Hearty and Flavorful Cabbage Soup Recipe – Easy & Nutritious Recipe
Introduction
This hearty and flavorful cabbage soup is a perfect combination of nutritious vegetables simmered to tender perfection. It’s easy to make, comforting, and ideal for a light lunch or dinner that warms you up from the inside out.

Ingredients
- 1 medium cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Juice of ½ lemon for a fresh, bright flavor
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and soft.
- Step 2: Add the diced carrots, celery, and cabbage to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Step 3: Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Step 5: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup, stir well, and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Step 6: Ladle the hot cabbage soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread or a side of brown rice.
Tips & Variations
- For added protein, stir in cooked beans or shredded chicken before serving.
- Swap out bell pepper for zucchini or green beans for a different vegetable mix.
- Use low-sodium broth to better control the salt content.
- Add a handful of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro just before serving for extra freshness.
Storage
Store leftover cabbage soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker for this cabbage soup?
Yes, after sautéing the aromatics, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and the recipe is completely vegan and delicious as is.
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Hearty and Flavorful Cabbage Soup Recipe – Easy & Nutritious Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This hearty and flavorful cabbage soup is an easy, nutritious meal packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner, this soup blends the natural sweetness of cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers with a tangy touch of lemon and a gentle kick of red pepper flakes. It’s a wholesome, low-calorie option that supports a healthy lifestyle.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Seasonings
- 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and soft, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add the vegetables: Add the diced carrots, chopped celery, and chopped cabbage into the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Add broth and seasoning: Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and optional red pepper flakes to add a balanced flavor profile. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup gently simmer for 25-30 minutes. This allows the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finish with lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup, stirring well to brighten the taste. Adjust seasoning if needed according to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the hot cabbage soup into bowls and serve immediately. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side of brown rice for a filling meal.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or chicken broth for added richness.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted or omitted for less spiciness.
- Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end enhances the soup’s freshness and depth of flavor.
- This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.
- For a heartier soup, add cooked beans or lentils during the simmering stage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cabbage soup, hearty soup, healthy soup, vegetable soup, easy cabbage recipe, low fat soup, vegetarian soup

