Description
If you’re looking for a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal that supports your health goals, this Weight-Loss Cabbage Soup is exactly what you need. It’s light yet hearty, packed with fiber and essential vegetables, and full of warming, savory flavor. This simple, one-pot soup is built around a flavorful vegetable base and tender green cabbage, finished with a touch of acidity to brighten the entire dish.
Ingredients
Base Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Main Components
- 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 medium head green cabbage, halved and sliced
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
Seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook and stir these vegetables until they begin to soften, which should take 6 to 8 minutes.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Next, add the chopped red bell pepper, minced garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to toast the spices and release the garlic’s fragrance.
Step 3: Simmer the Cabbage
Add the 8 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth, the sliced green cabbage, and the chopped large tomato to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Cook Until Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat immediately to maintain a gentle simmer. Partially cover the pot and cook until all the vegetables are tender, which will take 15 to 20 minutes more. Check the cabbage for doneness around the 15-minute mark.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the 2 teaspoons of white vinegar right before serving. Serve warm, perhaps with a slice of whole-grain bread for dipping.
Notes
Brightening Flavor (Pro Tip): Don’t skip the white vinegar! Adding a small amount at the end is crucial. It brightens the flavor of the cooked vegetables and prevents the soup from tasting flat, which is common with low-sodium broths.
Make it Heartier: For a more satisfying meal, you can stir in 1 cup of canned, rinsed, and drained kidney or cannellini beans, or 1 cup of shredded, cooked chicken breast.
Storage and Freezing: This soup is an excellent meal-prep option. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days (flavors deepen overnight) or freeze the completely cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 cups
- Calories: 133
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 451mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cabbage soup, weight loss soup, low calorie, vegetable soup, healthy soup, one pot meal