Creamy Cabbage Soup
Creamy cabbage soup is a warm, hearty, and comforting dish combining tender cabbage and smooth, velvety broth. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple, nutritious ingredients to create a filling meal that’s perfect for any season. Versatile and budget-friendly, it can be customized to suit various dietary preferences, making it a wholesome classic everyone will enjoy.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering and blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, finely chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or thyme), for garnish
- Red pepper flakes or hot sauce, for a spicy kick
- Cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or beans for added protein
- Grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese
- Fresh basil, tarragon, or rosemary for herb infusion
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by finely chopping the cabbage, dicing the onion and carrots, and mincing the garlic. Having everything prepped and ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
- Sauté the Base: Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and carrots, cooking until they soften and start to caramelize, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, allowing it to become fragrant without browning to keep the flavor sweet.
- Add the Cabbage and Broth: Introduce the chopped cabbage to the pot and mix well. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, enough to cover the vegetables. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, letting it simmer until the cabbage is tender—around 20 minutes.
- Blend to Creaminess: Once the vegetables are soft, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer portions to a countertop blender and puree in batches.
- Finish with Cream and Seasoning: Stir in your heavy cream or coconut milk, heating gently without boiling to preserve the cream’s richness. Season with salt, pepper, and any preferred herbs. Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Notes
- Use fresh cabbage for sweeter, more vibrant flavors and better texture.
- Don’t rush cooking; allow the cabbage to soften fully for easier blending and a silkier soup.
- Blend thoroughly to achieve an extra creamy finish without chunks.
- Adjust creaminess gradually by starting with less cream and adding more as desired.
- Season in layers; salt once before blending and again after adding cream for balanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: creamy cabbage soup, comforting soup, healthy cabbage recipe, easy soup recipe, vegan cabbage soup, hearty soup, gluten free soup, vegetable soup