Creamy Dreamy Cabbage Soup: A Veggie-Packed Delight

Cabbage soup often gets a bad rap, conjuring images of bland, watery meals. But let’s banish those thoughts right now! This creamy cabbage soup recipe is a far cry from the diet fads of the past. It’s a hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly decadent way to enjoy the humble cabbage, packed with nutrients and perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a truly comforting and satisfying dish. We’re talking tender cabbage, aromatic vegetables, and a touch of creaminess that elevates the whole experience. Get ready to discover a new favorite soup!

## Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cabbage Soup

* **Flavorful and Comforting:** Forget bland! This soup is bursting with savory flavors thanks to the combination of cabbage, onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. The creamy addition makes it incredibly comforting. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
* **Nutrient-Rich:** Cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This soup is a healthy and delicious way to get your daily dose of goodness. Other veggies add to its nutritional profile.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Cabbage is an inexpensive vegetable, making this soup a great option for budget-conscious meals. Most of the other ingredients are also pantry staples.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and simple, perfect for busy weeknights. Just chop, sauté, and simmer – that’s it!
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable to your liking! Add different vegetables, proteins, or spices to create your own unique version.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for several days and even freezes well, making it ideal for meal prepping. Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need to make this delectable creamy cabbage soup:

* **Cabbage:** The star of the show! A medium-sized green cabbage is ideal. Savoy cabbage also works well and offers a slightly sweeter flavor.
* **Onion:** A yellow or white onion provides a foundational layer of savory flavor. Dice it finely for even cooking.
* **Carrots:** Carrots add sweetness and color to the soup. Dice them into small pieces so they cook through evenly.
* **Celery:** Celery contributes a subtle, earthy flavor that complements the other vegetables. Dice it similarly to the carrots.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor. Use fresh garlic for the best results.
* **Vegetable Broth:** Vegetable broth forms the base of the soup. Use a high-quality broth for the best flavor. You can also use chicken broth if you prefer.
* **Heavy Cream:** A touch of heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the soup. You can substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option.
* **Olive Oil:** Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables. You can use other oils like avocado oil or canola oil.
* **Dried Thyme:** Dried thyme adds a subtle earthy flavor to the soup. Other herbs like rosemary or oregano also work well.
* **Bay Leaf:** A bay leaf infuses the soup with a subtle aromatic flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Season to taste! Be sure to taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, croutons, or a dollop of sour cream make excellent garnishes.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this delicious creamy cabbage soup:

**Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**

* Wash and dry all the vegetables.
* Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and discard them. Cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the core, and then thinly slice the cabbage.
* Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly.
* Mince the garlic.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
* Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Broth**

* Add the sliced cabbage to the pot.
* Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring that the cabbage is mostly submerged. Add more broth if needed.
* Stir in the dried thyme and add the bay leaf.

**Step 4: Simmer the Soup**

* Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
* Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**Step 5: Add the Cream and Season**

* Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
* Stir in the heavy cream.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.

**Step 6: Blend (Optional)**

* For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup. Be careful when blending hot liquids. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.

**Step 7: Serve and Garnish**

* Serve the soup hot.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, croutons, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Protein:** For a heartier soup, add cooked sausage, bacon, or shredded chicken.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Use Different Vegetables:** Experiment with other vegetables like potatoes, leeks, or mushrooms.
* **Make it Vegan:** Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan version.
* **Add a Touch of Acidity:** A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can brighten the flavors of the soup.
* **Thicken the Soup:** If you prefer a thicker soup, you can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables with a fork and stir them back into the soup.
* **Enhance the Flavor:** For a deeper, richer flavor, try browning the vegetables slightly more when sautéing them. Be careful not to burn them, as this will make the soup bitter.
* **Slow Cooker Option:** You can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the cabbage, broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream and seasoning before serving.

## Serving Suggestions

This creamy cabbage soup is delicious on its own as a light meal or appetizer. Here are some serving suggestions to make it a complete and satisfying meal:

* **Serve with Crusty Bread:** A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
* **Pair with a Salad:** A simple side salad complements the richness of the soup.
* **Add a Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic pairing with tomato soup, but it’s also delicious with creamy cabbage soup.
* **Top with Crispy Bacon:** Crumbled crispy bacon adds a salty and smoky flavor to the soup.
* **Serve with a Dollop of Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a tangy and creamy element to the soup.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** Freeze leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture of the soup may change slightly after freezing.

## Recipe Card

**Creamy Cabbage Soup**

A comforting and flavorful cabbage soup made with tender cabbage, aromatic vegetables, and a touch of creaminess.

**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes
**Total time:** 45 minutes
**Serves:** 6

**Ingredients:**

* 1 medium green cabbage, thinly sliced
* 1 yellow onion, diced
* 2 carrots, diced
* 2 celery stalks, diced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 6 cups vegetable broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, croutons, sour cream

**Instructions:**

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add cabbage and vegetable broth. Stir in thyme and bay leaf.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until cabbage is tender.
5. Remove bay leaf. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. (Optional) Use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup.
7. Serve hot and garnish as desired.

Enjoy this creamy, comforting, and healthy cabbage soup! It’s a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day and enjoy the goodness of vegetables.