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
Scale
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
