Ingredients

Scale

(Serves 6)

Soup base:

1 tbsp olive oil (or ¼ cup water for oil-free)
1 large onion, diced
3 carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups—you want hearty crunch!)

Broth & flavor:

6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (you love low-sodium options!)
1 (15 oz) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
2 bay leaves
Salt & black pepper to taste

Optional boosts (you’ll love these!):

High-protein: 1 (15 oz) can white beans or lentils (+7g protein/serving)
Extra depth: 1 tbsp tomato paste or 1 tsp smoked paprika
Acidity: 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (brightens richness—you love citrus!)

Garnish:

Fresh parsley or dill
Red pepper flakes
Lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Sauté veggies:

Heat oil (or water) in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook 5–6 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic; cook 1 minute more.

2. Simmer soup:

Add cabbage, broth, tomatoes, thyme, oregano, and bay leaves.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 20–25 minutes until cabbage is tender but not mushy.

3. Finish & serve:

Discard bay leaves. Stir in optional boosts (beans, vinegar, etc.). Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with herbs and lemon wedges.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
✅ Don’t overcook cabbage—25 minutes max for ideal texture (still slightly crisp!).
✅ Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Use no-salt-added tomatoes + low-sodium broth
→ Boost umami with 1 tsp nutritional yeast + extra garlic
✅ Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Naturally low-glycemic—no added sugars!
→ Add 1 tbsp chia seeds at the end for fiber + glycemic control
✅ High-protein boost (you love this!):
→ White beans or lentils add plant-powered protein (+7g/serving)
→ Mix in 2 tbsp hemp seeds before serving (+5g protein)
✅ Make ahead:
→ Soup keeps 5 days refrigerated or freezes 3 months
→ Flavors deepen overnight—reheat gently with splash of broth

Storage & Serving Ideas

→ Fridge life: 5 days | Freezer life: 3 months
→ Serving ideas:
→ With crusty whole-grain bread or GF toast
→ As a light lunch with avocado slices
→ Topped with vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):