Description
This comforting Crockpot Cabbage Soup is a hearty and healthy meal perfect for any day. Packed with fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrots, celery, and tomatoes, this slow-cooked soup is infused with herbs and spices to bring out a rich flavor. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the delicious, warming taste of this nutritious soup, ideal for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
Herbs & Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the cabbage, dice the onion, peel and slice the carrots, and chop the celery. Mince the garlic to get all ingredients ready for cooking.
- Sauté the Aromatics (Optional): In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, enhancing the soup’s flavor. This step can be skipped to save time.
- Combine in the Crockpot: Add the chopped cabbage, sautéed vegetables (if using), diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using) to your crockpot.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, sample the soup and adjust seasoning as needed with extra salt, pepper, or spices to suit your taste.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard it. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve the soup hot and enjoy its comforting flavors.
Notes
- The sautéing step is optional but adds depth to the soup’s flavor.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option.
- Adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Adding crushed red pepper flakes gives the soup a gentle heat, but it can be omitted for a milder taste.
- Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil adds freshness and color to the finished dish.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
