Easy Homemade Cabbage Soup

This Easy Homemade Cabbage Soup is hearty, healthy, and packed with tender cabbage, colorful vegetables, and a flavorful tomato broth. It’s an easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups (1.4 L) vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped cabbage and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring until it begins to wilt.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
7. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
8. Remove the bay leaf, stir in the lemon juice (if using), and garnish with fresh parsley.
9. Serve hot with your favorite bread or crackers.

Tips

• Add cooked shredded chicken, ground beef, or white beans for extra protein.
• Use Savoy cabbage for a softer texture.
• A splash of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavor.
• This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Serving Suggestions

• Crusty bread
• Garlic toast
• Grilled cheese sandwich
• Crackers
• Green salad

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 140 calories per serving