Easy Cabbage Soup: Simple Recipe Under 45 Minutes

If you're searching for an easy cabbage soup recipe, you've found a reliable solution. This simple cabbage soup requires just 7 basic ingredients, takes under 45 minutes to prepare, and costs less than $3 per serving. The recipe delivers a flavorful, nutritious meal that's naturally low in calories (approximately 120 per serving) while providing essential vitamins from fresh cabbage, carrots, and onions. What makes this version truly easy is the minimal prep work—no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—plus flexible customization options for dietary preferences.

Looking for a satisfying meal that won't break the bank or consume your entire afternoon? Easy cabbage soup has become a kitchen staple for good reason. This humble dish offers remarkable versatility while requiring minimal culinary expertise. Whether you're meal prepping on a budget, seeking a light yet filling option after grocery shopping has been sparse, or simply craving comfort food without complexity, this recipe delivers.

Why This Simple Cabbage Soup Recipe Works

Cabbage soup succeeds as an accessible weeknight meal because it leverages fundamental cooking principles without demanding advanced skills. The magic happens through layered flavor development—starting with aromatic vegetables before introducing the cabbage. Unlike many online recipes that cut corners, this method ensures your easy cabbage soup doesn't end up watery or bland.

Professional chefs understand that sweating vegetables slowly creates a flavor foundation that boiling alone cannot achieve. By dedicating just 8-10 minutes to properly soften onions and carrots in olive oil before adding liquid, you build depth that transforms basic ingredients into something memorable. This technique makes our quick cabbage soup with few ingredients taste restaurant-quality.

Complete Ingredient List With Purpose

What sets apart a genuinely easy cabbage soup recipe from mediocre versions? Knowing exactly why each component matters. Here's what you'll need and how it contributes:

Ingredient	Amount	Why It Matters
Green cabbage	1 medium head (about 2 lbs)	Provides bulk, fiber, and subtle sweetness when cooked properly
Yellow onion	1 large	Creates aromatic base; essential for flavor depth in simple cabbage soup
Carrots	2 medium	Adds natural sweetness and color contrast
Garlic	3 cloves	Intensifies savory notes without overpowering
Vegetable broth	6 cups low-sodium	Forms flavorful base without excessive salt
Diced tomatoes	1 (14.5 oz) can	Adds acidity to balance sweetness; creates richer broth
Olive oil	2 tablespoons	Carries fat-soluble flavors and helps vegetables caramelize

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Follow these straightforward steps for perfect easy homemade cabbage soup every time:

1. Prep vegetables: Finely chop onion and carrots (¼-inch pieces). Remove tough outer cabbage leaves, then shred remaining cabbage using a knife or food processor.
2. Build flavor foundation: Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onions and carrots with pinch of salt. Cook 8-10 minutes until softened but not browned.
3. Add aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Incorporate cabbage: Add shredded cabbage and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly wilted.
5. Simmer soup: Pour in broth and diced tomatoes with juices. Bring to gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 25-30 minutes until cabbage is tender but not mushy.
6. Season to perfection: Add black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Adjust salt only if needed after tasting.

Avoid These Common Cabbage Soup Mistakes

Even the easiest cabbage soup recipe can go wrong without proper technique. Steer clear of these pitfalls:

• Skipping the vegetable sauté: Dumping everything in cold water creates flat flavors. Taking time to sweat onions and carrots builds complexity.
• Overcooking the cabbage: Simmer just until tender. Extended cooking turns cabbage mushy and releases unpleasant sulfur compounds.
• Using high-sodium broth: Low-sodium broth gives you control over seasoning. You can always add salt later, but can't remove excess.
• Adding cabbage too late: Introducing cabbage early allows its natural sweetness to develop through slow cooking.

Customization Options for Dietary Needs

The beauty of this budget friendly cabbage soup recipe lies in its adaptability. Try these variations based on your preferences:

• Protein boost: Stir in 1 cup white beans during last 10 minutes of cooking for added fiber and plant-based protein.
• Keto adaptation: Omit tomatoes and increase olive oil to 3 tablespoons for higher fat content while maintaining low carbs.
• Meat version: Brown ½ pound diced turkey sausage before adding vegetables for a heartier easy cabbage soup without meat alternatives.
• Vegan umami boost: Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce or 2 dried shiitake mushrooms while simmering for deeper flavor.

Storage and Reheating Best Practices

Cabbage soup excels as meal prep, but proper storage ensures quality remains high. Follow these guidelines:

• Cool completely before storing—never place hot soup directly in refrigerator
• Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days in refrigerator
• Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months
• Reheat gently on stove over medium-low heat, adding small amounts of water if needed
• Avoid microwaving large portions which creates uneven heating

Interestingly, cabbage soup often tastes better the second day as flavors continue to meld. The high fiber content means it reheats well without becoming watery—a distinct advantage over many other soup varieties.

Nutritional Benefits Worth Noting

While marketed as an easy cabbage soup for weight loss, this recipe delivers genuine nutritional value beyond calorie control. One serving (about 1.5 cups) provides:

• Approximately 120 calories
• 5 grams of dietary fiber (20% of daily value)
• Significant vitamin C and K from fresh cabbage
• Natural compounds like sulforaphane with antioxidant properties
• Low glycemic impact suitable for blood sugar management

The combination of fiber-rich vegetables and hydrating broth creates high satiety with minimal calories—a rare quality that explains why this simple cabbage soup recipe has endured across generations. Unlike restrictive diet soups, this version provides balanced nutrition while remaining incredibly affordable.

How can I make cabbage soup less watery?

To prevent watery cabbage soup, properly sweat vegetables before adding liquid and avoid overcooking the cabbage. The natural pectin in cabbage thickens the broth when cooked correctly. If your soup turns out too thin, simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes to reduce excess liquid.

Can I make this easy cabbage soup recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, this quick cabbage soup with few ingredients adapts well to slow cookers. Sauté vegetables first as directed, then transfer to slow cooker with remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add cabbage during the last 2 hours to prevent overcooking.

What's the best way to store leftover cabbage soup?

Cool soup completely before storing in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, add small amounts of water or broth if needed, as cabbage absorbs liquid during storage. Properly stored, this budget friendly cabbage soup recipe maintains quality exceptionally well.

Why does my cabbage soup taste bitter?

Bitterness usually comes from overcooking cabbage or using damaged produce. To prevent this in your easy homemade cabbage soup, cook cabbage just until tender and use fresh, firm heads. Adding a small pinch of sugar or splash of vinegar can counteract bitterness if it occurs.