This Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup is light, tasty, and super easy to whip up! Packed with fresh veggies, it’s also low in calories but big on flavor.
I love making a big pot and enjoying it for lunch all week. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, plus perfect for when you want something healthy and filling! 🥬😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cabbage: Green cabbage brings the freshest flavor and crunch. If you prefer a different taste, Napa cabbage or savoy cabbage can work well, too, but they will change the texture slightly.
Carrots: They add sweetness and color! If you ever run out of fresh carrots, frozen ones can be a good substitute; just adjust the cooking time a bit.
Bell Pepper: Any color works great, but I lean towards red for sweetness. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, you can skip the pepper or replace it with zucchini.
Diced Tomatoes: These are essential for the base of the soup. If you like a smoother texture, you could use crushed tomatoes instead. No canned tomatoes? Fresh diced tomatoes will do, just use about 2 cups.
Herbs: I love dried herbs for convenience, but fresh are fantastic if you have them! Use a tablespoon of fresh herbs if you prefer; mint and cilantro also work great for a unique twist!
How to Sauté Vegetables for the Best Flavor?
Sautéing is a key step to build the flavor base of the soup. It softens the veggies and releases their natural sweetness.
- Start with a pot on medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth (or a bit of oil for richness).
- Then, toss in the onions first, allowing them to soften for a minute before adding the garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. The order matters!
- Cook until they all look soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes; this is crucial for depth of flavor.
This step makes all the difference in your soup’s taste, giving it that rich, comforting flavor everyone loves!
How to Make Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Vegetables:
- 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 large bell pepper (green or red), diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
Canned Ingredients:
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Broth:
- 6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 45 minutes of cooking time. You’ll spend a little time chopping vegetables, and then let the soup simmer until everything is tender and flavorful. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat a splash of vegetable broth or a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, celery, and diced bell pepper. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and smell amazing.
2. Add the Cabbage:
Once the other veggies are soft, toss in the chopped cabbage. Stir it around and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the cabbage starts to wilt and become tender.
3. Combine the Broth and Seasonings:
Now it’s time to pour in the vegetable broth along with the canned diced tomatoes (make sure to include the juice!). Stir in the dried oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes (if you like some heat), and season with salt and black pepper. Mix it all well!
4. Let It Simmer:
Bring the soup to a beautiful boil, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, allowing all those wonderful flavors to blend together and the vegetables to become tender.
5. Taste and Adjust:
After the soup has simmered, give it a taste! Adjust the seasoning if needed. If you love more herbs or spices, feel free to add a little more!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your hearty and healthy cabbage soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a lovely touch. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness!
This Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup is a perfect balance of lightness and satisfaction, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy meal. Enjoy every delicious spoonful! 🌱🥣
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Soup?
Absolutely! You can customize the soup with your favorite veggies. Consider adding zucchini, green beans, or even kale for extra nutrition. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the tenderness of the vegetables you choose.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, this soup stores well! You can make it a day in advance and refrigerate it. The flavors often get even better after sitting overnight. Just reheat on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; make sure to leave space in the container as it will expand when frozen!
Is This Soup Suitable for Meal Prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Portion it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. It’s nutritious, filling, and only takes a few minutes to reheat!
