Go Back
–+ servings
Cabbage Soup in two white bowls on a wooden cutting board.
Print

The Best Cabbage Soup

The Best Cabbage Soup recipe is packed with unexpected flavors (hello, pickle juice!) and will keep you coming back for bowl after bowl. This healthy soup recipe is the ultimate cozy winter dinner idea.
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Russian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 servings
Calories 198kcal
Author Meggan Hill

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small turnip peeled and julienned
  • 2 carrots peeled and julienned
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 2 celery ribs sliced
  • 4 cups beef broth or vegetable broth (see note 1)
  • 1 pound green cabbage shredded
  • 1 green apple peeled, cored, and diced (see note 2)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice or lemon juice (see note 3)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh dill chopped, plus more for garnish
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Sour cream for serving, optional
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add turnip, carrot, onion, and celery, and cook until softened, about 10 minutes.
  • Add broth, cabbage, apple, bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon dill. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat; simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 to 40 minutes.
  • Remove bay leaves and stir in pickle or lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (I like 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.) Garnish with sour cream and more fresh dill if desired.

Video

Notes

  1. Beef broth: Or opt for vegetable broth to make The Best Cabbage Soup a fully vegan recipe.
  2. Green apple: A crunchy variety like Granny Smith or Crispin will hold up nicely as this soup simmers.
  3. Pickle juice: The acidity this lends is what makes this soup recipe so addictive and well-balanced. A splash of fresh lemon juice can also work in a pinch.
  4. Yield: This recipe makes four main dish-sized servings of vegetable soup. Pair it with a side salad and crusty bread to make The Best Cabbage Soup a full, hearty meal.
  5. Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 198kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 1028mg | Potassium: 619mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 5321IU | Vitamin C: 54mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 1mg