On my busiest weeknights, I often crave a meal that’s both comforting and nourishing, without a fuss. That’s why this Cabbage Soup Recipe Hearty Tomato Carrot Medley is my go-to, filling my kitchen with a warm, savory aroma as it simmers. This family-friendly recipe is a lifesaver for busy parents, offering a simple yet satisfying solution for healthy weeknight dinners. It transforms humble ingredients into a flavorful, high-fiber meal that everyone will love, even after a long day.
Ingredient Essentials and Smart Upgrades
Crafting a truly satisfying Cabbage Soup Recipe Hearty Tomato Carrot Medley starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious, family-friendly meal, along with some smart swaps.
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1.5 cups / 225g) (aromatic base)
- 3 medium carrots, diced (about 1.5 cups / 200g) (sweetness, color)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbsp / 15g) (flavor enhancer)
- 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 lbs / 900g), cored and chopped (main vegetable, tender texture)
- 1 (28-oz / 794g) can diced tomatoes, undrained (rich tomato flavor; I often use fire-roasted for extra depth)
- 6 cups (1.4 L) vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred, or water if in a pinch)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (adds warmth and depth)
- ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground (to taste)
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste (enhances all flavors)
For healthy eating, consider organic vegetables and a high-quality broth. Frozen diced vegetables are a great budget-friendly option for easy meal prep without losing flavor. This ensures your Cabbage Soup Recipe Hearty Tomato Carrot Medley is both wholesome and convenient. Choose crisp, firm cabbage for best results; it stores well in the fridge for a week.
Easy Cooking Instructions, Step by Step
Whipping up this Cabbage Soup Recipe Hearty Tomato Carrot Medley is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a wholesome, family-friendly dinner.
- Prep Your Veggies: On a sturdy cutting board, carefully core and chop your cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Dice the carrots and onion, then mince the garlic. This hands-on step prepares your kitchen for efficient cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat, warm the olive oil until it shimmers. Add diced onions and carrots; cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and smell sweet. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until fragrant. If the pan looks dry, splash in 1-2 Tbsp of broth.
- Build the Base: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine, letting the spices bloom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, you’ll see small bubbles forming on the surface (about 5 minutes).
- Add Cabbage & Simmer: Stir in all of the chopped cabbage. Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and has a slightly translucent appearance. For a hands-off approach, you could slow cook this on low for 4-6 hours after this step, until the cabbage is incredibly soft.
- Season & Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or pepper to your preference. Ladle the steaming Cabbage Soup Recipe Hearty Tomato Carrot Medley into bowls. This low-carb meal is perfect for healthy eating, offering balanced nutrition.
For a quicker version, I’ve often used my Instant Pot, sautéing on ‘Saute’ mode, then pressure cooking for 5-7 minutes. This adaptable Cabbage Soup Recipe Hearty Tomato Carrot Medley can truly fit any schedule, making it one of my favorite easy dinner ideas.
Should your soup be too thin, simmer it uncovered for a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency. If the cabbage isn’t tender enough, continue cooking, adding a splash of broth if needed. Always adjust seasoning often for the best flavor.
Perfect Occasions and Make-Ahead Uses
- Scenarios:
- Busy weeknights: A wholesome meal ready in under an hour.
- Family gatherings: A crowd-pleasing, healthy option everyone can enjoy.
- Holiday tables: A lighter, vibrant addition to rich spreads.
- School lunches: Pack in a thermos for a warm, nourishing midday meal.
- Pairings: Serve your Cabbage Soup Recipe Hearty Tomato Carrot Medley with crusty bread, a dollop of sour cream (or Greek yogurt if you’re going lighter), or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A side salad or grilled cheese sandwich makes it a complete meal.
- Meal prep notes:
- Containers: Store individual portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- Freezer guidance: Freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating best practices: Gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick.
Wellness and Lifestyle Highlights of Cabbage Soup Recipe Hearty Tomato Carrot Medley
This Cabbage Soup Recipe Hearty Tomato Carrot Medley is a fantastic choice for weight management due to its high fiber and low calorie count. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, supporting balanced meals and natural energy for busy families.
- Energy boost: Nutrient-dense vegetables provide sustained energy.
- Digestive health: High fiber content aids digestion.
- Family-friendly: Mild flavors and satisfying texture appeal to all ages.
- Diet-friendly: Naturally low-carb and easily adaptable for gluten-free diets.
Discover a healthy weeknight dinner idea that everyone will love. It’s also a great option for quick low-carb recipes and easy vegetable meal prep.
Everyday Value and Practical Benefits
This versatile soup is a lifesaver for busy households, offering a satisfying and nutritious meal without stress. My family loves how quickly it comes together for delicious home cooking.
- Budget-friendly: Made with affordable, everyday ingredients.
- Easy sourcing: Most ingredients are readily available at any grocery store.
- Flexible: Easily scale up or down to fit your family size and meal needs.
