This flavorful slow cooker cabbage soup recipe is a comforting blend of cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, spinach and more. It's perfect for those cold winter days when you want a warming and hearty meal. All ingredients are slowly cooked together in a slow cooker, which gives the soup a rich and flavorful broth.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in a supermarket or in your home pantry. However, make special note of the Italian seasoning and the canned diced tomatoes. If you don't have Italian seasoning on hand, it's a blend of oregano, marjoram, thyme, basil, rosemary and sage which you can find in the spice aisle. Canned diced tomatoes can be found in the canned goods section.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup
onion: Adds a savory depth to the soup.
garlic: Imparts a pungent, warm flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
carrots: Adds sweetness and color to the soup.
cabbage: The star ingredient, it gives the soup its hearty and comforting texture.
celery: Adds a slight crunch and a refreshing taste.
green beans: Provides a nice contrast in texture and color.
bell peppers: Adds a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
diced tomatoes: Gives the soup a tangy flavor and a rich consistency.
vegetable broth: The base of the soup, provides lots of flavor.
tomato paste: Enhances the tomato flavor in the soup.
bay leaves: Gives the soup a subtle, herbal flavor.
italian seasoning: Adds a medley of flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
pepper: Adds a slight kick to the soup.
parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal taste.
basil: Imparts a sweet, aromatic flavor.
spinach: Provides a pop of color and a mild, slightly bitter taste.
One reader, Consolata Haskins says:
This slow cooker cabbage soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the veggies are perfectly tender. It's so easy to make and fills the house with a mouthwatering aroma. This soup has become a weekly staple for me - it's that good!
Essential Techniques for Making Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup
How to chop vegetables: Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
How to combine ingredients: Combine the chopped vegetables, canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, and pepper in the slow cooker, stirring to mix everything together.
How to cook in slow cooker: Cover and cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
How to finish the soup: Add the parsley, basil, and fresh spinach to the cooked soup, and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes to wilt the spinach and infuse the flavors.
How to serve: Ladle the warm cabbage soup into bowls and serve, enjoying the comforting flavors and nourishing vegetables.
How To Make Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup
Fill hungry tummies with this slow cooker cabbage soup! It’s a healthy and scrumptious soup of sweet cabbage, carrots, and beans cooked in a crockpot.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1small onion,diced
- 2garlic cloves,minced
- 1cupcarrots,diced
- 4cupscabbage,chopped, approximately ¼ head of cabbage
- 2celery stalks,chopped
- 1cupgreen beans,chopped in 1-inch pieces
- 2whole bell peppers,chopped
- 28ozdiced tomatoes,(1 can), low sodium
- 6cupsvegetable broth,low sodium, or chicken broth
- 2tbsptomato paste
- 2bay leaves
- 1½tspItalian seasoning
- pepper,to taste
- 1tbspparsley
- 1tbspbasil
- 2cupsfresh spinach,coarsely chopped
Instructions
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Combine the onion, onion, garlic, cabbage, carrots, celery, green beans, and bell pepper in a large crockpot.
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Add the canned tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, pepper, then stir to combine.
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Cover and cook on High for 5 hours or on Low for 8 hours.
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Once cooked, add the parsley, basil, and spinach, then cook for 5 minutes more.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 36.28kcal
- Fat: 0.38g
- Saturated Fat: 0.07g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.07g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.13g
- Carbohydrates: 7.91g
- Fiber: 3.17g
- Sugar: 4.27g
- Protein: 1.63g
- Sodium: 118.97mg
- Calcium: 55.17mg
- Potassium: 318.68mg
- Iron: 1.11mg
- Vitamin A: 143.33µg
- Vitamin C: 42.69mg
Expert Advice for Perfecting Your Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup
When adding the spinach to the cabbage soup, make sure to add it towards the end of the cooking process. This is because spinach wilts quickly and can become overly mushy if cooked for too long. Adding it in the last 5 minutes ensures it retains some of its texture and vibrant green color, enhancing the overall presentation and taste of the soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Cabbage Soup in a Slow Cooker
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the vegetables the night before and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut vegetables: Consider using pre-cut vegetables from the grocery store to save time on chopping and preparation.
Slow cooker liners: Consider using slow cooker liners for easy cleanup and to save time on washing the slow cooker.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup Recipe
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a subtle depth to the soup.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a similar flavor profile.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a slightly sweeter and earthier flavor, which can add a unique twist to the soup.
cabbage - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for cabbage, offering a similar texture and a slightly different flavor profile.
celery stalks - Substitute with fennel: Fennel can provide a similar crunch and a hint of licorice flavor, adding a unique twist to the soup.
green beans - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can be used as a substitute for green beans, providing a tender texture and mild flavor.
bell peppers - Substitute with poblano peppers: Poblano peppers offer a mild heat and a slightly smoky flavor, adding a different dimension to the soup.
diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for diced tomatoes, providing a similar texture and flavor.
