If you're looking for a cozy, flavorful way to enjoy your greens, this Healthy Spicy Cabbage Soup Recipe is just what you need. It’s packed with fresh veggies, white beans, and smoky fire-roasted tomatoes, making it a perfect light yet satisfying meal.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love how this soup brings warmth and spice on chilly days without feeling heavy or greasy. It’s truly one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again when you crave something wholesome and comforting.
- Packed with veggies: Cabbage, carrots, celery, and tomatoes create a nutrient-rich base for this soup.
- Protein from white beans: Keeps things filling yet low-fat and heart-healthy.
- Simple and quick: Ready in just 45 minutes, perfect for weeknight meals.
- Customizable spice level: You control the heat with chili powder and red pepper flakes.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before you start, I recommend grabbing fresh vegetables with vibrant colors for the best flavor. Using low-sodium broth lets you adjust seasoning easily, and fire-roasted tomatoes add a wonderful smoky depth.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: For sautéing veggies and adding healthy fats.
- Yellow onion: Builds a sweet, savory foundation when softened.
- Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and texture.
- Celery: Brings a subtle aromatic crunch.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with warmth and depth.
- Cabbage: The star vegetable offers bulk without heaviness.
- Chili powder: Gives just the right spicy kick.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: For balanced seasoning and enhanced flavors.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Adds an earthy herbal note.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the soup and adds a fresh finish.
- White beans: Provides plant-based protein and creaminess.
- Fire-roasted tomatoes: Adds smoky, tangy flavor and richness.
- Low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth: Creates a flavorful yet light soup base.
- Water: To thin the broth to the perfect consistency.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, for an extra layer of heat.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this Healthy Spicy Cabbage Soup Recipe is how versatile it is — you can easily tailor it to suit your taste buds or pantry staples. Whether you want to amp up the heat or add some extra veggies, it’s super forgiving and delicious every time.
- Vegan Version: I swapped the chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth and never missed the meat-based flavor. It’s just as hearty and comforting!
- Extra Heat: For those who love a serious kick, I add an extra pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce. It wakes up the soup beautifully.
- Seasonal Veggies: Sometimes I toss in green beans or peas for a pop of color and extra nutrients — it’s a great way to use whatever’s fresh and on hand.
- Lemony Brightness: A quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving lifts the flavors and adds a fresh zing that balances the spiciness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Spicy Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Soften the vegetables and wake up the spices
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion, carrots, celery, and ½ teaspoon of chili powder. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir often, cooking for about 8 minutes until the vegetables are tender and aromatic. You’ll notice the kitchen filling with a cozy, spicy scent, letting you know you’re off to a great start.
Step 2: Add beans, garlic, and thyme for depth
Next, stir in the drained and rinsed white beans, 2 cloves of finely chopped garlic, and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves. Continue cooking for about 1 minute, just until the garlic releases its fragrance — be careful not to let it brown or burn. This step builds lovely layers of flavor that complement the spicy kick.
Step 3: Pour in the broth, then simmer away
Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth along with 2 cups of water. Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This simmer forms the heart of the soup, melding flavors together beautifully before the veggies join the party.
Step 4: Add cabbage and fire-roasted tomatoes
Stir in the chopped half head of cabbage and a 15-ounce can of chopped fire-roasted tomatoes. Let the soup continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 6 minutes until the cabbage wilts perfectly tender but still holds just a bit of bite. This is when the soup really comes alive, thickening up with hearty vegetables and smoky tomato flavor.
Step 5: Finish with fresh herbs and spice
Once the cabbage is wilted, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and black pepper if needed. These last touches add brightness and just the right hint of heat to your bowl of comfort.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with additional fresh parsley for a lovely fresh finish. This soup is perfect served warm on its own or with a slice of crusty bread. It’s the kind of bowl that feels like a hug on a chilly day, while staying light and nourishing.
Top Tip
These tips will make your Healthy Spicy Cabbage Soup Recipe even more delicious and hassle-free, helping you get the best flavors and textures every time.
- Use Low-Sodium Broth: This lets you control the saltiness perfectly. I always start with low-sodium broth and adjust seasoning at the end so it’s just right.
- Don’t Skip the Sauté: Cooking the onion, carrots, and celery until soft unlocks deep flavors in the soup. I found skipping this step makes the soup lose its cozy, hearty vibe.
- Add Fresh Herbs Last: Stirring in fresh parsley and thyme at the end keeps their bright freshness intact. It really brightens up this comforting soup.
- Be Mindful of Spice Levels: I learned to add crushed red pepper flakes gradually. Adding too much at first can overpower the lovely balance of spices, so taste as you go!
How to Serve Healthy Spicy Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic garnish that adds a pop of color and herbaceous brightness. For a creamy touch, try a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a swirl of sour cream to balance the spicy kick. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can also lift the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty whole-grain bread or garlic toast for dipping. A simple mixed green salad with a crisp vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes or a medley of steamed green beans and peas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the soup cools to room temperature, transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
This Healthy Spicy Cabbage Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. You can also reheat in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through heating for even warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep this cabbage soup fully plant-based while maintaining its rich flavor.
The soup has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the chili powder and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer it spicier.
Yes! Feel free to include additional veggies like green beans, peas, or even zucchini to boost nutrition and variety. Just add them when you add the cabbage so they cook through properly.
Yes, it stores well refrigerated for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Spicy Cabbage Soup Recipe is one of my favorite go-to meals for chilly days when I want something warm, nourishing, and simple. It’s packed with wholesome veggies and a little kick of spice that makes every spoonful comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving for dinner tonight, it’s easy to make, delightful to eat, and leaves you feeling cozy inside. I hope you enjoy every bowl as much as I do!
Print
Healthy Spicy Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This hearty and healthy cabbage soup is packed with vegetables, white beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes. It's an easy-to-make recipe perfect for cozy winter meals, offering a flavorful and satisfying dish that warms you up while keeping things light and nutritious.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ½ large head cabbage, chopped
Spices and Herbs
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Canned Goods and Liquids
- 1 (15-oz.) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-oz.) can chopped fire-roasted tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion, carrots, celery, and chili powder. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened, about 8 minutes.
- Add beans, garlic, and thyme: Stir in the drained white beans, finely chopped garlic, and fresh thyme leaves. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the low-sodium broth and 2 cups of water, then bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Incorporate cabbage and tomatoes: Stir in the chopped cabbage and the canned fire-roasted tomatoes. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage has wilted, about 6 minutes.
- Finish the soup: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Divide the soup among bowls and garnish with additional fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level in the soup.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.
- For a vegan version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or peas for more variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 242 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg

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