Ina Garten’s Cabbage Soup is a warm, comforting, and healthy dish that’s perfect for chilly days. Made with simple ingredients, this soup combines cabbage with other fresh vegetables to create a nourishing, flavorful broth that’s low in calories yet filling. This cabbage soup is ideal for meal prep, light lunches, or as a satisfying starter for dinner.
What is Ina Garten Cabbage Soup?
Ina Garten’s Cabbage Soup is a classic vegetable-based soup that features cabbage, carrots, celery, and tomatoes simmered in a savory broth. Light and nutrient-packed, this soup is designed to be simple, allowing the fresh flavors of the vegetables to shine. It’s a cozy, hearty option for a healthy meal without the need for heavy ingredients.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Low-calorie and healthy: Packed with vegetables, this soup is nutritious, low in calories, and ideal for light meals.
- Easy and economical: Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients that are easy to find.
- Great for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Customizable: You can add protein or extra vegetables to suit your preference.
- Perfect for all seasons: While cozy in winter, it’s light enough to enjoy year-round.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Cabbage Soup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions to Make Ina Garten Cabbage Soup
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add cabbage and tomatoes: Stir in the chopped cabbage and canned diced tomatoes with their juice, mixing well with the other vegetables.
- Pour in the broth and seasonings: Add the vegetable or chicken broth, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried basil, and bay leaf. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bring to a simmer: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage and other vegetables are tender.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with lemon wedges for a touch of brightness.
What Goes Well With Ina Garten Cabbage Soup
- Crusty bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
- Side salad: A simple side salad pairs well, adding extra greens to the meal.
- Grilled cheese: A grilled cheese sandwich is a great companion to this light soup.
- Roasted vegetables: Add some roasted root vegetables as a hearty side.
- Protein addition: For extra protein, add shredded chicken or a side of sausage.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Cabbage Soup
- Use fresh vegetables: Fresh cabbage and vegetables give the best flavor and texture.
- Simmer for tenderness: Allow enough time for the cabbage to cook down and become tender.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste the soup before serving to adjust salt, pepper, or herbs.
- Add acid for brightness: A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving enhances the flavors.
- Customize with protein: For a heartier meal, add shredded chicken, turkey, or white beans.
Variations of Ina Garten Cabbage Soup
- Spicy Cabbage Soup: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Tomato-Cabbage Soup: Add an extra can of diced tomatoes and a spoonful of tomato paste for a richer, tomato-based flavor.
- Protein-Packed Cabbage Soup: Stir in cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or white beans for added protein.
- Herb-Infused Cabbage Soup: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill for an herbaceous twist.
- Vegetable-Packed Cabbage Soup: Include additional vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans for a more robust soup.
Storing Ina Garten Cabbage Soup: Best Practices
- Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: This soup freezes well. Transfer cooled soup to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Label the container: If freezing, label the container with the date to track freshness.
Reheating Ina Garten Cabbage Soup: Best Practices
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Heat individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Adjust consistency if needed: Add a little broth or water if the soup thickened during storage.
FAQs
Can you freeze cabbage soup?
Yes, cabbage soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do you keep cabbage from getting mushy in soup?
To keep the cabbage from becoming mushy, simmer the soup until the cabbage is just tender, around 30-40 minutes. Avoid overcooking, and if reheating, warm the soup gently to preserve the cabbage’s texture.
What spices go best with cabbage soup?
Spices like thyme, basil, bay leaf, and black pepper complement cabbage soup well. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Can I make cabbage soup without broth?
Yes, you can make cabbage soup without broth by using water and adding extra seasoning for flavor. Adding a spoonful of tomato paste or a splash of vinegar can also enhance the taste in a broth-free version.
Final Words
Ina Garten’s Cabbage Soup is a delicious and nutritious choice for those who love wholesome, comforting meals. Easy to make and full of flavor, this cabbage soup is perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully. Enjoy it with crusty bread or a salad for a complete meal, and savor the natural, fresh flavors in every bite. Give it a try and enjoy the cozy, heartwarming goodness of this simple yet satisfying soup!
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- Ina Garten Chocolate Bundt Cake
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Ina Garten Cabbage Soup
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ina Garten’s Cabbage Soup is a classic vegetable-based soup that features cabbage, carrots, celery, and tomatoes simmered in a savory broth. Light and nutrient-packed, this soup is designed to be simple, allowing the fresh flavors of the vegetables to shine. It’s a cozy, hearty option for a healthy meal without the need for heavy ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add cabbage and tomatoes: Stir in the chopped cabbage and canned diced tomatoes with their juice, mixing well with the other vegetables.
- Pour in the broth and seasonings: Add the vegetable or chicken broth, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried basil, and bay leaf. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bring to a simmer: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage and other vegetables are tender.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with lemon wedges for a touch of brightness.
