🍲 Cabbage Soup (Easy, Hearty & Healthy!)
A cozy, nutrient-rich cabbage soup that comes together with just a few pantry staples. Perfect for a light lunch or comforting dinner.
🕒 Recipe At a Glance:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6–8
- Dietary Tags: Vegan, Gluten-Free (check soup mix), Low-Calorie, Dairy-Free
✅ Ingredients Checklist:
- Chopped cabbage (1 large head)
- Diced onions (2 small)
- Stewed tomatoes (2 cans)
- Lipton Onion Soup Mix (1 pouch – any flavor)
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Sauté onions in a large pot with a splash of oil or water over medium heat until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add chopped cabbage and stir well. Cook for 5 minutes to slightly soften.
- Pour in stewed tomatoes (including liquid). Stir to combine.
- Add soup mix and enough water to fully cover the vegetables (about 6–8 cups).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes until cabbage is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
💡 Notes:
- Naturally vegan and low-calorie
- Use green or Savoy cabbage for best results
- Want more protein? Stir in canned beans or lentils
🖼 Hero Image
([Insert appetizing, well-lit image of the finished cabbage soup in a rustic bowl, perhaps with steam rising and a slice of crusty bread on the side])
🥄 What Makes This Cabbage Soup Special?
This is one of those recipes that proves simple doesn’t mean boring. Made from humble ingredients like cabbage and tomatoes, this soup is surprisingly flavorful thanks to the boost from onion soup mix. It’s the perfect choice when your fridge is nearly empty or you need a quick, wholesome meal. Bonus? It freezes well and makes your kitchen smell amazing!
🥘 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large stockpot, sauté the diced onions over medium heat for about 5 minutes until translucent.
Tip: Add a pinch of salt to help draw out moisture and intensify flavor.
2. Add the Cabbage
Toss in the chopped cabbage and stir until slightly wilted – about 5 minutes.
It may seem like a lot at first, but cabbage shrinks down as it cooks.
3. Add Tomatoes and Soup Mix
Pour in the cans of stewed tomatoes (with juices), and stir in the dry soup mix.
4. Add Water and Simmer
Pour in enough water to cover the vegetables, about 6–8 cups. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it cook for 25–30 minutes.
Tip: The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together.
🥬 Ingredient Details & Swaps
Key Ingredients:
- Cabbage: The heart of the dish. Green cabbage is classic, but Napa or Savoy also work.
- Onion Soup Mix: The flavor bomb. Lipton’s version contains herbs and dehydrated onion which build deep flavor fast.
- Stewed Tomatoes: Add richness and slight sweetness. Diced tomatoes can be used in a pinch.
Substitutions:
- No stewed tomatoes? Use crushed or diced with a pinch of sugar.
- No onion soup mix? Use a bouillon cube and a tsp of garlic/onion powder instead.
- Low-sodium needed? Choose no-salt-added tomatoes and reduce soup mix slightly.
Equipment Notes:
- A large stockpot or Dutch oven is ideal
- No special equipment needed!
🍽 Recipe Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Variations:
- Add 1 tsp smoked paprika for depth
- Stir in cooked lentils or beans for added protein
- Include chopped carrots or celery for more texture and nutrients
Dietary Options:
- Keto: Reduce tomatoes slightly and don’t add carrots
- Vegan: Naturally vegan as is
- Gluten-Free: Use a certified GF onion soup mix or homemade version
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy with a slice of rustic bread or garlic toast
- Serve over rice or quinoa for a heartier meal
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for color and brightness
Pairings:
- Beverage: A crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or iced tea
- Playlist: Cozy up with some acoustic folk or lo-fi beats
❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead
Storage:
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months
- Tip: Let soup cool before freezing to avoid ice crystals
Reheating:
- Microwave: 1–2 min per bowl, stir halfway
- Stovetop: Simmer on low until hot. Add a splash of water if too thick
Make-Ahead:
- Soup tastes even better the next day! Make a day in advance and reheat when ready to serve
Shelf-Life Notes:
- Cabbage texture may soften more over time, but flavor deepens
- Best enjoyed within 3 days fresh or 2 months frozen
🧮 Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 90
- Carbs: 17g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 1g
- Fiber: 4g
- Allergens: May contain gluten depending on soup mix
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this without the soup mix?
A: Yes! Use 4 cups veggie broth, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and salt to taste.
Q: Is this a weight-loss soup?
A: Many enjoy it as part of a light, low-calorie diet—it’s high in fiber and low in fat, making it filling.
Q: Can I add meat?
A: Absolutely. Try browned ground beef or shredded rotisserie chicken stirred in at the end.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes! Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating up to 3 months.
❤️ Behind the Recipe
I first made this cabbage soup on a chilly Monday when I wanted something simple, warm, and cozy—and it didn’t disappoint. With just four ingredients, it became a go-to in my meal rotation. The stewed tomatoes add sweetness, and the onion soup mix does all the heavy lifting on flavor. It’s budget-friendly, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable.
📣 Share Your Version!
Have you made this cabbage soup? Tried a twist? Let me know in the comments or tag your photo with #MyCozySoup on Instagram. I’d love to see your version!
