This Vegan Easy Cabbage Soup is a wholesome and comforting dish packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. Perfect for any time of the year, this soup is light yet satisfying, making it a great option for a healthy lunch or dinner. Whether you are looking for a warming meal on a cold day or a nourishing dish to add to your plant-based diet, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy & Nutritious: Full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh vegetables.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Easy to Make: Requires minimal prep time and comes together in under an hour.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or use what you have on hand.
Ingredients
For this flavorful and hearty soup, you will need:
Fresh Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 heads of garlic, minced (use more if you love garlic)
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 stalks of celery, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 6 fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 head of Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves (or any leafy greens of choice)
Seasonings & Broth
- 8 cups vegetable broth (choose a rich, flavorful broth)
- 5 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onions, diced green bell pepper, celery, and sliced carrots. Stir frequently and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Fresh Vegetables
Add the chopped tomatoes, sliced Napa cabbage, green beans, zucchini, and baby spinach to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 3: Season the Soup
Sprinkle the dried oregano and basil over the vegetables, and add the bay leaves. Stir everything together, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Carefully pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring all the vegetables are fully submerged. If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly. Stir everything well.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning & Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or black pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Ladle the warm and nourishing cabbage soup into bowls and enjoy it as a wholesome meal. For extra flavor, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal.
- Pair with a side salad for added freshness.
- Enjoy it as a light starter before a heartier main dish.
Tips & Variations
- Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Add Protein: Toss in cooked chickpeas, white beans, or lentils for a more filling soup.
- Use Different Greens: Swap baby spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a slightly different flavor.
- Freeze for Later: This soup freezes well, so make a big batch and store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
This Vegan Easy Cabbage Soup is a simple yet flavorful dish that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re following a plant-based diet or just looking for a nutritious and hearty meal, this soup is a fantastic choice. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, homemade bowl of goodness!