You’ll discover that creating a soul-warming soup doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. This hearty garden cabbage soup transforms humble vegetables into something extraordinary with just one pot and minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family on a budget or meal-prepping for busy weekdays, this recipe delivers maximum flavor while keeping things delightfully simple. The secret lies in how these everyday ingredients work together.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Simplicity meets satisfaction in this hearty cabbage soup that transforms everyday vegetables into a nourishing meal. You’ll appreciate how effortlessly fresh ingredients come together in one pot, creating amazing flavors without complicated techniques. This recipe delivers hearty comfort that warms you from within while providing exceptional health benefits through nutrient-dense vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. You’ll love how the V8 juice adds depth while keeping sodium levels manageable. It’s perfect for meal prep, freezes beautifully, and satisfies your hunger without weighing you down. This soup proves healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or convenience.
Ingredients
This nourishing cabbage soup requires simple, wholesome ingredients that are readily available at most grocery stores. The recipe combines fresh vegetables with convenient pantry staples to create a satisfying meal that’s both budget-friendly and nutritious.
- 1 head cabbage
- 1 large yellow onion
- 2 green bell peppers
- 1 bunch celery
- 5-6 large carrots (peeled)
- 1 (7 ounce) can mushrooms
- 1 (1-1⅞ ounce) vegetable soup mix
- 1 (46 fluid ounce) bottle low-sodium V8 juice
- 1 (14 ounce) can Mexican-style tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
When selecting ingredients, choose fresh vegetables that feel firm and look vibrant in color for the best flavor and nutritional value. The low-sodium V8 juice is essential for keeping the soup heart-healthy while still providing rich tomato flavor. If you prefer additional heat, consider having Cholula hot sauce on hand for individual servings, though this addition is optional based on personal preference.
Directions
Begin by cleaning and cutting all fresh vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces. This includes the 1 head of cabbage, 1 large yellow onion, 2 green bell peppers, 1 bunch of celery, and 5-6 large peeled carrots. Uniform cutting guarantees even cooking and makes the soup easier to eat. Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a five-quart saucepan over high heat, then add all the prepared vegetables. Sauté the vegetables for approximately four minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to begin developing their flavors.
Once the vegetables have been sautéed, add the 1 (1-1⅞ ounce) vegetable soup mix packet, 1 (14 ounce) can of Mexican-style tomatoes, 1 (7 ounce) can of mushrooms, and the entire 46 fluid ounces of low-sodium V8 juice to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to cook for 45 minutes to one hour, which gives the flavors time to meld together and the vegetables time to become tender. For those who enjoy spicy food, add a couple dashes of Cholula hot sauce to individual servings rather than the entire pot, allowing each person to customize their heat level.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the greatest advantages of cabbage soup lies in its flexibility—you can easily adapt the recipe based on your dietary preferences or what’s available in your kitchen. For protein swaps, you can add diced chicken, turkey, or beef during the sautéing stage. Vegetarians might include white beans or lentils for extra substance. When exploring spice twists, consider adding Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean flavor, or cumin and paprika for a southwestern kick. You can substitute the V8 juice with vegetable broth, swap bell peppers for zucchini, or use fire-roasted tomatoes instead of Mexican-style for deeper flavor.
Additional Things To Serve With This Dish
What should you serve alongside this hearty cabbage soup to create a complete and satisfying meal? Crusty bread makes an excellent companion, perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth and soaking up every last drop. You’ll love how warm, buttery garlic knots complement the soup’s savory vegetables. Consider adding a simple green salad with vinaigrette to balance the meal’s richness. Grilled cheese sandwiches also pair wonderfully, offering that classic comfort food combination. For lighter options, try whole grain crackers or a slice of toasted sourdough. These accompaniments transform your soup into a filling, restaurant-quality dining experience at home.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to lose weight or simply enjoy a nutritious, warming meal, this cabbage soup delivers on both flavor and health benefits. This recipe brings kitchen nostalgia to life, reminding you of home-cooked comfort foods that nourish both body and soul. It’s perfect for meal planning since you can prepare large batches and freeze portions for busy weekdays. The versatile nature means you’ll never get bored – add different vegetables, seasonings, or proteins to keep things interesting. You’ve got a reliable, healthy recipe that’ll become a staple in your cooking rotation.
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