Easy Ina Garten Cabbage Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Cabbage soup transforms humble ingredients into a magical culinary experience that warms both body and soul.

Rustic comfort radiates through each spoonful of this nourishing dish, promising deep satisfaction and rich flavor profiles.

Fresh vegetables mingle with aromatic herbs, creating layers of complexity that elevate simple ingredients.

Modern home cooks appreciate recipes that balance nutrition and taste without demanding extensive preparation time.

Nutritional powerhouses like cabbage provide remarkable health benefits while delivering incredible depth to any meal.

Seasonal vegetables contribute robust character, making this soup adaptable to different kitchen styles and ingredient availability.

Your dinner table deserves something special that feels both elegant and unpretentious: dive into this delightful recipe.

Why Ina Garten’s Cabbage Soup is the Ultimate Hearty, Low-Calorie Meal

• Flavor-Packed Veggie Symphony: This cabbage soup bursts with layers of deep, rich flavors from perfectly caramelized onions, browned mushrooms, and a medley of vegetables that dance together in every spoonful.
• Quick and Nutritious Comfort: Designed for busy home cooks, this soup delivers a hearty, healthy meal in under an hour with minimal prep work and maximum nutritional punch from multiple colorful vegetables.
• Restaurant-Quality Technique: Ina Garten's method of building flavor through strategic browning and layering ingredients transforms simple vegetables into a restaurant-worthy dish that tastes complex and sophisticated.
• Customizable Wellness Bowl: With its flexible ingredient list and easy seasoning approach, this soup allows home chefs to adjust spices, swap vegetables, and create a personalized nutrition-packed meal that adapts to individual tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Cabbage Soup

• Cabbage: Hearty base vegetable with great texture and mild flavor.
• Mushrooms: Earthy ingredient that adds depth and umami to the soup.
• Onions: Provides sweet, caramelized undertones and aromatic base.
• Celery, Carrots, Green Peppers: Adds layers of flavor and nutritional variety.
• Chicken Broth: Provides rich, savory foundation for the soup.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Adds tangy sweetness and creates soup's body.
• Olive Oil: Creates initial cooking foundation and adds subtle flavor.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste profile.
• Soy Sauce: Introduces deeper, complex umami notes.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Convenient ways to boost seasoning without fresh ingredients.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and becomes fragrant.

Step 2: Sauté Mushroom Magic

Add sliced mushrooms to the hot oil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown and release their deep, earthy flavors.

Step 3: Caramelize Onion Goodness

Toss in chopped onions and cook for 8 minutes, stirring frequently until they become soft, translucent, and develop a sweet golden color.

Step 4: Layer in Veggie Goodness

• Grated celery
• Shredded carrots
• Chopped green peppers
• Minced garlic

Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables start to soften and develop a slight browning.

Step 5: Season with Flavor Boosters

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Soy sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.

Step 6: Welcome the Cabbage

Add shredded cabbage to the pot and stir for 2 minutes until it begins to wilt and integrate with other ingredients.

Step 7: Pour in Liquid Goodness

• Chicken broth
• Crushed tomatoes
• Water

Stir well to blend all ingredients.

Step 8: Let the Soup Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30-45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and cabbage to become tender.

Step 9: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.

Pro Tips for Ina Garten’s Cabbage Soup

• Boost Protein Power: Drop in pre-cooked shredded chicken or diced beef during final cooking minutes to create a heartier meal.
• Elevate Herb Game: Sprinkle chopped fresh dill or parsley right before serving to brighten the soup's overall taste profile.
• Spice Things Up: Introduce red pepper flakes or slice a jalapeño into the pot for a zesty, warming sensation.
• Mushroom Variety Magic: Blend shiitake, cremini, and button mushrooms to develop deeper, more complex earthy undertones.
• Storage Secret: Cool soup completely before refrigerating, and it'll taste even better the next day as flavors continue to meld together.

