A Personal Story of Comfort and Simplicity
Last winter, after a long day of errands and chilly winds, I came home craving something warm yet light. My fridge had humble ingredients—just a head of green cabbage, a few carrots, some garlic, and vegetable broth. That’s when I remembered my grandmother’s garlicky cabbage soup. She used to say, “When you feel off balance, eat garlic and cabbage. It clears your head and fills your belly.”
Her version was rustic and fragrant, made with just a handful of ingredients. I took that memory and turned it into this deeply satisfying, plant-based soup recipe that’s now a weekly staple in my home—and will soon be in yours.
🥣 Healthiest Homemade Garlicky Cabbage Soup Recipe With Easy Cooking Directions
This soup is the perfect combination of comfort food and clean eating. It’s gluten-free, vegetarian, and loaded with immune-boosting garlic. Plus, it’s incredibly affordable.
Let’s add direction how to cook deeply & clearly explain step by step for each recipe now.
📋 Ingredients List and Measurements in Grams
For 4 servings, you’ll need:
- Green cabbage – 500g (roughly half a medium head)
- Fresh garlic – 20g (about 5 large cloves), finely chopped
- Carrots – 150g, peeled and chopped
- Yellow onion – 100g, chopped
- Celery – 100g, sliced
- Olive oil – 15g (1 tablespoon)
- Vegetable broth – 1 liter
- Bay leaf – 1 whole
- Dried thyme – 1g (about ½ tsp)
- Salt – 4g (about ¾ tsp, adjust to taste)
- Black pepper – 1g (about ¼ tsp)
- Lemon juice – 10g (about 2 tsp, optional but brightens flavor)
🔥 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Garlicky Cabbage Soup
Step 1: Sauté your aromatics
In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add the garlic
Now stir in the finely chopped garlic. Cook for 1 minute only. You don’t want to burn it—just release that signature garlicky aroma.
Step 3: Toss in the cabbage and carrots
Add chopped cabbage and carrots to the pot. Stir everything so the cabbage gets a light coating of oil.
Step 4: Season and simmer
Pour in the vegetable broth. Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Let it simmer for 25–30 minutes or until the cabbage and carrots are tender.
Step 5: Finish and serve
Turn off the heat. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice, taste for seasoning, and serve warm.
🌱 Proper Nutrition Information for Each Serving
Here’s the breakdown per serving (approx. 375g):
- Calories: 115 kcal
- Protein: 3.2g
- Fat: 5.1g
- Carbohydrates: 13.6g
- Fiber: 4.5g
- Sugars: 5.2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Vitamin C: 46mg (over 50% RDA)
- Vitamin K: 120mcg
This soup is low-calorie, high in fiber, and rich in antioxidants.
🍽️ When and How to Enjoy This Soup
This recipe fits perfectly into:
- Lunch: Serve with crusty whole grain bread.
- Dinner: Pair with roasted potatoes or a light salad.
- Meal Prep: Lasts up to 5 days in the fridge.
🧄 Why Garlic & Cabbage Make a Nutritional Power Pair
Garlic contains allicin, known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits. Cabbage, rich in fiber and vitamin C, supports digestion and detox. Together, they create a naturally healing, comforting dish that’s perfect any time you need a reset.
🛡️ Food Safety Note
When working with garlic and broth:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking.
- Reheat to at least 74°C (165°F) before serving.
- Avoid leaving garlic in oil at room temperature—it can cause botulism.
- Use clean utensils to avoid cross-contamination.
❓Frequently Asked Questions About Garlicky Cabbage Soup
Q1. Can I freeze garlicky cabbage soup for later?
A: Yes, garlicky cabbage soup freezes very well. Let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Q2. What type of cabbage is best for this garlic cabbage soup recipe?
A: Green cabbage works best due to its mild flavor and soft texture when simmered. However, you can also use savoy or napa cabbage for variation.
Q3. Is this garlic cabbage soup vegetarian and vegan?
A: Yes, this recipe is both vegetarian and vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure your vegetable broth is 100% plant-based.
Q4. How much garlic should I use to make it flavorful but not overpowering?
A: Use about 6–8 cloves (30–40g) of fresh garlic for a balanced garlicky kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with 3–4 cloves and taste as you go.
Q5. Can I add protein to this cabbage soup recipe?
A: Absolutely. You can add cooked lentils (100g per serving), chickpeas, or tofu cubes for extra plant-based protein without changing the flavor profile too much.
Q6. How many calories are in one bowl of garlicky cabbage soup?
A: One serving (about 350ml) of this soup contains approximately 120–150 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.
Q7. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
A: Fresh garlic is strongly recommended for maximum flavor, but in a pinch, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (3g) per 2–3 garlic cloves.
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🙏 Thank You
Thank you so much for joining me in the kitchen today. Your love for wholesome, international flavors keeps this blog alive and growing. Keep cooking, keep exploring—and share your bowl of comfort with the world.