If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s both nourishing and delicious, look no further than this Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe. This vibrant soup bursts with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs, delivering a satisfying yet light meal that warms your soul without weighing you down. Perfect for cozy lunches or easy dinners, this recipe shines with simple ingredients that come together quickly to create a bowl full of color, texture, and wholesome flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor, color, and nutrition. From crisp cabbage to sweet carrots and fragrant herbs, every component plays an essential role to make your soup both wholesome and irresistible.
- 3 cups nonfat low-sodium beef broth: Provides a rich, savory base without excess fat or salt, keeping the soup light and flavorful.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a subtle, aromatic punch that enhances all the other ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Infuses a deep, tangy sweetness and beautifully thickens the broth.
- 2 cups chopped cabbage: The star ingredient, bringing crunch, fiber, and a mildly sweet earthiness.
- ½ yellow onion: Offers a natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 1 cup chopped carrot: Provides vibrant color and a gentle, pleasant sweetness.
- 1 cup green beans: Adds crisp texture and a fresh green flavor to balance the soup.
- ½ cup chopped zucchini: Contributes a tender bite and subtle mildness near the end of cooking.
- 1 cup diced tomato: Brings acidity and brightness that wake up the whole dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped): Fresh, fragrant herbs that lift the entire soup with their aromatic flair.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly peppery note to round out the seasonings.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start off by lightly spraying a large pot with olive oil spray to prevent sticking while keeping calories low. This sets the stage for sautéing your veggies without drowning them in oil.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Carrots
Over medium-high heat, add your chopped onion, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the carrots start to soften, releasing their natural sweetness and aromas that make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 3: Build the Soup
Next, pour in the nonfat low-sodium beef broth along with the tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Add the cabbage and green beans right away, followed by the fresh basil, dried oregano, and a pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Stir everything together so the tomato paste dissolves fully and all the flavors start mingling beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Turn your heat down to a gentle simmer and let the soup cook for about 10 minutes. This allows the cabbage, beans, and other veggies to soften but remain slightly crisp — giving you just the right texture.
Step 5: Add Zucchini and Continue Cooking
Finally, stir in the chopped zucchini and let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes. This keeps the zucchini perfectly tender and prevents it from turning mushy, ensuring every spoonful bursts with fresh garden flavors.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Your Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe is ready to be ladled into bowls. The vibrant colors and inviting aroma make it hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth the anticipation!
How to Serve Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your soup to something truly special, top it with freshly chopped chives or a sprinkle of thyme. These simple herbs add a final layer of freshness and visual appeal, turning a humble soup into a gourmet delight.
Side Dishes
This soup stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with warm whole-grain bread or a crisp green salad makes for a well-rounded meal. The bread is perfect for dipping into that flavorful broth, while the salad keeps the meal light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or stack it with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt on top to add creaminess without extra fat. You could also sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan or a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch and richness that wow every guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and you’ll have a quick, satisfying meal ready whenever you need it.
Freezing
If you want to keep the soup longer, pour it into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen soup can last up to 3 months without losing its delicious flavor or texture, so you can enjoy this healthy delight long after making it.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy again, gently reheat the soup over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally so it warms evenly. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving for uneven heating and to keep the veggies tender.
FAQs
Can I make this Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the beef broth for a vegetable broth, and you’ll still get an equally flavorful, nutritious soup that’s completely vegetarian-friendly.
Is this soup good for weight loss?
Yes, this soup is fantastic for weight loss because it’s low in calories, packed with fiber-rich vegetables, and uses minimal added fat. It fills you up while supporting your health goals.
Can I add protein to this soup?
Definitely! To boost protein, consider adding cooked beans, lentils, or shredded chicken. Just be mindful of cooking times so the protein stays tender and flavorful.
How spicy is this soup?
This soup is naturally mild and comforting, but you can easily spice it up by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your taste.
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient substitute if fresh aren’t available. Just add them a bit earlier during the simmering steps to ensure they cook through perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe is a nourishing bowl of goodness that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s simple, flavorful, and bursting with wholesome ingredients that comfort and satisfy in equal measure. Go ahead, dive into this cozy pot of happiness—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Healthy Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 bowls
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This hearty and healthy Cabbage Soup recipe is a flavorful, low-fat dish perfect for a nutritious meal. Packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, it’s a simple stovetop soup that comes together quickly and is ideal for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Broth and Base
- 3 cups nonfat low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chopped cabbage
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup chopped carrot
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- ½ cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup diced tomato
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Vegetables
Herbs and Seasonings
Instructions
- Prepare the pot: Spray a large pot with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and add a subtle flavor base.
- Sauté aromatics and vegetables: Heat the pot over medium-high and sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the carrots slightly soften, developing their sweetness.
- Add broth and bulk ingredients: Pour in the nonfat low-sodium beef broth, then stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chopped cabbage, green beans, fresh basil, dried oregano, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything well to combine flavors.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften gently and the flavors to meld.
- Add zucchini and continue cooking: Stir in the chopped zucchini and simmer the soup for an additional 10 minutes until all the vegetables, including zucchini, reach your preferred level of tenderness.
- Serve: Ladle the soup hot into bowls. Optionally garnish with chopped chives or fresh thyme to add a fresh herbal note before serving. Enjoy your wholesome vegetable soup!
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth to better control the salt content in the soup.
- Feel free to substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter vegetarian version.
- Adding fresh herbs at the end enhances the soup’s flavor and aroma.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for longer storage.
- Adjust vegetable quantities and types based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