How to Store Ina Garten’s Cabbage Soup

• Freezer Preservation: Pack cooled soup in heavy-duty freezer bags for maximum space efficiency. Flatten bags horizontally to create stackable, thin layers that optimize freezer storage and prevent freezer burn. Label each bag with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Glass Container Storage: Choose wide-mouth glass containers with tight-sealing lids for refrigerating. Glass prevents absorption of other food odors and allows clear visibility of remaining soup quantity. Opt for square or rectangular shapes to reduce wasted refrigerator space.
• Portion Control Technique: Divide soup into individual serving sizes before storing. Use silicone muffin trays or small mason jars to create perfect single-serving portions. Freeze these pre-portioned servings for quick, convenient meal prep that minimizes waste and allows flexible defrosting options.

Creative Twists on Ina Garten’s Cabbage Soup

• Spicy Southwest Cabbage Soup: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, and a can of green chiles, then top with crushed tortilla chips and fresh cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Cabbage Soup: Incorporate fresh oregano, basil, and thyme, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, and finish with crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a Greek-style profile.
• Protein-Packed Cabbage Soup: Add cooked ground turkey or lean beef during the vegetable sautéing stage, include white beans or lentils for extra protein, and garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a hearty, nutritious meal.
• Vegan Warming Cabbage Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, add cubed tofu or tempeh for protein, include nutritional yeast for a savory depth, and sprinkle with roasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.

Ina Garten’s Cabbage Soup: A Light, Hearty Comfort Bowl

Cabbage soup emerges as culinary magic from Ina Garten’s kitchen, weaving complex flavors into each spoonful.

Nutritious ingredients dance harmoniously, creating warmth and comfort in a single bowl.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques elevate this humble recipe beyond ordinary expectations.

Hearty vegetables provide robust depth while maintaining delicate balanced notes.

Seasonal produce transforms simple ingredients into gourmet experiences without complicated preparations.

Passionate cooks discover something extraordinary: deliciousness does not require complexity.

You’ll want to share this recipe, tag friends who love nourishing meals, and spread kitchen joy through social media channels.

Ina Garten Cabbage Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s cabbage soup brings rustic Mediterranean comfort to your kitchen with hearty vegetables and rich flavors. Packed with nutritious ingredients and simple preparation, this soup offers a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with every spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Vegetables:

• 1 bunch celery, grated
• 3 carrots, grated
• 2 green peppers, stemmed, seeded and grated
• 8 ounces (226 grams) sliced button mushrooms
• 2 large yellow or white onion, chopped
• Half a head green cabbage, shredded

Proteins and Liquids:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 28-ounce (794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, grated

Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a heavy-bottomed pot and warm the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shows a slight shimmer, indicating optimal cooking temperature.
2. Introduce sliced mushrooms to the heated oil, sautéing for approximately 5 minutes until they transform into a soft, golden-brown color, releasing their deep, earthy essence.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onions and continue cooking for 8 minutes, allowing them to caramelize and develop a rich, sweet undertone.
4. Fold in grated celery, carrots, green peppers, and minced garlic, stirring for 5 minutes until the vegetables become slightly charred and emit an aromatic fragrance.
5. Distribute 2 teaspoons (10 grams) of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of freshly cracked black pepper across the vegetable mixture, then blend in soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder for comprehensive seasoning.
6. Gently tumble shredded cabbage into the pot, tossing for 2 minutes until it begins to soften and integrates with the existing ingredients.
7. Stream in chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and 8 fluid ounces (240 milliliters) of water, thoroughly mixing to ensure a harmonious flavor profile.
8. Elevate the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat and allow the soup to simmer gracefully for 35-40 minutes, permitting the cabbage to become tender and the flavors to intertwine completely.
9. Conduct a final taste assessment, adjusting salt and pepper levels to personal preference, ensuring a perfectly balanced culinary experience.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container, keeping the soup fresh and delicious for 4-5 days of easy meal planning.
• Enhance the soup’s heartiness by adding shredded chicken or white beans, turning it into a complete and satisfying meal.
• Flavor deepens beautifully overnight, making this soup even more delectable when enjoyed as next-day leftovers.
• Chicken broth weaves a subtle, rich backdrop that perfectly complements the vegetables’ natural earthy essence.
• Slow, gentle cooking unlocks the vegetables’ inherent sweetness, creating a deeply comforting and flavorful experience.
• Selecting crisp, firm cabbage ensures a perfect texture that elevates the entire soup’s mouthfeel and enjoyment.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 85
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg