If you’re craving a soul-satisfying bowl that’s as vibrant as it is comforting, this Hearty Cabbage Soup with White Beans and Vegetables Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender cabbage, creamy white beans, sweet carrots, and fragrant herbs, every spoonful bursts with wholesome flavor and cozy goodness. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on chilly days or to enjoy as an easy, nourishing meal any time you want something both light and filling. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, yet feels lovingly crafted from the heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of fresh and pantry staples, this recipe comes together effortlessly. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the vegetables bring texture and natural sweetness, the white beans add creamy protein, and the herbs and vinegar brighten up every bite.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies without overpowering their flavors.
- Carrots (chopped): Provide a subtle sweetness and lovely color that makes the soup inviting.
- Medium yellow onion (diced): Builds the foundational savory aroma and depth of flavor.
- Celery rib (diced): Contributes a mild earthiness and crunch to balance the softer ingredients.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the pot with just the right touch.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle peppery kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- White wine vinegar: Brings brightness and subtle tang that lifts the whole soup.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Give a smoky depth and luscious texture to the broth.
- Vegetable broth: The savory liquid base that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Cooked white beans (drained and rinsed): Offer creamy protein and a satisfying bite.
- Garlic cloves (grated): Infuse aromatic warmth and complexity without overpowering.
- Yukon Gold potatoes (diced): Add comforting creaminess when cooked, balancing the acidity.
- Small green cabbage (chopped): The star ingredient that becomes tender yet keeps a lovely bite.
- Dried thyme: Introduces an earthy herbal note that complements all the veggies.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): A fresh finishing touch that adds color and subtle flavor.
How to Make Hearty Cabbage Soup with White Beans and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
First, heat up the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped carrots, diced onion, celery, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir these gently as they cook for about 8 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and their natural sweetness to develop. This step lays down a flavorful base that will infuse the whole soup.
Step 2: Combine and Simmer Everything
Next, pour in the white wine vinegar and give it a quick stir to brighten the mixture. Then add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, rinsed white beans, grated garlic, diced potatoes, chopped cabbage, and dried thyme. Cover the pot and let everything simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cabbage softens but still holds some texture. This simmer melds the flavors wonderfully.
Step 3: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Taste your Hearty Cabbage Soup with White Beans and Vegetables Recipe and adjust the seasoning as needed—maybe a pinch more salt or a little extra pepper. When you’re happy with it, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of freshness and color before serving.
How to Serve Hearty Cabbage Soup with White Beans and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish for this soup, adding a pop of green and subtle herbaceous notes, but try sprinkling some grated Parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little extra flavor contrast or heat. A dollop of Greek yogurt can also add lovely creaminess and tang.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty whole-grain bread or warm garlic naan to soak up every precious spoonful. A simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette keeps the meal light and fresh, balancing the heartiness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls to impress guests or family. You can also enrich the soup by adding a handful of kale or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra green boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Hearty Cabbage Soup with White Beans and Vegetables Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors even deepen over time, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some space at the top for expansion and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it seems too thick after sitting, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I use canned cabbage instead of fresh?
Fresh cabbage is best for this recipe because it keeps a pleasant texture and fresh flavor; canned cabbage tends to be too soft and can make the soup mushy.
Is this soup suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This recipe is entirely plant-based. Just be sure to use vegetable broth and skip any optional cheese garnishes for a fully vegan-friendly meal.
What can I substitute for white beans?
Cannellini or great northern beans are perfect substitutes as they have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the soup well.
Can I make this soup spicier?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of red chili flakes or a diced jalapeño with the aromatics will give the soup a nice spicy kick without overpowering the other flavors.
How long does this soup take to cook?
The total cook time is about 35 minutes after prepping the vegetables, making this a quick yet satisfying soup to whip up any day of the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so genuinely comforting about a warm bowl of this Hearty Cabbage Soup with White Beans and Vegetables Recipe. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients that taste like a big hug in soup form. Whether you’re after a light meal or a hearty dish to cozy up with, this recipe is a reliable winner that feels homemade and special every time. Give it a try soon—I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to soups!
Print
Hearty Cabbage Soup with White Beans and Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This hearty and nutritious cabbage soup is a comforting meal perfect for any season. Packed with fresh vegetables, white beans, and flavorful herbs, it’s simmered gently to develop a rich taste and tender texture. Ideal for a light lunch or warming dinner, this cabbage soup combines wholesome ingredients with simple preparation.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 celery rib, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, grated
- 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
- 1 small green cabbage (about 1 pound or 9 cups chopped)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Liquids & Broth
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Seasonings & Others
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can cooked white beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped carrots, diced onion, diced celery, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes until the vegetables soften and begin to caramelize.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer: Stir in the white wine vinegar, then add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, drained white beans, grated garlic, diced potatoes, chopped cabbage, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes until the potatoes and cabbage are tender.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes to add depth of flavor to the soup.
- Cabbage can be substituted with savoy or green cabbage varieties based on preference.
- For a vegan or vegetarian option, ensure the vegetable broth is free from animal products.
- This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more broth for a thinner consistency or cooking uncovered for a thicker texture.