vegetable broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can add a savory depth of flavor to the soup, complementing the other ingredients.
tomato paste - Substitute with sun-dried tomato paste: Sun-dried tomato paste can add a rich and concentrated tomato flavor to the soup.
italian seasoning - Substitute with herbs de Provence: Herbs de Provence offer a blend of aromatic herbs, adding a different herbaceous note to the soup.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can provide a fresh and citrusy flavor, offering a unique twist to the soup.
basil - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can add a subtle earthy and floral note, complementing the other flavors in the soup.
fresh spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for spinach, offering a similar texture and a slightly different flavor profile.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup
Elevate the plating: Arrange the soup in a deep, wide bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the vegetables. The presentation should be visually appealing and inviting.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a few fresh parsley leaves and basil on top of the soup to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate and colorful edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies, to add an elegant and sophisticated touch to the presentation.
Serve with artisanal bread: Accompany the soup with slices of freshly baked, crusty artisanal bread to provide a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
Use high-quality serving ware: Present the soup in elegant, porcelain bowls or earthenware dishes to enhance the overall dining experience.
Add a drizzle of olive oil: Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of high-quality olive oil over the soup to enrich the flavors and create a beautiful sheen on the surface.
Consider a side dish: Offer a small side dish of herb-infused yogurt or crème fraîche to complement the soup and provide a luxurious touch to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Cabbage Soup in a Slow Cooker
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile and essential kitchen tool for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance for simmering at low temperatures.
- Can opener: A tool used for opening canned goods.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
- Stirring spoon: Used for stirring and mixing ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Soup ladle: A deep-bowled spoon with a long handle, used for serving soup.
Storing and Freezing Guidelines for Cabbage Soup
- Allow the cabbage soup to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following steps:
- Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and the contents (cabbage soup) for easy identification later.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for efficient storage.
- Frozen cabbage soup will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months.
- When you're ready to enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the thawed soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.
- If the soup appears too thick after thawing and reheating, you can thin it out with a little vegetable broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Give the reheated soup a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed, as flavors may mellow during storage.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Cabbage Soup
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover cabbage soup to a pot and reheat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure the soup is evenly reheated without overcooking the vegetables.
Microwave method: pour the desired amount of leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent for steam to escape), and microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. This is a quick and convenient option for reheating individual portions.
Slow cooker method: if you have a considerable amount of leftover soup and want to keep it warm for an extended period, transfer it back to the slow cooker and reheat it on the low setting for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is ideal for gatherings or when you want to come home to a warm, comforting meal.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer the leftover soup to an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method is suitable when reheating larger quantities of soup and can help maintain the soup's texture and flavor.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the soup well to ensure even heat distribution and prevent scorching. Additionally, if the soup appears too thick after reheating, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Interesting Trivia About Cabbage Soup
Cabbage soup is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense dish that is high in fiber and vitamins. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and can be a delicious and satisfying meal option.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup Recipe Affordable?
This slow cooker cabbage soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. With affordable ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and vegetable broth, it offers a budget-friendly meal option. The use of seasonal and readily available vegetables makes it a cost-effective choice. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an economical and nutritious option. Rating: 9/10.
Is This Cabbage Soup Recipe Healthy?
This slow cooker cabbage soup recipe is a nutritious and wholesome meal that packs a variety of vegetables, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The combination of cabbage, carrots, celery, green beans, bell peppers, and spinach creates a nutrient-dense soup that is low in calories and fat. The use of vegetable broth instead of meat-based broth keeps the soup light and suitable for vegetarians. The addition of herbs and spices like Italian seasoning, parsley, and basil enhances the flavor profile without relying on excessive salt or unhealthy additives.
To further elevate the health benefits of this soup, consider the following suggestions:
- Incorporate more protein-rich ingredients such as beans, lentils, or tofu to make the soup more satiating and balanced
- Experiment with different vegetables like zucchini, kale, or sweet potatoes to add variety and additional nutrients
- Replace the canned diced tomatoes with fresh, ripe tomatoes for a more vibrant flavor and reduced sodium content
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt intake, especially for those with hypertension or heart conditions
- Garnish the soup with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a boost of protein and a creamy texture
Our Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup Recipe
This slow cooker cabbage soup recipe is a delightful and nutritious dish. The combination of fresh vegetables and flavorful seasonings creates a hearty and satisfying soup. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a comforting and delicious meal. The addition of spinach at the end adds a pop of color and freshness. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in a warm and comforting soup.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup
Why trust this Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup Recipe:
This slow cooker cabbage soup recipe is a wholesome and nutritious option for a hearty meal. The combination of vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers provides a rich source of essential nutrients and fiber. The addition of tomatoes and vegetable broth enhances the flavor profile, while the aromatic blend of herbs like parsley and basil adds depth. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a comforting and satisfying soup. Trust in the simplicity and wholesomeness of this recipe for a nourishing and delicious dining experience.
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