This Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup is light, tasty, and packed with fresh veggies. It’s perfect for a healthy meal without all the calories!
Making this soup feels like a warm hug! I love how you can enjoy a big bowl guilt-free. It’s super easy to whip up, and left-overs taste even better the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cabbage: Green cabbage is the star here, providing lots of crunch and fiber. If you don’t have green cabbage, you can use savoy cabbage for a milder taste, or even kale for a slightly different texture.
Vegetable Broth: A low-sodium vegetable broth adds flavor without excess salt. You could use chicken broth for more depth or water if you don’t have broth on hand, but you may need to add more seasonings.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes bring acidity. If fresh tomatoes are in season, feel free to use about 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes instead!
Spices: Dried thyme and basil add great flavor. If you don’t have them, Italian seasoning works as a nice substitute!
How Do I Manage Cooking the Vegetables Just Right?
Cooking your veggies properly is key to a delicious soup. Start by sautéing the onions and garlic until they’re soft. This builds a flavor base. When adding the cabbage and carrots, don’t rush the softening! Stir occasionally and cook them for about 5 minutes.
- Cook on medium heat so the veggies soften gently, releasing their natural flavors.
- Keep covered while simmering later to help steam the cabbage and other veggies.
- Test tenderness with a fork and adjust the time as needed; you want them cooked but still with a slight bite!
Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped (about 8 cups)
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes to taste (optional for mild heat)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep time and 40 minutes for cooking, making it a total of approximately 50 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 20 minutes softening the veggies and letting the soup simmer, which makes the flavors really come together.
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add in the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
2. Add the Vegetables:
Next, stir in the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Keep cooking for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until the vegetables begin to soften slightly.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the diced tomatoes with their juice, the vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together really well to combine all the flavors.
4. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to develop beautifully.
5. Add the Green Beans:
After 20 minutes, add the trimmed green beans to the pot. Simmer the soup, uncovered, for another 10 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender but still have a bit of crunch.
6. Final Touches:
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or black pepper if desired. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor before serving.
This wonderful Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup is low in calories and high in nutrients. You can enjoy a big bowl without any guilt. It’s perfect for keeping you warm and satisfied any day of the week!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Soup?
Absolutely! This soup is very versatile. You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. Just adjust the cooking times to ensure everything is tender but not mushy.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
If you like your soup with a kick, try adding more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. You could also include minced jalapeños when sautéing the onion for extra heat!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Cool it completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
How Do I Store Leftover Cabbage Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen up the consistency.
