soup into bowls. Optionally garnish with chopped chives or fresh thyme for extra aroma and a fresh herbal note. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and warmth.
Notes
- This soup can be customized with your favorite vegetables or fresh herbs.
- For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, especially if using salted broth.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors.
