Creamed Cabbage Soup
Creamed cabbage soup offers a comforting blend of tender vegetables, creamy richness, and savory ham, perfect for hearty family meals or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large kettle, combine chicken broth, chopped celery, shredded cabbage, chopped onion, and chopped carrot; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium pan.
- Add flour, salt, and pepper; stir to form a smooth paste.
- Gradually add light cream and milk to the flour mixture, stirring constantly.
- Cook until thickened, then continue cooking for 1 minute longer.
- Gradually stir the cream mixture into the cooked vegetables.
- Add cooked ham and thyme; heat through and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the broth. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the ham, adding extra vegetables like potatoes or mushrooms instead. A blend of kale or spinach can also enhance the nutritional value while maintaining the creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting soup alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken With Herbs En Casserole for a hearty family dinner. For added texture, consider garnishing with crispy bacon bits or fresh herbs like parsley before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the original consistency, and heat gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling the cream. This soup also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamed Cabbage Soup contains roughly 1574 calories, with 20g protein, 183g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (280% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value), and iron (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1136mg per serving (49% 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 other types of meat instead of ham?
Yes, you can substitute the ham with shredded rotisserie chicken for a different flavor profile or even use bacon for a smoky touch. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is heated through.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can use coconut cream and almond milk as dairy alternatives. The texture will differ slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious. Just be sure to check the broth ingredients to ensure they are dairy-free.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If you find the soup too thick for your liking, simply stir in more chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Gradually add the liquid while stirring to avoid making it too watery.
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).