Easy Low-Cal Cabbage Soup Recipe for Weight Loss (Print version)
A light, filling cabbage soup with tomatoes, carrots, celery, garlic, herbs, and lemon for easy low-calorie meal prep.
# Ingredients:
For the soup base
01 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
02 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
03 -
2 medium carrots, diced
04 -
2 celery ribs, diced
05 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika or sweet paprika
08 -
1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 -
1 bay leaf
For the vegetables and broth
11 -
1 medium head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced, about 1 1/2 lb (680 g)
12 -
1 can (14.5 oz or 410 g) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juices
13 -
6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium vegetable broth
14 -
1 cup (240 ml) water, plus more if needed
To finish
15 -
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
16 -
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill or parsley
17 -
Red pepper flakes, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and salt. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is soft and glossy.
02 -
Add garlic, paprika, thyme, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
03 -
Stir in the cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, and water. The pot will look full, but the cabbage will soften quickly.
04 -
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook partially covered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.
05 -
Remove the bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice and dill or parsley. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
06 -
Ladle into bowls and serve hot. For meal prep, cool the soup and store it in airtight containers.
# Good to know:
01 -
Makes about 10 cups of soup.
02 -
Best for meal prep lunches or a light dinner.
03 -
Add beans, chicken, or turkey if you want more protein.