Whenever you need a break from over-indulging or simply want some lighter, healthier, veggie-packed meals, this detox cabbage soup is a great recipe to make.
Customizable with non-starchy vegetables, herbs and spices, this soup will fill you up with nutrients!
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Oh hey, January.
Do you make new years resolutions?
Goals?
Or even have a “word of the year?” (or color/mantra/song/emoji?)
If any of the above including eating healthier, lighter, or more vegetables, this recipe is for you.
I’ve actually been making variations of this soup for the last 6 months. So it’s not limited to the first few weeks of the year!
The only real “rule” for this detox cabbage soup is to use non-starchy veggies (including shredded cabbage).
What counts as a non-starchy vegetable? My favorites include:
- Carrots
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale, arugula)
- Squash
- Tomato
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Celery
- Brussels Sprouts
You can find a full list here.
You may have heard about the “cabbage soup diet,” which basically has you eat only this for 7 days straight.
I’ve even seen a variation in the book “French Women Don’t Get Fat,” and also seen it called “Wonder Soup.”
I’d probably never eat this and *only* this for 7 days in a row (and I’m definitely not recommending you do so), but this is a good way to lighten up some of your meals when you want some warm, healthy comforting food.
I’ll be the first to say that cabbage is not at the top of my favorite vegetables list. But it’s popular for its nutrition-packed profile.
Filled with Vitamin K (good for brain power), fiber (for filling you up and good for digestion), Calcium/Magnesium/Potassium (good for bone health) and Vitamin C.
The pictures above all don’t include tomato, and the pictures below do. If you want to leave the tomato out, just be aware that you may need to add more broth or water.
You’ll want just enough liquid to cover the veggies before simmering.
Add your choice of spices, and enjoy!
Detox Cabbage Soup
Whenever you need a break from over-indulging or simply want some lighter, healthier, veggie-packed meals, this detox cabbage soup is a great recipe to make. Customizable with non-starchy vegetables, herbs and spices, this soup will fill you up with nutrients! Gluten free, vegan.
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 large white onion (about 1.5 cups)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 ribs celery, chopped
- 3 large carrots, chopped (about 2 cups)
- 2 bell peppers, chopped (about 2 cups) see note*
- 1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes in juice (no salt added), optional**
- 1 (10 oz.) bag shredded green cabbage (about 5 cups)
- 6 cups vegetable broth (more or less depending on the desired texture and bulk of veggies used)
Seasonings:
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon spices (my choice is 1 teaspoon basil + 1 teaspoon oregano + 1 teaspoon parsley)
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large stock pot, heat oil on stove over medium heat.
- Once oil is hot, add onion and garlic and stir until onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in celery, carrots, bell peppers (or other choice of veggies) and saute until tender (about 7-10 minutes).
- Add in diced tomatoes and shredded cabbage, and enough vegetable broth to just cover the vegetables. Stir.
- Bring to a boil and then cover and let simmer for 20-30 minutes or until cabbage is tender.
- Add in lemon juice, spices, salt and pepper and adjust according to taste. Serve hot.
- Will last in airtight container in fridge for 3-4 days.
Notes
*The 2 cups bell peppers is usually where I mix up the veggies depending on the season. Can substitute 2 cups of mushrooms, yellow squash or other non-starchy vegetable. See post for list of veggie options.
**Can substitute 1.5 cups of chopped tomato for the can of diced. If you leave out the tomato, be aware that there will be less liquid in the soup and you may need to add more broth/water to cover the veggies.
Want to add a little heat/spice? Add a chopped jalapeno in with the celery, and/or add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the spices.
Other spice options: turmeric, thyme, cumin.
Recipe adapted from Divas Can Cook
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Amount Per Serving: Calories: 245Trans Fat: 0g
Nutrition information is calculated automatically by an online tool at Nutritionix. It is not always accurate. Please use your own tools to check if you rely on this information.
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J
Thursday 27th of October 2022
Can you use tomato juice only instead of broths? And still get the same detox results.
Melissa
Tuesday 17th of November 2020
Would this freeze well?
Kelly
Wednesday 18th of November 2020
Yes you can freeze leftovers, should be good for 2-3 months!
Jade
Thursday 22nd of October 2020
how big is the serving? 1 cup? 1.5 cups?
Linnea
Monday 8th of July 2019
Amazing
I added a much of halved mushrooms to the soup and cooked quinoa to the bowl before serving
Thank you!!
Pete
Sunday 29th of April 2018
Could I add arugula?
Kelly
Monday 30th of April 2018
Yes! The idea is to add whatever non-starchy vegetables you like, arugula included.