Looking for a comforting bowl of warmth that's both nutritious and budget-friendly? This Cabbage Potato Soup Recipe combines simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that's perfect for chilly days. With tender chunks of potato, crisp cabbage, and a flavorful broth, this soup delivers classic homestyle cooking at its finest.
About This Cozy Cabbage Potato Soup Recipe
This traditional cabbage potato soup has its roots in Eastern European cuisine, where hearty, vegetable-based soups have been keeping families warm for generations. What makes this recipe special is its perfect balance of textures – creamy potatoes, tender cabbage, and a rich, savory broth that ties everything together. Whether you're looking for a filling lunch or a light dinner option, this soup delivers satisfaction in every spoonful.
Jump to:
- About This Cozy Cabbage Potato Soup Recipe
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Equipment For Cabbage Potato Soup Recipe
- Storage and Reheating
- Recipe Variations
- Dietary Benefits
- Serving Suggestions
- Top Tip
- Grandma's Magic Touch
- FAQ
- How did your Cabbage Potato Soup Recipe turn out?
- Related
- Pairing
- Cabbage Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients
For this cabbage potato soup recipe, gather:
- 1 large head of cabbage (about 2 pounds), chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 medium potatoes (preferably Yukon Gold), peeled and diced
- 2 large onions, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup heavy cream for a richer soup
The star ingredients here are the cabbage and potatoes – the cabbage adds a subtle sweetness as it cooks down, while the potatoes provide a creamy texture that makes the soup extra satisfying.
Instructions
Preparing the Base
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat
- Add diced onions and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes)
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant
- Stir in sliced carrots and cook for 3-4 minutes
Building the Soup
- Add diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine
- Pour in the broth and add bay leaves and thyme
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer
- Cook for 10 minutes or until potatoes start to become tender
Adding the Cabbage
- Add chopped cabbage to the pot
- Stir well to combine all ingredients
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes until cabbage is tender but still has some bite
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Stir in heavy cream for a richer soup
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Getting the best results from this cabbage potato soup recipe comes down to a few key techniques:
- Cut your cabbage and potatoes into similarly sized pieces for even cooking
- Don't overcook the cabbage – it should be tender but still slightly crisp
- For extra flavor, consider adding a parmesan rind while simmering
- Taste and adjust seasoning gradually throughout cooking
Equipment For Cabbage Potato Soup Recipe
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven (6-8 quart capacity)
- Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
Storage and Reheating
This cabbage potato soup actually tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed to adjust consistency.
For freezing, let the soup cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Variations
Make this cabbage potato soup recipe your own with these delicious variations:
- Meat Lover's Version: Add browned kielbasa or bacon for extra flavor
- Vegetarian Delight: Use vegetable broth and add white beans for protein
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute cauliflower for potatoes
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot paprika to taste
Dietary Benefits
This soup is naturally:
- Low in calories
- High in fiber from the cabbage and vegetables
- Rich in vitamins C and K
- Budget-friendly and filling
- Gluten-free (when using appropriate broth)
Serving Suggestions
Serve your cabbage potato soup with:
- Crusty whole grain bread for dipping
- A dollop of sour cream
- Fresh chopped dill or parsley
- A sprinkle of cracked black pepper
- Optional side of cornbread or rolls
Top Tip
The secret to the best cabbage potato soup is layering the flavors. Start by properly sautéing the onions until they're truly translucent – this creates a flavor foundation that makes all the difference in the final taste.
Grandma's Magic Touch
You know those recipes that instantly transport you back to your grandmother's kitchen? This cabbage potato soup is exactly that kind of dish. The secret isn't just in the ingredients – it's in those little touches that grandmas everywhere seem to know instinctively. Like adding a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors, or letting the soup simmer just a few minutes longer until the potatoes start to melt ever so slightly into the broth.
My grandmother always said, "A soup needs to smile before it's ready" – meaning you should see tiny droplets of golden fat dancing on the surface. She'd also insist on stirring the pot with a wooden spoon that she'd been using for decades, swearing it added extra flavor. While we can't bottle that particular magic, this recipe captures the essence of those cherished kitchen moments.
FAQ
While the cabbage soup diet may result in 5-10 pounds of weight loss in 7 days, this is primarily water weight and not sustainable long-term. Instead, enjoy this cabbage potato soup as part of a balanced diet for healthy, sustainable weight management.
The best thickening agents for potato soup are cornstarch, potato starch, or flour. However, this cabbage potato soup recipe naturally thickens from the starch in potatoes – simply mash some potato pieces against the pot's side or blend a portion of the soup for desired thickness.
Bland cabbage soup usually lacks proper seasoning or cooking technique. Enhance flavor by: 1) sautéing onions and garlic properly, 2) using good quality broth, 3) adding herbs like thyme and bay leaves, 4) seasoning gradually throughout cooking, and 5) finishing with fresh herbs and black pepper.
Yes, cabbage and potatoes create a highly nutritious combination. Cabbage provides vitamin C, K, and fiber, while potatoes offer potassium, vitamin B6, and complex carbohydrates. This soup is particularly beneficial for immune support and digestive health when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
How did your Cabbage Potato Soup Recipe turn out?
This recipe is sure to impress with its perfect balance of hearty vegetables and comforting broth. If you're a fan of satisfying comfort food, be sure to try our Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla Recipe next – another easy-to-make yet delicious treat!
Did you make this Cabbage Potato Soup Recipe? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments.
Did you try any creative twists or use any unique ingredients? Your feedback not only helps others but also contributes to our growing community of home cooks. Don't forget to share a photo of your culinary creation!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cabbage Potato Soup Recipe
Cabbage Potato Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven (6-8 quart capacity)
- Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cabbage thinly sliced
- 4 medium potatoes peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots thinly sliced
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
- Add onions and cook until translucent (5 minutes)
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant (1 minute)
- Add carrots and cook for 3 minutes
- Add potatoes and broth
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat
- Add thyme and bay leaves
- Simmer for 10 minutes
- Add cabbage and cook for 15-20 minutes
- Season with salt and pepper
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired
Notes
- Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Freezer-friendly for up to 3 months
- For extra flavor, add a parmesan rind while simmering
Leave a Reply