Perfect for lunch boxes, repurposing leftovers, or serving a crowd at gatherings. It’s a dish that truly keeps on giving, making healthy eating simple.
Expert Tips, Adjustments, and Safety Notes
Sautéing the veggies until slightly caramelized before adding broth deepens the flavor wonderfully. Don’t overcook the cabbage; it should be tender-crisp, not mushy, for the best texture. I find that lightly caramelizing the onions adds incredible depth to this Cabbage Soup Recipe Hearty Tomato Carrot Medley.
Start with a pinch of salt and pepper, then taste and adjust. For a kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot sauce. A bay leaf during simmering adds subtle complexity, which you can remove before serving.
- Simple allergy/diet modifications:
- Nut-free: Naturally nut-free.
- Dairy-free: Ensure you use vegetable broth and avoid dairy toppings.
- Gluten-free: Confirm your broth is gluten-free (most are). This Cabbage Soup Recipe is inherently gluten-free.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Ensure you use vegetable broth and no meat products.
FAQs
“Is this Cabbage Soup Recipe Hearty Tomato Carrot Medley suitable for meal prep and freezing?”
Yes, absolutely! This Cabbage Soup Recipe Hearty Tomato Carrot Medley freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it an excellent choice for weekly meal planning. Simply portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and store. For reheating, I usually thaw it overnight in the fridge then gently warm on the stovetop until heated through.
“How can I make my Cabbage Soup Recipe more filling?”
To boost the heartiness, add cooked shredded chicken or ground turkey to your Cabbage Soup Recipe. You could also stir in a can of rinsed cannellini beans or a handful of brown rice or small pasta during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This transforms it into a more robust main course, perfect for hungry appetites.
“What kind of cabbage is best for this Cabbage Soup Recipe?”
Green cabbage is the most common and ideal choice for this Cabbage Soup Recipe Hearty Tomato Carrot Medley, offering a mild, slightly sweet flavor and pleasant texture. Napa cabbage can also be used if you prefer a softer, quicker-cooking variety. Both work wonderfully in this hearty, family-friendly soup.
“Can I make this Cabbage Soup Recipe vegetarian or vegan?”
Absolutely. This Cabbage Soup Recipe is inherently vegetarian if you ensure you use a quality vegetable broth. To make it completely vegan, simply confirm all your chosen toppings, such as sour cream or cheese, are plant-based. It’s naturally dairy and meat-free in its core form, offering a versatile meal option.
“How to make this Hearty Tomato Carrot Medley Cabbage Soup kid-friendly or lighter?”
To make this Hearty Tomato Carrot Medley Cabbage Soup more appealing to kids, serve it with a side of fun crackers or a sprinkle of mild cheese. For a lighter version, stick to a clear vegetable broth and avoid any heavy cream or high-fat toppings, focusing instead on the fresh, vibrant vegetables and herbs.
“Where can I order quality Cabbage Soup Recipe ingredients?”
Most grocery stores readily carry high-quality fresh vegetables suitable for this Cabbage Soup Recipe. For organic options, consider checking your local farmer’s markets or specialty health food stores. Many online grocers also provide convenient delivery services for fresh produce right to your door, making sourcing easy.
“Can I use canned cabbage for this recipe?”
While fresh cabbage is always preferred for the best texture and vibrant flavor in this Cabbage Soup Recipe, canned or frozen pre-chopped cabbage can be used as a convenient alternative in a pinch. If using, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time as they may soften much faster. Ensure it’s well-drained before adding.
Conclusion
This Hearty Tomato Carrot Medley Cabbage Soup Recipe offers comfort, nutrition, and ease for healthy, quick family dinners. Save this delicious and easy recipe to Pinterest now for your next meal prep!
Cabbage Soup Recipe Hearty Tomato Carrot Medley
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegan, High-Fiber
Description
This Cabbage Soup Recipe is a comforting and nourishing family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights. It transforms humble ingredients into a flavorful, high-fiber solution for healthy eating.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil, for sauteing
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head green cabbage (900 g), cored and chopped
- 1 (28-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium preferred
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.25 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.5 tsp salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Prep Your Veggies: Core and chop cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Dice carrots and onion, then mince garlic.
- Saute Aromatics: In a large 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add diced onions and carrots; cook for 8-10 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Build The Base: Pour in undrained diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer (about 5 minutes).
- Add Cabbage And Simmer: Stir in chopped cabbage. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until cabbage is tender.
- Season And Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle steaming soup into bowls.
Notes
Choose crisp, firm cabbage; it stores well for a week. Use organic vegetables and high-quality broth for healthier eating, or frozen diced vegetables for convenience. If pan looks dry during saute, add broth. For a hands-off method, slow cook for 4-6 hours after adding cabbage. For a quicker version, pressure cook for 5-7 minutes in an Instant Pot. Adjust consistency by simmering longer if too thin, and continue cooking if cabbage is not tender, adding broth if needed. Always adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 140 calories
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg