Soup’s On, Crunchy Queens!
Healthy Vegetarian Cabbage Soup Recipes to Keep Your Gut Happy and Your Bowl Full
Let’s talk soup. Not the canned kind that tastes like sadness and preservatives—but the homemade, nourishing, body-loving kind that hugs your insides like a cozy sweater. If you’re looking for a way to clean out your fridge, reset your gut, and feed your soul, then cabbage soup is your new bestie.
And don’t roll your eyes at cabbage! This humble little cruciferous queen is totally having a moment—and it deserves it. It's high in fiber, packed with vitamins (hello, C and K!), supports digestion, and is crazy budget-friendly. Basically, it’s like the unsung hero of your crunchy kitchen.
Ready to spoon into something warm and wildly satisfying? Here are three totally plant-based, super-nourishing cabbage soup recipes you’ll want to slurp on repeat.
1. The Classic Crunchy Detox Cabbage Soup
Simple, earthy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups veggie broth
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (if you're spicy)
Instructions:
- In a big soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant (this is where the magic starts).
- Toss in your carrots, celery, zucchini, and cabbage. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in tomatoes and veggie broth. Stir in seasonings.
- Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
- Taste, adjust salt and spice, and serve hot with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon!
Why we love it: It’s the OG feel-good soup. Easy to make, easy to digest, and easy to customize.
2. Creamy Coconut Curry Cabbage Soup
When you want cozy vibes with bold flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste (or more to taste)
- 1 small head of green or Napa cabbage, shredded
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) coconut milk
- 3 cups veggie broth
- 1 tablespoon tamari or coconut aminos
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat coconut oil in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in curry paste and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Add cabbage and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Pour in coconut milk, veggie broth, and tamari. Stir well.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Finish with fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro.
Why we love it: It’s creamy without the dairy, spicy without overpowering, and full of anti-inflammatory goodness. Plus, it’s so chic you’ll forget it's made of cabbage.
3. Hearty Lentil & Cabbage Soup
For the days when your soul needs extra grounding (and your kids are climbing the walls).
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 leek or onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chopped cabbage
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 potato, chopped
- ¾ cup green or brown lentils
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups veggie broth
- Optional: a handful of kale or spinach stirred in at the end
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a soup pot. Add leek or onion and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Add cabbage, carrots, and potato. Stir and cook 5-6 minutes.
- Add lentils, seasonings, and broth. Bring to a boil.
- Lower heat and simmer for 35-40 minutes, until lentils are soft.
- Add greens at the end if using. Stir until wilted.
Why we love it: This one fills you up and fuels you all day. It’s great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
Bonus Crunchy Mama Tips:
- Add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end of cooking to brighten the flavor.
- Want it spicy? Add chili flakes, a swirl of harissa, or a dash of cayenne.
- Keep it freezer-friendly: make a double batch and store extra in mason jars.
- Pair with sprouted bread, sourdough toast, or your fave gluten-free crackers.
Eat the freakin rainbow. Stir with love. And always keep it crunchy.