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; 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; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 large egg, optional; ground pepper, to taste; salt, to taste

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Garlicky Cabbage Soup is a delightful concoction that warms the soul and nourishes the body. With its inviting aroma wafting through the kitchen, this comforting soup showcases a medley of vibrant green cabbage, aromatic garlic, and hearty cannellini beans, simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth. It’s an embodiment of vegetarian comfort food—rich, satisfying, and incredibly nutritious, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave something cozy yet healthy.

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
Recipe FAQs
Garlicky Cabbage Soup

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly cold winter night, seeking solace in something warm and fulfilling. With just a handful of simple ingredients, I was amazed at how such a comforting dish could be made so easily. The Garlicky Cabbage Soup has since become a staple in my kitchen, effortlessly bridging the gap between comfort and health. The combination of savory garlic with the freshness of cabbage makes each spoonful a delight. Trust me, this is one soup you’ll want to make over and over again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and about 40 minutes of cook time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fragrant garlic and rich parmesan gives this soup a robust taste you’ll crave again and again.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Its vibrant green hue makes it not only delicious but also beautiful in a bowl, making it a perfect dish for gatherings.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a hearty lunch, light dinner, or even as a starter for a special meal.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or vegan diets, ensuring everyone can savor this delightful soup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: This will help sauté the onion and garlic, adding depth to the flavor. If you don’t have olive oil, any neutral oil works well.
1 medium onion, finely chopped: Onion adds a sweet, aromatic base. Yellow or white onions both work nicely.
4-5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced: The garlic’s rich flavor is what makes this soup ‘garlicky.’ Feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover!
1 medium head green cabbage, chopped: Cabbage provides bulk and is incredibly nutritious. Savoy or Napa cabbage are great alternatives too.
1 can cannellini beans, rinsed: These beans add heartiness and protein. You could also use great northern beans or navy beans if needed.
4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth: Broth is the soup’s foundation; homemade adds extra flavor but store-bought works just as well!
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This enriches the soup and adds a lovely cheesiness. For a vegetarian option, use a parmesan made without animal rennet.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: This brightens the dish and balances the flavors. Lime juice can be used as an alternative for a twist.
1 large egg (optional): This helps thicken the soup and adds creaminess. Silken tofu can be a great vegan substitute.
Ground pepper and salt, to taste: Adjust seasoning to enhance overall flavor.

How to Make Garlicky Cabbage Soup

Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once it starts to shimmer, you know it’s ready for the next ingredient.

Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it turns translucent, taking about 4-5 minutes. Your kitchen will already start to smell amazing!

Add Garlic: Now, stir in 4-5 cloves of thinly sliced garlic. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, as overcooking can make it bitter.

Incorporate Cabbage: Toss in the chopped green cabbage and stir occasionally. Let it cook for about 5-6 minutes, until the cabbage starts to wilt but still retains some crunch.

Pour in Broth: Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth, and add the rinsed cannellini beans. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, and then reduce the heat, allowing it to simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, letting all those flavors meld beautifully.

Whisk Together Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, the juice from 1 tablespoon of lemon, and 1 large egg (or silken tofu). Season with a sprinkle of ground pepper and salt, creating a rich mixture that will add creaminess to your soup.

Combine Mixtures: Remove the soup from the heat and gradually drizzle the egg mixture into the pot, stirring constantly. This technique will help combine the flavors without scrambling the egg.

Final Touch: Return the pot to low heat and gently stir for another 2-3 minutes. The soup will thicken slightly, becoming velvety and rich, which is exactly what you want.

Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into warm bowls. Feel free to top with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired, for that extra flavor boost!

Storing & Reheating

Once your Garlicky Cabbage Soup is cooled, store it at room temperature for up to 2 hours before transferring it to the fridge in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to refresh its texture and flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid bitter garlic, be careful not to sauté it too long or at too high a heat. Just enough to become fragrant is perfect.
For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the egg mixture.
If you find the soup to be too thick, simply add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Feel free to experiment with additional herbs like thyme or parsley for an added freshness.
This soup can easily be made ahead of time and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

Garlicky Cabbage Soup strikes the ideal balance between comforting and healthful, making it both a magical entry into the world of cabbage and an exciting addition to your recipe repertoire. Feel free to play around with it—try adding in different veggies, herbs, or proteins as you prefer. Whether you make it your own or stick to the classic recipe, I promise this soup will quickly become a cherished favorite. Enjoy every steaming spoonful of this flavorful, gut-friendly dish!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Garlicky Cabbage Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead and actually improves in flavor as it sits. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

What’s the best way to store leftover soup?

Allow the soup to cool at room temperature for about 2 hours before transferring it to an airtight container. It’s best stored in the fridge for a short term or frozen for a longer period to maintain its flavors.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by omitting the egg and substituting the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative. Silken tofu is an excellent and creamy substitute!

How can I enhance the flavors of the soup?

To elevate the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley during cooking. A dash of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick, while lemon zest can boost the brightness of the dish even more.