Description
This hearty and flavorful cabbage soup earns its title as the Best Cabbage Soup with layers of aromatic vegetables, tangy tomatoes, warming spices, and optional sausage or potatoes for a customizable, comforting meal. Simmered to perfection and brightened with apple cider vinegar and parsley, it’s an easy, nourishing one-pot wonder perfect for any season.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and shredded
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 8 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Cooked sausage, diced (Italian or kielbasa work well)
- Optional: Diced potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the shredded cabbage, diced carrots, and diced celery. Stir to combine and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the vegetables.
6. Add the vegetable broth, ensuring all vegetables are submerged.
7. Stir in oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
8. Add the bay leaf and bring the soup to a boil.
9. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
10. (Optional) Add diced cooked sausage during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering.
11. (Optional) Add diced potatoes during the last 20-25 minutes of simmering until tender.
12. Stir in apple cider vinegar and taste the soup. Adjust seasoning as needed.
13. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
14. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Add sausage or potatoes for extra heartiness.
Sour cream or grated Parmesan makes a great topping.
Lemon juice can be used instead of apple cider vinegar for brightness.
Letting the soup sit longer enhances the flavors even more.
Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg