Easy Cabbage Soup Recipe

### Instructions

#### Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
1. **Prepare the vegetables**: Begin by chopping the cabbage, onions, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic as well.

2. **Heat olive oil**: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften and the onions become translucent.

3. **Add the garlic**: Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

#### Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings
4. **Add the liquids**: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir to combine the ingredients.

5. **Season the soup**: Add the bay leaf, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.

6. **Add cabbage**: Add the shredded or chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir to incorporate the cabbage into the broth.

#### Step 3: Simmer and Cook
7. **Simmer the soup**: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. The longer you let it simmer, the more the flavors will meld together, so feel free to adjust the cooking time based on how much time you have.

8. **Add optional ingredients**: If you’re adding beans, chicken, or peas, now is the time to stir them into the soup. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to heat through.

#### Step 4: Taste and Serve
9. **Adjust seasoning**: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences.

10. **Serve**: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair it with a slice of whole-grain bread for a complete, hearty meal.

### Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup

– **Customize the vegetables**: This recipe is highly adaptable. You can add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.

– **Add protein**: For a more filling meal, add lean proteins like cooked chicken breast, turkey, or even a can of beans. This will help turn the soup into a more substantial dish that can stand alone.

– **Make it spicy**: If you like a little heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or even a chopped jalapeño to the soup for a spicy kick.

– **Let it sit**: Like most soups, cabbage soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. If you have time, let the soup cool and then refrigerate it overnight to allow the ingredients to marry.

– **Storage**: Leftover cabbage soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it later.

### Why You’ll Love Easy Cabbage Soup

**Easy Cabbage Soup** is the perfect recipe for anyone looking for a light yet satisfying meal. The cabbage, a low-calorie vegetable, provides bulk and nutrition, while the carrots, celery, and tomatoes bring both sweetness and depth to the flavor. The broth ties everything together, offering a comforting base for the vegetables to shine. It’s a versatile dish that can be made on a whim, with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

Whether you’re following a healthy eating plan, want to make a hearty vegetarian meal, or simply enjoy a good bowl of soup, this cabbage soup will check all the boxes. It’s low-calorie, full of fiber, and can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and makes great leftovers, so you can enjoy it throughout the week.

Give this **Easy Cabbage Soup** a try next time you’re craving something warm, comforting, and nourishing. It’s the perfect dish for any season, and you’ll be surprised at just how satisfying a simple bowl of cabbage soup can be!