Classic Cabbage Soup (Printable)

Warm cabbage soup with vegetables in savory tomato broth. Vegetarian, gluten-free, ready in 50 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and chopped (about 6 cups)
02 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
03 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Tomato Base

06 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
07 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste

→ Broth & Seasoning

08 - 6 cups vegetable broth
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1 bay leaf
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add oil, then sauté the onion, carrot, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the chopped cabbage, stir well, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it begins to wilt.
04 - Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop flavor.
05 - Add diced tomatoes with juice, vegetable broth, thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.
06 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until cabbage and vegetables are tender.
07 - Discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It turns humble ingredients into something genuinely comforting and satisfying
  • The whole pot costs less than takeout but tastes like you spent the afternoon cooking
  • It fills your kitchen with a smell that makes everyone ask whats for dinner
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day when the flavors settle in together
02 -
  • Do not skip cooking the tomato paste separately, it makes a huge difference in the depth of flavor
  • If your cabbage tastes bitter, add a pinch of sugar or an extra splash of broth to balance it out
  • Let the soup sit for ten minutes before serving so the flavors settle and the temperature evens out
03 -
  • Use a sharp knife to core and chop the cabbage, a dull blade will bruise it and make it harder to cut cleanly
  • Taste the soup halfway through simmering and add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if it needs brightness
  • If you love smoky flavor, try adding a tiny pinch of cumin along with the smoked paprika
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