As the week drifts on and dinner ideas seem to dwindle, I often find myself reaching for that humble head of cabbage tucked away in the fridge. This versatile veggie has saved many dinner nights, turning into a warm, inviting sautéed cabbage dish that practically dances with flavor. Imagine the sweet interplay of tender, caramelized cabbage, garlic, and onions mingling together in a hot skillet, filling your kitchen with an aroma that immediately makes you feel at home.
What I love most about this recipe is its incredible simplicity—it takes just 20 minutes to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknights. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly side or a quick vegetarian dish that’s bursting with nutrients, this sautéed cabbage will quickly become your go-to favorite. So, let’s dive in and explore how to transform this everyday vegetable into a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious!
Why is this cabbage soup recipe easy?
Simplicity at its finest: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and only 20 minutes to prepare, making it a breeze for anyone looking to create a homemade dish. Flavorful and satisfying: The combination of sweet caramelized cabbage, fragrant garlic, and savory onions makes every bite delightful. Versatile dish: Enjoy it as a side or add proteins for a hearty main. Budget-friendly and healthy: Packed with nutrients, this dish is perfect for those watching their spending and their waistline. Crowd-pleaser: Friends and family will love the rich flavors, making it an instant favorite at your dinner table.
Cabbage Soup Recipe Easy Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- Small Green Cabbage – Provides the main structure; you can substitute with red cabbage for a vibrant touch.
- Small Yellow Onion – Adds sweetness; consider using Vidalia onions for an extra flavorful boost.
- Garlic Cloves (minced) – Infuses lovely aromatic flavor; garlic powder can be a quick alternative if you’re short on time.
- Vegetable Broth (4 cups) – Forms the flavorful base; chicken broth can be used for a more robust taste.
For Seasoning
- Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper (to taste) – Enhance the soup’s overall flavor; start with a pinch and adjust as needed.
- Fresh Herbs (such as thyme or parsley) – Add at the end for freshness; basil can offer a unique flavor twist in your cabbage soup recipe easy.
Optional Add-ins
- Diced Carrots – Incorporate for additional sweetness and color; these are also great for extra nutrients.
- Cooked Chicken or Tofu – Toss in for added protein, making this soup hearty and more filling.
- Lemon Juice – A squeeze at the end brightens the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Cabbage Soup Recipe Easy
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Prepare the vegetables: Start by slicing the small green cabbage in half, removing the core, and thinly slicing it into strips. Next, slice the small yellow onion thinly and mince the garlic cloves, so they’re ready to infuse their flavor.
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Sauté the onions: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 3 minutes, until they begin to soften and turn translucent.
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Add garlic and cabbage: Toss in the minced garlic and sliced cabbage, stirring to combine. Sauté for an additional 4-5 minutes, letting the cabbage wilt down and become tender.
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Pour in the broth: Once the cabbage is slightly softened, add 4 cups of vegetable broth (or chicken broth for extra depth). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
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Season the soup: Season the soup with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a fragrant finish.
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Simmer: Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the soup to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until all the flavors meld together and the cabbage is tender.
Optional: Garnish with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a fresh pop of flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Helpful Tricks for Cabbage Soup Recipe Easy
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Hot Pot First: Always heat your pot before adding oil and vegetables; this ensures they’re cooked evenly and enhances flavors.
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Properly Slice: Cut the cabbage and onions into similar sizes to ensure they cook uniformly. Uneven sizes can lead to overcooking some pieces while others remain crunchy.
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Flavor Infusion: Allow the garlic to sauté just until fragrant. Overcooking garlic can make it bitter, which might overshadow the delicious flavors in your cabbage soup recipe easy.
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Simmering Time: Don’t rush the simmering process. Let the soup meld for at least 10-15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to absorb broth flavors fully.
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Season Gradually: Start with a small amount of salt and pepper. You can always add more before serving, but it’s harder to fix an over-salted soup.
Cabbage Soup Recipe Easy Variations
Feel free to make this comforting dish truly your own by exploring these delicious variations!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing to infuse the soup with a gentle heat that warms the soul.
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Crispy Toppings: Top your soup with sautéed croutons or crispy shallots for added texture and a delightful crunch.
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Richer Flavor: Incorporate a splash of soy sauce or tamari for a deeper umami flavor that complements the cabbage beautifully.
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Creamy Twist: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream just before serving for a rich and creamy finish.
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Nutty Addition: Toasted sesame oil can be drizzled on top for a nutty flavor that elevates the overall experience.
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Vegetable Medley: Add diced bell peppers, green beans, or zucchini to boost both nutrition and color in your soup.
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Herbaceous Freshness: Toss in fresh basil or dill right before serving, providing a fragrant pop that lightens the dish.
