German Cabbage Soup

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: German

A hearty German cabbage soup with tender cabbage, potatoes, carrots, ham, and a flavorful broth, perfect for comforting meals and versatile for all seasons.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 1 head chopped cabbage
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 6 to 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can mushrooms
  • 1 tablespoon parsley
  • 2 diced potatoes
  • 2 diced carrots
  • diced ham (optional)

Instructions

  1. Saute cabbage and onions in butter until tender.
  2. Add flour and stir well to combine.
  3. Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly, and heat over low heat until the mixture thickens.
  4. Add diced potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, parsley, and diced ham if desired.
  5. Heat through and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. If you're short on time, store-bought broth works well too. You can substitute the butter with olive oil for a lighter version. If you want to add some spice, try incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and omit the ham.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty German Cabbage Soup is perfect with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Adobo(A Filipino Dish) for a diverse dinner spread. For an added touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before serving to enhance the flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the consistency. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of German Cabbage Soup contains roughly 778 calories, with 28g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (138% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (134% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 665mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).

778 kcal 39% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 28.5g 57% DV
Total Fat 13.4g 17% DV
Carbs 141.9g 52% DV
Fiber 23.9g 86% DV
Sugar 14.1g 28% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 664.7mg 29% DV
Potassium 3817.3mg 81% DV
Cholesterol 9.6mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1204.6mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 71.1mg 79% DV
Vitamin D 2.3mcg 11% DV
Calcium 188.7mg 15% DV
Iron 24.9mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 freeze German Cabbage Soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

What can I substitute for cabbage?

If you're not a fan of cabbage, you can use kale or Swiss chard as a substitute. Both greens will add a different texture and flavor, but will still work well in this soup. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.

Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the ham. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.

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).

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