Looking for a comforting, budget-friendly meal that’s both nutritious and easy to make? This Cabbage and Potato Soup is the perfect choice! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or craving a light yet satisfying soup, this recipe delivers warmth and goodness in every bowl. Plus, it’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with wholesome flavors. Let’s dive into this effortless, homemade soup that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple & Easy – Made with just a few basic ingredients, this soup is quick to prepare.
Budget-Friendly – Affordable and made with pantry staples, perfect for saving money.
Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants for a wholesome meal.
Comforting & Satisfying – A warm, hearty soup that’s light yet filling.
Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free – A great option for various dietary needs.
Perfect for Any Season – Enjoy it as a cozy winter dish or a light summer meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cabbage – Chopped for a tender and slightly sweet flavor.
Potatoes – Peeled and diced to add heartiness and texture.
Vegetable Broth – Provides a rich, savory base for the soup.
Onion – Adds depth and natural sweetness.
Garlic (Optional) – Enhances the flavor with a subtle kick.
Salt & Pepper – Simple seasonings to bring out the best flavors.
Olive Oil (Optional) – For sautéing and added richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping the cabbage into thin strips and dicing the potatoes into small cubes for even cooking. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic if using.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent. If using garlic, add it next and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Broth
Add the diced potatoes to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the potatoes cook for about 10 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 4: Add the Cabbage
Stir in the chopped cabbage, mixing it well with the broth and potatoes. Cover the pot and let it simmer for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the potatoes are fully cooked.
Step 5: Season the Soup
Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. You can also adjust the seasoning with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of lemon juice for extra flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is tender and well combined, remove the soup from heat. Ladle it into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy it on its own or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Best Results
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
For the best flavor, use fresh cabbage, potatoes, and onions. Fresh vegetables enhance the natural sweetness and texture of the soup.
2. Cut Ingredients Evenly
Chop the cabbage into thin strips and dice the potatoes evenly. This ensures everything cooks at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being too soft while others remain undercooked.
3. Choose the Right Potatoes
Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape better, while Russet potatoes break down slightly, making the soup thicker. Pick based on your preferred texture.
4. Adjust the Broth for Desired Thickness
For a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or mash some of the potatoes before serving. If you prefer a lighter, brothier consistency, add a little extra liquid.
5. Let It Simmer for Extra Flavor
While the soup is ready in about 25 minutes, letting it simmer for an extra 10–15 minutes deepens the flavor. This allows the ingredients to blend beautifully.
6. Add Herbs for More Depth
Enhance the soup with herbs like thyme, bay leaves, or parsley for added aroma and flavor. Remove bay leaves before serving.
7. Store and Reheat Properly
This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a little water or broth if needed. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overcooking the Cabbage
Cabbage cooks quickly, and overcooking it can make it mushy and lose its fresh flavor. Add it towards the end of cooking and simmer just until tender.
2. Cutting Potatoes Too Large
If potatoes are too big, they take longer to cook and may not soften evenly. Dice them into small, uniform cubes for a perfectly cooked texture.
3. Not Sautéing the Onion First
Skipping this step can result in a bland soup. Sautéing onion and garlic before adding liquid enhances the overall depth of flavor.
4. Using Too Much or Too Little Broth
Adding too much broth can make the soup watery, while too little can make it too thick. Adjust the broth based on your preference, and remember that potatoes absorb liquid as they cook.
5. Underseasoning the Soup
Cabbage and potatoes have mild flavors, so proper seasoning is key. Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or spices to enhance the flavors.
6. Skipping Herbs and Spices
While the basic recipe is delicious, adding simple herbs like thyme, bay leaves, or parsley brings out a richer taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a gentle heat.
7. Not Letting the Flavors Develop
Rushing the cooking process can result in a less flavorful soup. Letting it simmer for an extra 10–15 minutes helps the ingredients meld together beautifully.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll achieve a rich, well-balanced, and satisfying cabbage and potato soup every time! 😊
Serving Suggestions
1. Pair with Crusty Bread
Serve your Cabbage and Potato Soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread. The bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, soaking up the savory broth, and adding a satisfying crunch.
2. Add a Protein
To make the soup heartier, consider adding cooked beans, lentils, or even shredded chicken. These proteins not only boost the nutritional value but also create a more filling meal.
3. Top with Fresh Herbs
Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or thyme just before serving. Fresh herbs add a burst of color and freshness, enhancing both the flavor and visual appeal.
