Step 2: Sauté the Base
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the onion turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1–2 minutes, allowing the aroma to fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Seasonings
Once the base vegetables are tender, add the shredded cabbage to the pot. Sprinkle in paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the cabbage with the seasonings. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes until the cabbage begins to wilt.
Step 4: Pour in Liquids
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the broth to the pot. Stir everything together to combine. Drop in the bay leaf, which will infuse the soup with a subtle depth of flavor as it simmers.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes. Stir occasionally. The vegetables should be tender, and the flavors well-blended.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add a pinch more salt, a dash of pepper, or a small squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the cabbage soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a burst of color and freshness. Serve it with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Cabbage Soup
- Customize your vegetables: Add potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans for more variety.
- Make it heartier: Include cooked beans, shredded chicken, or lean sausage for extra protein.
- Flavor booster: A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or a sprinkle of smoked paprika at the end can intensify the taste.
- Storage: Cabbage soup keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
Why Cabbage Soup is Worth Making
Cabbage soup isn’t just comforting—it’s incredibly nutritious. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, it supports digestion, immunity, and overall wellness. Plus, it’s low in calories, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a healthy yet satisfying meal.
With this step-by-step method, making cabbage soup at home is simple, delicious, and rewarding. Once you try it, it will likely become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
If you want, I can also create a “quick 20-minute cabbage soup version” that’s perfect for busy days, while keeping all the flavor intact.
Do you want me to do that?
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