Are you looking for a meal that feels like a restorative embrace in a bowl? Something that not only delights the taste buds but also leaves you feeling deeply nourished and revitalised from the inside out? We certainly understand that desire for a wholesome reset, particularly after a spell of indulgence or when a chill is in the air. The solution is simpler and more delicious than you might think: our wonderful Garlicky Cabbage Soup.

This is far from being just another uninspired diet soup. We have developed a recipe that puts the humble cabbage in the spotlight, enhancing it with an entire head of sweet, mellow garlic and a selection of other wholesome vegetables. The result is a profoundly savoury, aromatic, and filling soup, ideal for a light lunch, a healthy evening meal, or as a key part of your wellness journey. Let’s get cooking!

Unlocking the Power of Our Garlicky Cabbage Soup

When we embarked on creating the ultimate cabbage soup, our mission was to move beyond the bland and welcome bold, satisfying flavours. The true secret is the garlic. By using a very generous amount and letting it soften and sweeten in the pot, we build a rich, fragrant foundation that permeates every spoonful with warmth and complexity. This technique elevates the soup from a basic vegetable mix to a truly memorable culinary delight.

This recipe is crafted to serve as both a comforting dish and a beneficial element of a healthy lifestyle. It is naturally low in calories and carbohydrates, which makes it a superb option for anyone seeking a low carb cabbage soup that doesn’t sacrifice flavour. Filled with nutrients and fibre, it will help you feel full and content for hours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Profoundly Flavourful: We incorporate a whole head of garlic, which softens and caramelises as it cooks, lending a sweet, rich, and mellow taste that is far from overpowering. It forms the very soul of this delicious soup.
• Exceptionally Nourishing: Brimming with cabbage, carrots, celery, and onions, this soup is a treasure trove of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is the ideal healing broth to savour when you are feeling a bit run down or just in need of a nutritional lift.
• Beautifully Simple & Quick: Made with common kitchen staples and a fuss-free, one-pot method, you can have this gorgeous soup ready in less than an hour. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
• Budget-Friendly Goodness: Cabbage stands out as one of the most affordable vegetables you can buy. This recipe enables you to prepare a large, satisfying batch of soup that is exceptionally gentle on your budget.
• Versatile and Adaptable: While we adore this recipe just as it is, it also serves as a brilliant canvas for your own creativity. Feel free to add proteins, grains, or different herbs and spices to truly make it your own.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 entire head of garlic (about 10-12 cloves), peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 medium head of green cabbage (about 900g), core removed and shredded
• 2 litres (approx. 8 cups) of good-quality vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
• A large handful of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

How to Make the Perfect Garlicky Cabbage Soup

Preparing this soup is a delightfully straightforward affair. The real magic unfolds by methodically building layers of flavour from the very beginning. We suggest getting all your ingredients prepared and ready before you start—a practice chefs call ‘mise en place’—to ensure the cooking process is seamless and enjoyable.

1. Build the Aromatic Base

   In a large pot or Dutch oven set over a medium heat, add the olive oil. When it begins to shimmer, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 6-8 minutes, stirring now and then, until the vegetables start to soften and the onion turns translucent. This initial step is vital for creating the soup’s deep flavour profile.

2. Introduce the Garlic

   Add the chopped garlic to the pot. Carry on cooking for another 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously until the garlic becomes fragrant. Take care not to let it brown, as this can impart a bitter taste. The goal is simply to release its beautiful aroma.

3. Add Cabbage and Liquids

   Tip the shredded cabbage into the pot, stirring to mix it with the other vegetables. It might look like a huge amount initially, but it will wilt down significantly. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaves and dried thyme. Gently stir everything together.

4. Simmer to Perfection

   Raise the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then lower it, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for 20-30 minutes. The aim is for the cabbage to become tender without being overly soft. This simmering period allows all the distinct flavours to meld into a cohesive, delicious broth.

5. Season and Serve

   After the cabbage is tender, take the pot off the heat and remove the bay leaves. Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your preference. For a lovely bright finish, we highly recommend adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup and Fun Variations

Although our recipe is wonderful on its own, there are always opportunities to adapt it to your taste or to make use of ingredients you already have. Here are a few of our favourite suggestions and variations for this healthy vegetable soup.

Our Top Tips

• Use a High-Quality Broth: The broth serves as the foundation of this soup, so opting for a flavourful, high-quality vegetable stock will elevate the final result considerably.
• Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: To achieve the best texture, cook the cabbage until it is just tender. Overcooking can make it lose its satisfying bite and turn watery.
• Let It Rest: As with many soups and stews, this Garlicky Cabbage Soup often tastes even better on the second day, as the flavours have had more time to mingle and deepen.

Delicious Variations

• Add a Protein Boost: To transform the soup into a more substantial meal, add a tin of cannellini beans or chickpeas during the final 10 minutes of simmering. Cooked, shredded chicken is also a fantastic addition; leftovers from a dish like our Creamy Baked Tuscan Chicken with Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes would be ideal.
• Introduce Some Spice: If you like a little warmth, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a gentle, pleasant kick.
• Make It Creamy: For a richer, creamier consistency, stir a swirl of full-fat coconut milk or a spoonful of Greek yoghurt into individual bowls right before serving.
• Add Other Veggies: Don’t hesitate to include other vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, diced potatoes, or chopped kale. Just remember to alter the cooking time as needed.

The Nourishing Benefits of This Soup

This Garlicky Cabbage Soup is more than just tasty; it is one of the finest detox soup recipes you can prepare. It is full of ingredients celebrated for their health-enhancing qualities.

Cabbage, a cruciferous vegetable, is remarkably low in calories yet rich in key nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and dietary fibre. Garlic has been revered for its powerful medicinal properties for centuries. Its potential health benefits are widely recognised, as noted by organisations like the British Heart Foundation, especially concerning its role in supporting heart health and the immune system. When brought together in this warming soup, these ingredients create a meal that genuinely nurtures your body.

FAQ

Conclusion: Your New Favourite Comfort Soup

We firmly believe that healthy eating should never feel like a sacrifice. Instead, it ought to be a joyous experience, celebrating fresh, flavourful ingredients that make you feel your best. This Garlicky Cabbage Soup is the perfect expression of that belief. It is easy to prepare, exceptionally economical, and provides a comforting, nourishing experience in every spoonful.

Whether you’re after a light and wholesome meal, a flavour-packed detox option, or simply a warm bowl of comfort on a chilly day, we are confident this recipe will become a treasured staple in your culinary repertoire. If you enjoy comforting dishes loaded with garlic, we’re sure you will also love our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves. So, find your favourite pot, start chopping, and prepare to enjoy a soup that truly soothes the soul. We look forward to hearing how you get on, so please do leave a comment below to let us know!

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Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 40 mins
Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 entire head of garlic (about 10-12 cloves), peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 medium head of green cabbage (about 900g), core removed and shredded
• 2 litres (approx. 8 cups) of good-quality vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
• A large handful of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 6-8 minutes until softened.
2. Add the chopped garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
3. Stir in the shredded cabbage until it begins to wilt. Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the bay leaves and dried thyme.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
5. Remove from the heat, discard the bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper. Add an optional squeeze of lemon juice, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.

Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 124 kcal,
Carbs: 19 g,
Protein: 4.5 g,
Fat: 4.7 g

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