Let me tell you about my little miracle worker – this cabbage soup diet recipe has saved my sanity more times than I can count! As a busy mom juggling work, school runs, and after-school activities, I needed something quick, healthy, and waistline-friendly. That’s when I discovered the magic of cabbage soup – packed with veggies, low in calories, and so satisfying you won’t believe it’s diet food.
I’ll never forget the first time I made this for my family. My husband eyed it suspiciously (“Where’s the meat?”), and my kids made faces at the cabbage – until they actually tasted it. Now it’s our go-to when we need a reset after too many pizza nights. The best part? It comes together in one pot with simple ingredients I always have on hand.
Today I’m sharing all my hard-earned cabbage soup wisdom – from how to pack in maximum flavor (hello, caramelized onions and colorful bell peppers!) to my secret for making it extra satisfying without adding calories. Whether you’re looking to shed a few pounds or just want a nourishing meal that won’t weigh you down, this soup is about to become your new best friend.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe
Trust me, this isn’t your average bland diet soup. Here’s why it’s become my kitchen superhero:
- Wholesome goodness – Packed with colorful veggies that give you a nutrient boost while keeping calories low (that cabbage is practically magic for weight management!)
- Weeknight easy – From chopping to simmering, you’re just 40 minutes away from dinner – perfect for those “I forgot to meal prep” nights
- One-pot wonder – Minimal cleanup means more time for what really matters (like finally watching that Netflix show you’ve been saving)
- Flavor that surprises – The combo of sweet bell peppers, garlic, and thyme makes this cabbage soup diet recipe taste anything but restrictive
- Budget-friendly – Uses affordable, everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank – my grocery bill thanks me every time
Ingredients for Cabbage Soup Diet
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this magical, belly-warming soup – I bet half of these are already in your fridge or pantry right now! The beauty of this cabbage soup diet recipe is how simple and flexible it is (no running to specialty stores required).
- 1 head medium cabbage, chopped – Go for green cabbage here, and don’t worry about perfect cuts (rustic is totally fine!)
- 2 small yellow onions, diced – These are the flavor foundation – let them get nice and golden
- 3 colorful bell peppers (red/yellow/orange), diced – The rainbow mix makes it pretty and packed with nutrients
- 3 stalks celery, sliced – Adds that satisfying crunch and extra fiber
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced – Fresh or canned both work beautifully here
- 3 tsp garlic, minced – Because what’s soup without garlic’s cozy hug?
- 1 tbsp tomato paste – Our secret flavor booster (I keep the tube in my fridge door)
- 3 cups beef broth – Or veggie broth if you’re going meat-free
- 2 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing all those gorgeous veggies
- 1 tsp fresh thyme – Rub it between your fingers to wake up the oils
- Salt and pepper – To taste (I’m generous with the pepper!)
How to Make Cabbage Soup Diet
Alright, let’s get cooking! This cabbage soup diet recipe comes together so easily – even my 10-year-old can help with most steps (though I keep her away from the sharp knives!). Here’s exactly how I make it:
Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables
First things first – let’s chop! I like to get all my veggies ready before turning on the stove (my grandma called this “mise en place” – fancy French for “don’t scramble while things are burning”). The key here is keeping your cuts somewhat even – nothing needs to be perfect, but similarly sized pieces will cook at the same rate.
Chop your onions first (pro tip: chew gum while chopping to avoid tears!), then move to the bell peppers. I love using all three colors – they make the soup so pretty! The cabbage can be roughly chopped – it wilts down so much that precision doesn’t matter. Just remove the tough core first.
Step 2: Cooking the Base
Now for the fun part – building flavor! Heat your olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. When it shimmers (test with a tiny piece of onion – if it sizzles, you’re good), add your onions and bell peppers. Cook these beauties for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and get those lovely caramelized edges.
Next comes the garlic, thyme, tomato paste, and tomatoes – stir these in and let them cook for about 2 minutes. You’ll smell the magic happening! This step is crucial for developing deep flavor in your cabbage soup diet recipe.
Step 3: Adding the Broth and Cabbage
Time for the broth! Pour in your beef broth (careful – it might steam up at first) and give everything a good stir to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Now add your mountain of chopped cabbage – don’t worry, it’ll shrink down dramatically!
Bring the soup to a boil (this takes about 5 minutes for me), then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 15-20 minutes – this is when all the flavors really come together. The cabbage should be tender but still have a bit of bite. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper – I always add extra black pepper because I love the warmth it brings!
