Cathy'S Cabbage Soup
A hearty, comforting cabbage soup with rich tomato flavors and aromatic herbs, perfect for a nutritious meal that suits all cabbage lovers and comfort food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 1 small head cabbage ⓘ
- 1 large or 2 medium onions, sliced ⓘ
- 64 oz. can chicken stock or broth ⓘ
- 64 oz. water ⓘ
- 4 cups tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 (32 oz.) can stewed tomatoes or crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons Italian dressing or 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon marjoram ⓘ
- dash of salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a large stockpot and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 60 to 90 minutes until the cabbage is tender and flavors have blended.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced carrots or celery along with the onions for extra flavor and nutrition. If you're out of Italian dressing, using a mix of dried herbs like basil or thyme can provide a similar taste. For a spicy kick, incorporate red pepper flakes. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to ensure the flavors are balanced.
Serving Suggestions
Cathy's Cabbage Soup is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. Consider serving it alongside Ultra Creamy Mashed Potatoes for a comforting meal. This soup is also a great base for adding leftover proteins like shredded chicken or turkey for a heartier option.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency, heating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cathy'S Cabbage Soup contains roughly 2772 calories, with 41g protein, 380g carbohydrates, and 153g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (367% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (308% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! About 6-8 medium ripe tomatoes will work well. Just chop them and add them in with the other ingredients. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require a longer cooking time to break down and blend into the soup.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well. Just make sure to leave some space in the container, as the soup will expand when frozen. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Yes, adding meat can enhance the flavor and make it more filling. Cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or even ground beef can be included. Simply brown the meat in the pot before adding the other ingredients, or stir in cooked meat during the last few minutes of simmering.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).