Easy Cabbage Soup Recipe: Ready in 30 Minutes

This easy cabbage soup recipe requires just 7 simple ingredients and takes only 30 minutes to prepare. You'll need 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 chopped head of cabbage, 4 cups vegetable broth, 2 diced potatoes, 1 diced carrot, and basic seasonings. Sauté onions and garlic, add remaining ingredients, simmer for 20 minutes, and enjoy a healthy, comforting meal perfect for beginners.

Looking for a simple cabbage soup recipe for beginners that doesn't require fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients? This straightforward preparation delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Cabbage soup has been a kitchen staple for generations because it's affordable, nutritious, and incredibly versatile. Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a family, this recipe adapts perfectly to your needs.

Why This Easy Cabbage Soup Recipe Works

Cabbage soup succeeds when you balance simplicity with flavor development. Unlike complicated versions requiring hours of simmering, this quick cabbage soup with few ingredients leverages smart cooking techniques to extract maximum taste in minimal time. The natural sweetness of slowly caramelized onions creates a flavor foundation that makes the entire dish taste richer than its simple components suggest.

Cabbage itself contains glutamates that enhance savory flavors, especially when cooked properly. By adding the cabbage at the right stage and allowing it to cook just until tender-crisp, you preserve both texture and nutritional value while developing complex flavors.

Complete Ingredient List

These accessible ingredients create a healthy cabbage soup recipe without meat that satisfies whether you follow vegetarian, vegan, or omnivore diets. All measurements yield four generous servings.

Ingredient	Amount	Preparation Notes
Green cabbage	1 medium head (about 2 lbs)	Chopped into 1-inch pieces
Yellow onion	1 large	Finely chopped
Garlic cloves	2	Minced
Vegetable broth	4 cups	Low-sodium preferred
Potatoes	2 medium	Diced (Yukon Gold recommended)
Carrot	1 large	Peeled and diced
Olive oil	2 tablespoons	Or substitute avocado oil
Seasonings	As needed	Salt, pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1 bay leaf

Step-by-Step Preparation

Follow these clear instructions for a perfect easy vegetarian cabbage soup every time. Total active preparation takes just 10 minutes.

Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add vegetables: Incorporate diced potatoes, carrots, and half the cabbage. Stir to combine with the aromatics.
Pour in broth: Add vegetable broth, bay leaf, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
Simmer soup: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender but not mushy.
Add remaining cabbage: Stir in the rest of the chopped cabbage and cook uncovered for 5 more minutes.
Final seasoning: Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. For extra flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar just before serving.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Master this easy cabbage soup recipe from scratch with these professional kitchen insights:

Cabbage selection: Choose firm heads with crisp, vibrant green leaves. Avoid any with yellowing or soft spots.
Cutting technique: Chop cabbage into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. The thicker core section may need slightly longer cooking time.
Flavor boost: For deeper flavor without meat, add 1 tablespoon tomato paste when sautéing onions.
Texture control: If you prefer a smoother soup, remove 1 cup of cooked vegetables, blend until smooth, then return to the pot.
Acid balance: The small amount of vinegar at the end brightens flavors and enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables.

Variations to Try

This best easy cabbage soup with potatoes serves as a perfect base for customization based on your dietary needs or what's in your pantry:

Protein boost: Add 1 cup white beans or lentils during the last 10 minutes of cooking
Keto version: Omit potatoes and double the cabbage quantity for lower carbohydrates
Spicy twist: Include 1 diced jalapeño with the onions or add red pepper flakes to taste
Creamy option: Stir in 1/2 cup coconut milk at the end for a richer texture
Meat lovers: Brown 1/2 pound diced bacon or sausage before adding onions for traditional flavor

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This cabbage soup actually improves in flavor after sitting, making it ideal for meal prep. Store properly cooked soup in airtight containers:

Refrigeration: Keeps well for 4-5 days in the refrigerator
Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 3 months (thaw overnight in refrigerator)
Reheating: Warm gently on stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed
Flavor note: Cabbage soup often tastes even better the second day as flavors continue to meld

Nutritional Benefits

One serving (about 1.5 cups) of this cabbage soup recipe for weight loss provides approximately:

145 calories
5g dietary fiber (20% of daily value)
Rich in vitamins C and K
Good source of potassium and manganese
Naturally low in fat and sodium (when using low-sodium broth)

The high fiber content promotes satiety while delivering essential nutrients. Cabbage contains powerful antioxidants and compounds that support digestive health, making this simple soup both satisfying and nourishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cabbage soup without potatoes?

Yes, you can easily make this easy cabbage soup recipe without potatoes. Simply omit the potatoes and add an extra carrot or celery stalk for similar texture. For added heartiness without potatoes, include 1/2 cup rinsed barley or quinoa during the last 15 minutes of cooking. The soup will still maintain its comforting quality while being lower in carbohydrates.

How do I prevent my cabbage soup from becoming too watery?

To avoid watery cabbage soup, follow these easy cabbage soup preparation tips: 1) Don't add extra liquid beyond what's specified, 2) Cook uncovered during the final 5-10 minutes to allow some evaporation, 3) If already too thin, remove 1-2 cups of vegetables, blend until smooth, then return to the pot to thicken naturally. Cabbage releases water as it cooks, so resist the urge to add more broth unless absolutely necessary.

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

For optimal freshness with your easy cabbage soup leftovers, cool the soup completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, add a small amount of broth or water as cabbage tends to absorb liquid while stored. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.

Can I use frozen cabbage in this recipe?

While fresh cabbage produces the best texture in this simple cabbage soup recipe, you can use frozen cabbage when fresh isn't available. Thaw frozen cabbage completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the soup. Expect a slightly softer texture, so reduce cooking time by 5 minutes to prevent overcooking. For best results, add frozen cabbage during the last 10 minutes of cooking rather than at the beginning.

How can I add more protein to this vegetarian cabbage soup?

Boost protein in your easy vegetarian cabbage soup with these simple additions: Stir in 1 cup cooked lentils, white beans, or chickpeas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. For a complete protein profile, add 1/2 cup quinoa with the broth and extend cooking time by 10 minutes. Topping with 2 tablespoons hemp seeds or nutritional yeast just before serving adds both protein and umami flavor without changing the soup's character.