And that’s it – your cabbage soup diet masterpiece is ready! Ladle it into bowls while it’s piping hot and watch how quickly it disappears.
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Miracle Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe That Melts 15 Pounds Fast
A simple and nutritious cabbage soup for a light and healthy meal.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups Beef Broth
- 1 tsp Thyme, fresh
- 3 tsp Garlic, minced
- Salt and Pepper if desired
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 2 small Yellow Onions, diced
- 1 head Cabbage, medium, chopped
- 1 cup Tomatoes, diced
- 3 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 Red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, heat the Olive oil over medium heat.
- Toss in the onions, all the bell peppers, and the tomatoes.
- Cook on medium high heat for 4 to 6 minutes.
- Add in the Garlic, Thyme, salt and pepper, and the Tomato paste.
- Stir to combine.
- Continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes before adding the broth.
- Add in the 3 cups Beef Broth.
- Add in the chopped cabbage.
- Increase the heat until it comes to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Tips for Perfect Cabbage Soup Diet
After making this cabbage soup diet recipe more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to oh-my-goodness delicious. Here are my hard-won secrets:
- Taste as you go – The magic happens in the seasoning! Start with less salt and add gradually – those flavors concentrate as the soup simmers. I always do a final taste test right before serving.
- Fresh herbs make all the difference – That teaspoon of fresh thyme? Worth every penny. If you’ve got fresh parsley or dill, toss some in at the end for a bright pop.
- Don’t skip the browning – Let those onions and peppers get properly golden in step 2 – that caramelization adds incredible depth to your cabbage soup diet.
- Leftovers get better – This soup tastes even more amazing the next day! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days (just give it a quick reheat on the stove with a splash of broth if it thickens).
Variations for Cabbage Soup Diet
One of my favorite things about this cabbage soup diet recipe is how easily you can mix it up! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried (and loved) over the years:
- Protein power-up – Toss in some shredded chicken breast or lean ground turkey during the last 5 minutes of simmering for extra staying power.
- Broth switcheroo – Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef for a lighter flavor – perfect if you’re making this cabbage soup diet vegetarian-friendly.
- Spice it up – A pinch of smoked paprika or cumin adds wonderful warmth. My husband loves when I add a dash of red pepper flakes too!
- Extra veggie boost – Throw in whatever’s wilting in your fridge – zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots all work beautifully. Last week I added a handful of spinach at the end – instant nutrition!
The possibilities are endless – that’s the beauty of soup! Just keep the cabbage as your star and let your creativity run wild.
Serving Suggestions for Cabbage Soup Diet
This cabbage soup diet recipe is plenty satisfying on its own, but I love rounding out the meal with a few simple sides! A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette makes the perfect fresh contrast. Some crusty whole-grain bread is heavenly for soaking up every last drop – just tear off chunks right at the table for that cozy, rustic feel.
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Cabbage Soup Diet
This cabbage soup diet recipe actually gets better after a day in the fridge – the flavors have more time to mingle! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer the stovetop (just warm it gently over medium-low with a splash of broth), but the microwave works in a pinch – stir every 30 seconds until piping hot. Pro tip: If the soup thickens too much, just add a little water or broth to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
Nutritional Information for Cabbage Soup Diet
Here’s the scoop on why this cabbage soup diet recipe is a nutrition powerhouse! One serving (about 1 bowl) packs around 120 calories, with just 4g of fat and a whopping 6g of fiber to keep you full. It’s also low in sugar (8g) and sodium (300mg), making it a guilt-free choice. Keep in mind, nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients and brands used. But trust me, it’s a delicious way to nourish your body without the calorie overload!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Soup Diet
Can I Free This Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe?
Yes! This cabbage soup diet recipe is suitable for freezing. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge or freezer before reheating. I’ve frozen this soup more times than I can count, and it’s always been great! However, I don’t freeze anything more than 3 months.
Is This Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe Vegan?
No, this cabbage soup diet recipe isn’t vegan unless beef broth is replaced. However, you can make it vegan by using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. I’ve made this soup with vegetable broth before, and it’s still delicious! The rest of the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
How Long Does It Take To Prepare Cabbage Soup Diet
This cabbage soup diet recipe comes together in about 40 minutes from start to finish. The prep time is approximately 15 minutes, and the cooking time is about 25 minutes. It’s a quick and easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
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