Cabbage and Onion Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups green cabbage, shredded
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce/410 g) can diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the cabbage, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften.
5. Pour in the broth and add the diced tomatoes, thyme, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, if using.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the parsley and lemon juice, if using. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
8. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Optional Add-Ins

• Cooked shredded chicken
• White beans or chickpeas
• Sliced smoked sausage
• Diced potatoes
• Cooked barley or brown rice
• A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

Serving Suggestions

• Crusty bread or garlic toast
• Grilled cheese sandwich
• Crackers
• A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave individual portions until heated through.

This comforting soup is hearty, budget-friendly, and even more flavorful the next day as the ingredients have time to meld.