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Best cabbage soup in white bowl garnished with fresh parsley

Best Cabbage Soup

Hearty and flavorful cabbage soup packed with vegetables and aromatic spices. This comforting and healthy meal transforms humble cabbage into a culinary masterpiece.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium head green cabbage cored and shredded
  • 2 carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 28 ounce crushed tomatoes 1 can
  • 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

Equipment

  • large pot or Dutch oven
  • sharp knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. In large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Add shredded cabbage, diced carrots, and diced celery to pot. Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened.
  3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth (or chicken broth). Add oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Add bay leaf. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally.
  5. If using sausage, add diced cooked sausage during last 15-20 minutes of simmering. If using potatoes, add diced potatoes during last 20-25 minutes of simmering.
  6. Stir in apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaf.
  7. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Don't overcook cabbage to avoid mushiness. Longer simmering enhances flavor development. Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can be used for acidity.