Name: Garlicky Cabbage Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (any neutral oil works as a substitute); 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 4-5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped; 1 can cannellini beans, rinsed; 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth (homemade is best); 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (vegetarian option available); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or lime juice for variation); 1 large egg (optional; can substitute with silken tofu); ground pepper, to taste; salt, to taste

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Garlicky Cabbage Soup offers a delightful balance of hearty ingredients and comforting flavors that warms the soul. If you’ve ever craved a bowl of soup that feels like a hug in a dish, this is the one! With vibrant green cabbage at its heart and a garlic aroma that wafts through your kitchen, it’s a vegetarian masterpiece that’s both satisfying and fulfilling. Plus, it’s an incredibly budget-friendly meal that you can whip up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Garlicky Cabbage Soup
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Garlicky Cabbage Soup

I still remember the first time I stumbled across a recipe similar to this Garlicky Cabbage Soup. The moment I took my first sip, a beautiful symphony of flavors filled my mouth, and I felt an instant connection to the dish. It’s fantastic how each bite captures that extraordinary combination of tender cabbage, creamy cannellini beans, and a touch of zest from fresh lemon juice. If you’re looking for a recipe that not only pleases the palate but nourishes the body, you’ve come to the right place!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Irresistible Flavor: The garlic and sautéed onions create a fragrant base, while the tender cabbage adds a delightful texture.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green hues of cabbage and the creamy Parmesan finish make this soup as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Flexible Serving: Whether as a light lunch, cozy dinner, or even a party starter, this soup fits any occasion perfectly.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegetarian and gluten-free diets, it’s a versatile choice that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: This adds a rich flavor and helps sauté the vegetables. You can use any neutral oil if you prefer.
1 medium onion, finely chopped: The sweet onion gives a lovely base flavor that enhances the soup.
4-5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced: Fresh garlic adds robust flavor, a must for anything garlicky.
1 medium head green cabbage, chopped: Cabbage is nutrient-rich and gives the soup a satisfying texture.
1 can cannellini beans, rinsed: They add a creamy element and plant-based protein to make the soup hearty.
4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth: Homemade broth is ideal for depth of flavor, but store-bought works too.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and adds richness. A vegetarian option is readily available!
1 tablespoon lemon juice or lime juice: A splash of acidity brightens up the flavors. Use lemon for a classic taste or lime for a twist.
1 large egg (optional): This will create a creamy texture. If you prefer a vegan option, silken tofu works just as well.
Ground pepper to taste: Freshly ground pepper enhances all the flavors in the soup.
Salt to taste: Essential to bring everything together.

How to Make Garlicky Cabbage Soup

Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers, creating a perfect base for your vegetables.

Sauté the Onion: Add 1 finely chopped onion to the pot. Sauté until it turns translucent, about 4-5 minutes; this step builds your soup’s aromatic foundation.

Add the Garlic: Stir in 4-5 cloves of thinly sliced garlic. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant, knowing that the aroma will soon fill your kitchen.

Incorporate the Cabbage: Toss in 1 medium head of chopped green cabbage, stirring occasionally for about 5-6 minutes. The cabbage will soften and begin to shrink down, allowing the flavors to mingle.

Pour in the Broth: Add 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth and 1 can of rinsed cannellini beans. Bring to a gentle boil, then let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen.

Whisk the Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, the juice of 1 lemon, 1 large egg, and a sprinkle of ground pepper and salt. This creamy addition will enhance the soup’s texture.

Combine the Mixtures: Remove the soup from heat and gradually drizzle the egg mixture into the pot while stirring constantly. This technique helps prevent the egg from scrambling.

Finish Cooking: Return the pot to low heat and gently stir for another 2-3 minutes until the soup thickens slightly, creating a comforting texture.

Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls, and top with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy each soothing bite!

Storing & Reheating

You can store any leftovers at room temperature for about 2 hours. After that, place the soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. If you’d like to freeze it, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It should hold up well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, unfreeze in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove over medium heat until warm, about 5-7 minutes. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, so adding a splash of broth can bring it back to life.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the cabbage before adding the broth. It should be tender yet still retain a slight crunch.
Use room temperature eggs for the cheese mixture; this will help it blend more smoothly into the soup.
For added flavor, consider sautéing the garlic and onion a tad longer until they are golden brown but not burnt.
If using silken tofu instead of an egg, blend it beforehand to achieve a smoother consistency before adding it to the soup.
Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasonings! Sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper can make all the difference.
Feel free to make extra; this soup reheats well, so it’s great for meal prep!

Sometimes all you need is a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort and joy to your day. Garlicky Cabbage Soup embodies deliciousness and nutrition—perfect as a quick lunch or a cozy dinner on chilly evenings. The flavors meld beautifully, and the best part is that it’s forgiving if you need to make tweaks or add in whatever veggies you have on hand. Feel free to get creative! I promise once you taste this, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of beans in this recipe?

Absolutely! While cannellini beans bring a beautiful creaminess, you can substitute them with white beans, chickpeas, or even black beans, depending on your preference. Just ensure you rinse them well to enhance the flavor and texture.

Is Garlicky Cabbage Soup vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by omitting the egg and substituting the Parmesan cheese with a vegan alternative. Silken tofu works wonderfully as a creamy addition in place of the egg.

How do I make this soup spicier?

If you enjoy a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the onions and garlic. This will add warmth and a whole new level of flavor, turning your soup into a spicy delight.

Can I meal prep this soup in advance?

Definitely! Garlicky Cabbage Soup keeps well in the fridge and freezer. Make a larger batch, and store portions in airtight containers for busy days. Just remember to add fresh garnish or extra cheese when you reheat it for an even tastier experience!