4. Add a Dollop of Sour Cream or Yogurt
For extra creaminess, top your soup with a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt. This adds a tangy contrast to the savory soup, making every spoonful even more delicious.
5. Serve with a Salad
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works wonderfully alongside this soup. The freshness of the salad provides a great balance to the richness of the soup, making for a well-rounded meal.
6. Make it Spicy
For those who enjoy a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a few dashes of hot sauce to your bowl before serving. It adds an exciting layer of flavor that complements the mild soup.
7. Enjoy it as a Starter
Serve this soup as the first course of a larger meal. Its light yet flavorful nature makes it a perfect way to start a hearty dinner, especially when paired with grilled meats or a roast.
These serving suggestions elevate the simplicity of Cabbage and Potato Soup, offering variety and texture to suit different tastes. Enjoy! 😊
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage
Once your Cabbage and Potato Soup has cooled to room temperature, store it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking to ensure safety and freshness. If you have leftovers, it’s a great idea to portion them out into smaller containers for easy reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes well for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. To avoid freezer burn, try to remove as much air as possible from the bags. When ready to enjoy, defrost the soup overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker results.
Reheating on the Stove
For the best texture and flavor, reheat the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup if it has thickened during storage. Once heated through, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Reheating in the Microwave
If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat the soup in the microwave. Place a portion of the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel to prevent splattering. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated thoroughly.
Tip for Preventing Overcooking
Since the potatoes in the soup can become soft after being stored, avoid reheating the soup at a high temperature for too long. Reheat just until warm to preserve the soup’s texture.
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Cabbage and Potato Soup anytime, even after it’s been stored for a few days! 😊
Variations and Substitutions
1. Add More Vegetables
While the recipe is simple with just cabbage and potatoes, you can boost the flavor and nutrition by adding extra vegetables. Try adding carrots, celery, leeks, or even parsnips for more variety. These vegetables blend well with the cabbage and create a heartier, more complex soup.
2. Use Different Potatoes
If you prefer a smoother soup, opt for Russet potatoes. These potatoes break down and thicken the soup, creating a creamy texture. Alternatively, for chunkier soup, stick with Yukon Gold or red potatoes. These varieties hold their shape well during cooking.
3. Swap Vegetable Broth for Chicken Broth
If you’re not following a vegan diet, you can replace vegetable broth with chicken broth for a richer, more savory flavor. This substitution adds a depth of taste, perfect for those who enjoy a more robust broth.
4. Add Protein
For a more filling soup, add cooked beans (like cannellini or chickpeas), lentils, or shredded chicken. These additions will transform the soup into a complete, satisfying meal, ideal for those needing extra protein.
5. Make it Spicy
If you enjoy some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a finely chopped jalapeño. Adding these to the pot will give the soup a spicy kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
6. Creamy Option
For a creamier version of the soup, add a bit of coconut milk or heavy cream towards the end of cooking. This will give the soup a velvety texture and rich flavor, perfect for those who prefer a creamy soup base.
7. Swap Cabbage for Kale or Spinach
If you’re looking for a slight change, replace the cabbage with kale or spinach. These leafy greens add a slightly different texture and flavor, while still complementing the other ingredients in the soup.
These variations and substitutions offer many ways to customize your Cabbage and Potato Soup to suit different preferences or dietary needs. Have fun experimenting! 😊
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Potassium: 700mg
- Vitamin A: 8% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 50% of the DV
- Calcium: 4% of the DV
- Iron: 6% of the DV
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient choices (e.g., broth type, added protein, or oil) and portion sizes.
This Cabbage and Potato Soup provides a good balance of carbohydrates and fiber, with a significant amount of vitamin C from the cabbage. It’s also a low-fat, low-calorie option that’s naturally filling and satisfying. Feel free to adjust the ingredients for any specific dietary needs! 😊
Related Recipes
Stuffed Cabbage Casserole with Ground Beef and Rice — perfect to link when discussing cabbage in general or as a variation for cabbage lovers.
Cast Iron Potato Kugel: Crispy and Tender — great when talking about potato dishes or other comforting side dishes.
Authentic Chicken Soup: A Comforting Classic — ideal if you want to suggest other comforting soup recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! Cabbage and Potato Soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
2. Can I use different vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or leeks to customize the soup. These veggies complement the cabbage and potatoes, making the soup even more nutritious.
3. Is this soup gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, this recipe is both gluten-free and vegan as long as you use vegetable broth. It’s a great option for people with dietary restrictions.