Classic Cabbage Soup (Printable Version)

Tender cabbage and vegetables simmered in savory tomato broth. Vegetarian and gluten-free comfort in a bowl.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and chopped (approximately 6 cups)
02 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
03 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Tomato Base

06 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
07 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste

→ Broth & Seasoning

08 - 6 cups vegetable broth
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - 1 bay leaf
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

# How to Make:

01 - Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add a splash of oil, then sauté the onion, carrot, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the chopped cabbage, stir well, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it begins to wilt.
04 - Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
05 - Add diced tomatoes with juice, vegetable broth, thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika if using, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.
06 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cabbage and vegetables are tender.
07 - Discard the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It turns the simplest vegetables into something deeply satisfying and warm.
  • The whole pot costs less than a single takeout meal and feeds a crowd.
  • You can make it on autopilot after a long day because it practically cooks itself.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day when the flavors have melted together.
02 -
  • Don't skip cooking the tomato paste separately, it transforms the flavor from flat to rich.
  • If your cabbage tastes bitter, a pinch of sugar in the broth will balance it out.
  • Let the soup simmer gently, not at a rolling boil, or the vegetables will fall apart instead of staying tender.
03 -
  • Use a sharp knife to core and chop the cabbage, it makes the job faster and safer than wrestling with a dull blade.
  • Taste the soup halfway through simmering and add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if it needs brightness.
  • If you love smoky flavor, try adding a tiny pinch of liquid smoke along with the smoked paprika.
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