Hearty Cabbage Soup with Vegetables (Printable)
A warming, nourishing soup loaded with fresh cabbage, root vegetables, and savory herbs in a rich vegetable broth.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and chopped (about 6 cups)
02 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
03 - 2 celery stalks, diced
04 - 1 large onion, chopped
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (optional)
07 - 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
→ Broth & Seasonings
08 - 6 cups vegetable broth
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 1 bay leaf
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
16 - Lemon wedges (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and onion becomes translucent.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
03 - Add chopped cabbage, diced potato (if using), and canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well to combine all vegetables.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth. Add bay leaf, dried thyme, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to distribute seasonings evenly.
05 - Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
06 - Remove and discard bay leaf. Taste soup and adjust salt and pepper seasoning as needed.
07 - Ladle hot soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This soup transforms budget friendly vegetables into something that feels like a warm hug
- The smoked paprika adds a subtle depth that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is
- It freezes beautifully so you can always have a homemade meal ready
02 -
- The soup continues to absorb liquid as it sits, so you might need to add a splash more broth or water when reheating leftovers
- Smoked paprika varies in intensity, so start with a smaller amount if you're new to using it
- Cabbage releases a lot of water as it cooks, so don't worry if it seems like too much vegetable at first
03 -
- Cut your vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly and you get every texture in each spoonful
- Make a double batch and freeze half in individual containers for future lunches