Quick & Cozy Creamy Cabbage Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Chefs around the world adore this creamy cabbage soup for its unexpected comfort.

Warm aromas drift through kitchens, promising delightful flavors.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly into a smooth, satisfying meal.

Winter evenings call for something deeply nourishing and simple.

Cabbage brings remarkable texture and subtle sweetness to every spoonful.

Nutritious and light, this recipe feels like a warm embrace.

You’ll love how quickly it comes together with minimal effort.

Dive in and savor each delectable bite of pure culinary magic.

What Makes Creamy Cabbage Soup So Comforting

• Boost Veggie Intake: Packed with nutritious vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and celery, this soup provides an easy and delicious way to increase daily vegetable consumption.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy, warm, and satisfying, this soup delivers ultimate comfort food vibes that will warm you from the inside out.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: With minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, even novice cooks can whip up this hearty soup without stress or complicated techniques.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for using leftover ham, adaptable to different dietary preferences, and great for lunch or dinner, this soup offers flexibility for busy households.

Creamy Cabbage Soup Ingredients

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that forms the foundation of the soup.
• Cabbage: A hearty vegetable that adds texture and mild sweetness.
• Celery: Provides a fresh, crisp element to the soup.
• Onions: Adds depth and aromatic flavor.
• Carrot: Brings natural sweetness and color.

• Cream: Rich and smooth dairy component.
• Milk: Lighter dairy ingredient that helps create creamy consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create the roux.
• Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a smooth texture.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
• Pepper: Adds a mild spicy kick.
• Ham: Provides savory protein and extra flavor.
• Thyme: Herbaceous seasoning that complements the vegetables.

• Parsley: Fresh herb for added color and light flavor.

How To Make Creamy Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Chop Colorful Vegetables

Slice celery, cabbage, onions, and carrots into bite-sized pieces.

This creates a vibrant foundation for your soup that’s packed with nutrition and flavor.

Step 2: Create Vegetable Base

Toss all chopped vegetables into a large pot with chicken broth.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently.

Allow vegetables to become tender and infuse the broth with their delicious essence, which takes about 20 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Creamy Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Sprinkle flour, salt, and pepper into the melted butter, whisking to create a smooth roux.

Slowly pour in cream and milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a silky texture.

Step 4: Combine and Enhance

Carefully blend the creamy sauce into the vegetable broth.

Add diced ham and fresh thyme for an extra layer of rich flavor.

Stir everything together and heat thoroughly, allowing the ingredients to mingle and create a harmonious soup.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately.

This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days or when you need a hearty, warming meal.

Best Tips For Creamy Cabbage Soup

• Select crisp, vibrant green cabbage for the best flavor and texture in your soup.
• Adjust the cream mixture gradually to achieve your preferred soup consistency, adding more or less as needed.
• Swap ham with cooked chicken, turkey, or keep it vegetarian by adding white beans for extra protein.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper after adding the cream mixture to balance flavors perfectly.
• Temper the cream mixture by slowly adding hot broth before combining to prevent separation and ensure smooth texture.

Store And Warm Up Creamy Cabbage Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if soup contains cream, as it may separate when thawed.
• Warm soup slowly on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore original consistency if needed. Avoid microwaving to prevent cream from breaking or separating.
• If soup seems thick after refrigeration, whisk in a little warm broth or milk while reheating to restore creamy texture and prevent scorching.

Ideal Pairings For Creamy Cabbage Soup

• Savor Complementary Flavors: Creamy cabbage soup pairs wonderfully with rustic accompaniments that enhance its rich, hearty profile.
• Craft a Rustic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or whole wheat bread slices that can soak up the creamy soup, adding delightful texture and absorbing the delicate flavors.
• Wine Harmony Selection: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the soup's creaminess and complements its vegetable undertones.
• Protein Enhancement Trick: Add a side of roasted chicken or smoked turkey to transform the soup into a complete meal, providing additional protein and depth to the dining experience.

Tasty Add-Ins For Creamy Cabbage Soup

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and swap ham with cubed tofu or plant-based protein for a meat-free version.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of cream and milk, and substitute butter with olive oil for those with lactose intolerance.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace flour with xanthan gum as a thickener and reduce carrot quantity to maintain lower carbohydrate content.
• Keto-Friendly Modification: Use heavy cream instead of milk, increase butter quantity, and add cauliflower instead of traditional cabbage for a lower-carb alternative.

FAQs

• Is this soup healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with nutritious vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and celery, providing essential vitamins and minerals while being relatively low in calories.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and substitute ham with plant-based protein like tofu or beans for a vegetarian version.

• How can I prevent the cream mixture from curdling?

Temper the cream mixture by adding it slowly and stirring constantly, and avoid boiling the soup after adding dairy to prevent separation.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

You can freeze this soup, but the texture might slightly change due to cream. Cool completely before freezing, and reheat gently to maintain best consistency.

Creamy Cabbage Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty german “creamy cabbage soup” brings winter comfort straight from central European kitchens. Rich and velvety, this soul-warming recipe delivers pure culinary satisfaction for home cooks seeking simple, delicious nourishment.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups ham, cooked and cubed

Vegetables:

• 1/2 medium head of cabbage, shredded
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 sweet onion, chopped

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth
• 2 cups (16 ounces) half and half cream
• 1 cup (8 ounces) milk
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Chopped parsley for garnish, if desired

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious cooking vessel and combine chicken broth with finely chopped celery, shredded cabbage, diced onions, and grated carrots.
2. Bring the vegetable mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce temperature and allow ingredients to simmer gently for approximately 20 minutes until vegetables become tender and soft.
3. While vegetables are cooking, create a separate mixture by whisking cream and milk in a mixing bowl until well incorporated.
4. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over moderate heat, then introduce flour, salt, and pepper to develop a smooth, silky roux.
5. Slowly integrate the cream-milk blend into the roux, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, consistent texture.
6. Continue cooking and stirring the cream sauce until it reaches a desired thickness and glossy appearance.
7. Carefully fold the creamy sauce into the simmered vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
8. Incorporate diced ham and fragrant thyme, gently stirring to distribute ingredients throughout the soup.
9. Warm the entire mixture thoroughly, allowing flavors to meld and harmonize.
10. For a touch of visual appeal and freshness, garnish with finely chopped parsley before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version that keeps the soup’s rich flavor profile.
• Reduce dairy content by using unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream for a lighter, lactose-free alternative.
• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra depth and subtle warmth if you enjoy a slight kick in your soup.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg