Why are the simplest recipes often the tastiest? In France, easy cabbage soup is one of those traditional dishes that warms not just the body, but the heart as well. With a 35% increase in Google searches related to “homemade soup recipes” during winter, it’s clear that the French (and many others) are rediscovering the benefits of a good, simple, and authentic cabbage soup.

In this article, we present an easy version of cabbage soup, perfect for busy evenings or family meals. Whether you’re new to cooking or a fan of rustic dishes, this recipe will win you over. Learn how to transform a few simple vegetables into a burst of flavor—stress-free.

Ingredients for Easy Cabbage Soup

To prepare this delightful and straightforward cabbage soup, you’ll need the following ingredients: We’ve added some substitution suggestions to fit your taste or dietary needs.

Main Ingredients:

1 savoy cabbage (approximately 1 kg), finely shredded.
Use 3 carrots (medium-sized), sliced into rounds.
2 medium potatoes, cubed
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 leek, finely sliced (optional but recommended)
1 liter of vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste

Possible Substitutions:

Use Milan cabbage instead of savoy cabbage to achieve a softer, more delicate texture.
For a vegan protein-rich version, add green lentils.
Swap potatoes with turnip or parsnip for varied flavor.

Preparation Time

Preparing an easy cabbage soup doesn’t require an entire afternoon. Here’s a time breakdown:

Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

💡 That’s about 20% less than the average prep time of traditional French rustic soups (usually around 75 minutes).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, garlic, and leek. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and translucent.

Tip: Salting onions right away draws out their water faster.

Step 2: Add Root Vegetables

Add carrots and potatoes. Sauté for another 5 minutes to slightly brown them.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Stir in the shredded cabbage. Let it wilt for 5 minutes until it reduces in volume.

Step 4: Simmer Gently

Add hot broth, season with thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper, cover, and cook on low for 45 to 50 minutes.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Give the soup a final taste before serving and fine-tune the seasoning to suit your preference.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Value per Serving (300 ml)	Value
Calories	145 kcal
Protein	3.5 g
Carbohydrates	21 g
Fat	4 g
Fiber	6 g
Sodium	480 mg
Vitamin C	50% DV
Iron	10% DV

Healthier Alternatives

Want to make this recipe even lighter without sacrificing flavor? Here are a few suggestions:

- Red cabbage instead of green for more antioxidants.
- Replace olive oil with coconut oil for a subtle tropical note and a different fatty acid profile.

Serving Suggestions

Cabbage soup stands well on its own, but here are some tasty ways to serve it:

A slice of garlic-rubbed country bread, toasted
A drizzle of fresh cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess
A poached egg gently placed in the center for a hearty bowl

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the step of sweating the vegetables – This is crucial for building deep, foundational flavors in the soup.
Overcooking the cabbage – It becomes bitter and mushy.
Under-seasoning – Cabbage absorbs seasoning; be generous.
Using overly salty store-bought broth – It throws off balance.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed, airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
Reheating: Gently over low heat to preserve veggie texture.

💡 Meal prep tip: Double the batch and freeze half for busy weeknights.

Conclusion

Easy cabbage soup is more than a winter dish—it’s a comforting, nourishing, and economical tradition. In under an hour, you can serve your family a healthy, flavorful meal.
👉 Cook it tonight, drop your review below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more heartwarming dishes!