Vegan Easy Cabbage Soup

Instructions for Vegan Easy Cabbage Soup

This vegan cabbage soup is as easy to make as it is delicious. Here’s how to prepare it in just a few simple steps:

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Start by chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Peel and dice the carrots, chop the celery, and dice the onion. Mince the garlic as well. Having all your ingredients prepped will make the cooking process much smoother.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Add the garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.

3. Add the Cabbage

Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and stir to combine with the other vegetables. Allow the cabbage to cook for a few minutes, letting it wilt down slightly. This will help release some of its moisture and intensify the flavors.

4. Simmer the Soup

Once the cabbage has softened, add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir everything together, bring it to a simmer, and cover the pot. Let the soup cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.

5. Adjust the Seasoning

Once the soup has finished cooking, remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Add salt and pepper to taste. For a bit of extra tang and depth of flavor, you can add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar at this point—this is optional but adds a nice balance to the soup.

6. Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Why You’ll Love Vegan Easy Cabbage Soup

1. Incredibly Flavorful: Despite being simple, this cabbage soup is packed with flavor. The combination of garlic, herbs, and vegetable broth creates a rich base, while the cabbage absorbs all the wonderful flavors as it cooks.
2. Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it a great option for meal prepping. You can also freeze it for later use—just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
3. Comfort Food with a Twist: Cabbage soup is a classic, but this version, with its balance of savory flavors and rich broth, is a modern and satisfying take on the traditional recipe.
4. High in Fiber: Thanks to the cabbage, carrots, and celery, this soup is loaded with fiber, making it great for digestion and overall health.
5. Budget-Friendly: This is an affordable soup to make, using pantry staples like cabbage, onions, carrots, and vegetable broth. It’s perfect for those looking for a nutritious meal on a budget.

Customizations and Variations

While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to customize it to fit your preferences. Here are some ways to make this soup your own:

• Add Beans for Extra Protein: You can add a can of white beans, chickpeas, or kidney beans to the soup for a protein boost. Just rinse and drain the beans before adding them to the soup during the simmering stage.
• Add Greens: For extra nutrition, add leafy greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. Stir them into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking, just until they wilt.
• Use Different Vegetables: Feel free to swap out or add other vegetables you have on hand. Potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, or even parsnips would work wonderfully in this soup.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper when sautéing the vegetables. This will give the soup a nice kick.

Serving Suggestions

This vegan cabbage soup is filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or a warm baguette for dipping. The bread will soak up the delicious broth and add an extra layer of texture.
• Vegan Grilled Cheese: Pair this soup with a vegan grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal. The creamy cheese and crispy bread complement the heartiness of the cabbage soup.
• Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad for an added boost of vegetables and freshness. A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette would be perfect.

The Bottom Line: A Healthy, Hearty, and Delicious Meal

Vegan Easy Cabbage Soup is the perfect combination of health and comfort. It’s light yet filling, full of flavor, and easy to prepare. Packed with cabbage, carrots, celery, and flavorful herbs, it’s a warming dish that’s perfect for cold weather or any time you need a satisfying, healthy meal.

This soup is also incredibly versatile, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping, customizing to your taste, or adapting to what you have in your kitchen. Whether you’re vegan or just looking to eat more plant-based meals, this cabbage soup is a wonderful way to enjoy a nutritious, delicious dish that everyone will love.

Give this Vegan Easy Cabbage Soup a try, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of a bowl of goodness that nourishes both body and soul!