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Citrusy Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice not only brightens flavors but adds a refreshing contrast to the richness.
Make Ahead Options
These sautéed cabbage dishes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can slice the cabbage and onion up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can prepare the garlic by mincing it ahead of time as well. To ensure the best quality, sauté the prepped vegetables within a day to prevent them from browning. When you’re ready to enjoy your sautéed cabbage, simply heat your chosen fat in the skillet, add the prepped onions, and follow the recipe steps, finishing with a dash of salt and pepper. Enjoy effortless, delicious results that make your weeknight meals a breeze!
What to Serve with Quick and Easy Sautéed Cabbage with Garlic and Onions?
Bring warmth to your table with flavors that beautifully complement this vibrant sauté dish.
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken adds protein and pairs perfectly with the tender greens for a balanced meal.
- Brown Rice: Nutty brown rice offers a hearty base, soaking up the savory juices from the sautéed cabbage, creating comfort in every bite.
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet, caramelized roasted carrots enhance the dish’s earthy notes while adding a pop of color to your plate.
- Corned Beef: A traditional favorite, corned beef’s salty richness contrasts beautifully with the lightness of sautéed cabbage, a classic pairing.
- Tofu Stir-Fry: For a vegetarian twist, add some tofu stir-fried with soy sauce and sesame oil; the textures meld seamlessly for soul-satisfying bites.
- Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for scooping up the cabbage, ensuring none of those delicious flavors go to waste.
- Lemonade: Refreshing homemade lemonade cuts through the savory richness, providing a delightful contrast to each bite you take.
- Apple Crisp: End your meal on a sweet note with a warm apple crisp, its cinnamon notes bringing a comforting finish to the dinner table.
How to Store and Freeze Cabbage Soup Recipe Easy
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Room Temperature: Cabbage soup should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to avoid spoilage.
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Fridge: Store any leftover cabbage soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to retain optimal freshness.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cabbage soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Leave some space in the container for expansion as the soup freezes.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. The texture may be slightly softer after freezing, but the flavor remains delightful!
Cabbage Soup Recipe Easy Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best cabbage for my soup?
Absolutely! When choosing cabbage, look for heads that are firm, heavy for their size, and have tightly packed leaves. Avoid any with dark spots, breaks, or wilty outer leaves. A good head of cabbage should feel solid and fresh, and if you can find one that’s vibrant green, even better!
What is the best way to store leftover cabbage soup?
You can easily stash your delicious soup! Store any leftover cabbage soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to lock in freshness. Just remember, if you see any signs of separation or discoloration, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
Can I freeze cabbage soup? If so, how?
Absolutely, freezing is a great option! To freeze your cabbage soup, allow it to cool completely. Pour the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and seal tightly. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove or in a microwave. Just note that the texture may be slightly softer after freezing, but the flavors will still be delightful!
What if my cabbage soup tastes too bland or too salty?
If you find your soup is lacking flavor, try adding a dash of acid, like lemon juice or a splash of vinegar. This can brighten the overall taste! Conversely, if it’s too salty, consider adding a bit of extra broth or water to dilute the saltiness. You can also toss in some diced potatoes or rice to absorb excess salt.
Are there dietary considerations for cabbage soup?
Absolutely! Cabbage soup is naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making it friendly for various diets. However, if you have specific allergies, always check ingredient labels, especially for broths. For those with a sensitivity to certain spices or ingredients, I suggest you adapt the seasonings to match your taste buds, and consider using low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
Easy Cabbage Soup Recipe That Heals and Warms the Soul
Equipment
- - Large pot
- - Cutting board
- - Knife
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 small green cabbage or red cabbage for a vibrant touch
- 1 small yellow onion consider Vidalia onions for extra flavor
- 3 cloves garlic minced; garlic powder can be a quick alternative
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth for a richer taste
For Seasoning
- kosher salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley for freshness
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup diced carrots for sweetness and color
- 1 cup cooked chicken or tofu for added protein
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightening flavors
Instructions
How to Make Cabbage Soup Recipe Easy
- Prepare the vegetables: Start by slicing the small green cabbage in half, removing the core, and thinly slicing it into strips. Next, slice the small yellow onion thinly and mince the garlic cloves.
- Sauté the onions: In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 3 minutes, until they begin to soften and turn translucent.
- Add garlic and cabbage: Toss in the minced garlic and sliced cabbage, stirring to combine. Sauté for an additional 4-5 minutes, letting the cabbage wilt down and become tender.
- Pour in the broth: Once the cabbage is slightly softened, add 4 cups of vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Season the soup: Season the soup with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.
- Simmer: Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the soup to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until all the flavors meld together and the cabbage is tender.
- Optional: Garnish with a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a fresh pop of flavor!