Let me tell you, there’s something truly wonderful about a big pot of healthy cabbage soup simmering on the stove. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also packed with nutrients that’ll make your body sing! This recipe is perfect for beginners—don’t worry if you’ve never cooked before; you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to whip up a delicious and satisfying meal. Cabbage is the star here, bringing a wonderful crunch and flavor, and combined with veggies like carrots and tomatoes, it creates a comforting bowl that’s perfect any time of year. Plus, it’s vegan and low in calories, making it a guilt-free choice that you can enjoy any day of the week. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients for Healthy Cabbage Soup
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious healthy cabbage soup:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 carrots, diced into small cubes
- 1 onion, chopped finely
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced for that aromatic kick
- 4 cups vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought works great)
- 2 cups water to add just the right consistency
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained slightly
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme for that earthy flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste, don’t be shy!
Feel free to mix things up with other veggies you love, like bell peppers or zucchini; they’ll add even more flavor and nutrition!
How to Prepare Healthy Cabbage Soup
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients lined up, it’s time to bring this healthy cabbage soup to life! I promise, it’s super straightforward and you’ll be savoring your creation in no time. Let’s take it step by step, shall we?
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by chopping the cabbage, carrots, and onion. Make sure they’re all roughly the same size so they cook evenly, okay? It’ll make your soup look beautiful!
- In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. I usually use olive oil, but any cooking oil will do.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Oh, the aroma is heavenly!
- Next, toss in the diced carrots and chopped cabbage. Stir everything together for about 5 minutes. This helps all those lovely flavors meld together.
- Now it’s time to pour in the vegetable broth and water. This combo gives the soup that perfect base; trust me, it’s worth it!
- Add the can of diced tomatoes and sprinkle in the dried thyme. Stir it all up—this is where the magic starts to happen!
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully.
- Before serving, taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t be shy; seasoning is key!
- Finally, serve your healthy cabbage soup hot and enjoy the warmth and nourishment it brings!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Cabbage Soup
This healthy cabbage soup isn’t just about being delicious; it’s packed with benefits that make it a go-to recipe for anyone looking to eat well without a fuss. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:
- Quick to prepare: You can have this soup on the table in under an hour!
- Nutritious ingredients: Full of veggies, it’s low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals.
- Versatile and customizable: Feel free to toss in any veggies you have on hand for a personal touch.
- Comforting and satisfying: Each bowl warms you up and fills you up, making it perfect for any day.
- Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients mean it’s easy on your wallet too!
Tips for Success
Getting the best out of your healthy cabbage soup is all about a few simple tricks! First off, always opt for fresh ingredients when you can—trust me, it makes a big difference in flavor. When chopping your veggies, try to keep them roughly the same size to ensure they cook evenly. And don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper while it simmers can elevate the dish tremendously. If you want a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice right before serving. Enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information
One of the best parts about this healthy cabbage soup is that it’s not only delicious but also nutritious! Each serving (about 1 bowl) contains approximately:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Sugar: 4g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so it’s always a good idea to check the labels if you’re watching your intake closely. Enjoy your healthy meal without any guilt!
FAQ About Healthy Cabbage Soup
Got questions about this delicious healthy cabbage soup? No worries, I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries that might pop up:
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Can I freeze healthy cabbage soup?
Yes, you can! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it’ll last for about 2-3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even potatoes would work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes!
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It’s perfect for meal prep since it’s nutritious and filling. Just portion it out and you’ll have healthy lunches ready to go!
What’s the best way to reheat it?
The stovetop is my favorite for reheating, but you can also use the microwave. Just make sure to stir it well to heat evenly. Enjoy your delicious soup!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your healthy cabbage soup experience, consider pairing it with some delightful sides! A warm, crusty piece of whole-grain bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, adding a satisfying crunch. You could also serve it alongside a fresh garden salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette to complement the flavors of the soup. For a heartier meal, try adding a scoop of quinoa or brown rice to your bowl—it’ll boost the fiber and protein content! And if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill right before serving gives it a lovely finish. Enjoy your meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers of this delicious healthy cabbage soup, you’re in luck! To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it in individual portions. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers, and it should last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm it through. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Print
Healthy Cabbage Soup: 7 Simple Steps to Comforting Goodness
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A simple and healthy cabbage soup recipe that is easy to make and perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop the cabbage, carrots, and onion.
- In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until soft.
- Add the carrots and cabbage. Stir for a few minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and water.
- Add the diced tomatoes and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy your soup!
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning as per your taste.
- Add other vegetables if you like, such as bell peppers or zucchini.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: healthy cabbage soup, vegetable soup, easy soup recipe
