This Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup is a tasty, low-calorie dish packed with veggies like cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes. It’s warm, hearty, and perfect for a healthy meal!
If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy to make and won’t break the scale, this is it! I love diving into a big bowl of this soup—it really fills you up without guilt! 🥦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cabbage: Green cabbage is key for this recipe as it gives the soup a nice texture. If you can’t find green cabbage, savoy or napa cabbage would work well too, adding a slightly different flavor.
Carrots: Fresh carrots provide sweetness and color. You could substitute with frozen carrots if you’re short on fresh ones. Just add them during the last few minutes of cooking.
Vegetable Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps this soup health-friendly. For a heartier taste, try chicken broth if you’re not vegetarian. Water can also work if you’re in a pinch, just add extra herbs for flavor!
Herbs: Dried oregano and basil are classic choices. Fresh herbs can brighten things up, so feel free to swap in parsley or thyme. I often like to add a bay leaf while it simmers for an extra layer of flavor!
How Can I Make My Cabbage Soup Even Better?
Besides the basic process of making the soup, there a few techniques that can make your cabbage soup really stand out.
- Sauteing for Flavor: Always start by sautéing the onions and garlic. This step builds a flavor base that is crucial. Let them get just a bit golden; it adds depth!
- Simmering Time: Don’t rush the simmering part. It’s essential for the veggies to soften and blend their flavors. The longer it simmers, the better it gets!
- Tasting as You Go: Always taste before serving and adjust your spices. Each batch of veggies might need a different amount of salt or herbs, so trust your taste buds!
Give it a try, and enjoy your heartwarming, nutritious soup!
Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 4 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (no salt added)
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and about 30-40 minutes to cook, making it a total of roughly 50 minutes. You’ll have a healthy, hearty meal ready to enjoy in less than an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large soup pot, spray a little cooking spray or use a teaspoon of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat and add the chopped onions, garlic, and green bell pepper. Sauté these ingredients together for about 3-4 minutes, until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
2. Add More Vegetables:
Next, add the sliced carrots and celery to the pot, and cook them for another 3 minutes. This adds a nice crunch and flavor to your soup!
3. Incorporate the Cabbage:
Stir in the chopped cabbage and let it cook for another 2 minutes. This will help it to soften slightly and blend with the other vegetables.
4. Mix in Liquids:
Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices. This adds moisture and rich flavor to the soup.
5. Season the Soup:
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, and optional salt. Stir everything together. The herbs will give your soup a lovely aroma as it cooks!
6. Bring to a Boil:
Turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Make sure to occasionally check and stir the soup!
7. Adjust and Serve:
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. It’s ready to be enjoyed!
Enjoy your healthy, low-calorie Weight Watchers cabbage soup!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if you’re short on fresh ones! Just add them during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking since they’re already pre-cooked and just need to heat through.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when you sauté the onions. You can also stir in a splash of hot sauce right before serving for an extra kick!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This soup also freezes well—just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
What Should I Serve with This Soup?
This cabbage soup is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with whole-grain bread or a light salad for a complete meal. It’s great for lunch or a light dinner!
