Name: Vegan Cabbage Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small leek, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery ribs, sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; ½ small green cabbage or savoy cabbage, about ½ pound (5 cups chopped); 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 teaspoon sea salt, or more to taste; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 bay leaves; 1 14.5-ounce canned diced tomatoes; 4-6 cups vegetable broth; 1 14.5-ounce canned white beans, drained and rinsed; 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 46 reviews

There is something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of homemade soup, and this Vegan Cabbage Soup Recipe perfectly embodies that feeling. It’s packed with vibrant vegetables, hearty beans, and fragrant herbs that blend together to create a nourishing, flavorful meal. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly day or simply craving a wholesome, plant-based dish, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. The cabbage adds a lovely texture and sweetness, while the potatoes and beans give it a satisfying richness that sticks with you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden cutting board placed on a white marbled texture surface holds five groups of chopped ingredients arranged neatly. At the top left is a white bowl filled with pale green and white chopped cabbage. To the right of the bowl is a small white bowl with a pale beige crumbly ingredient. Below that is a large section of chopped light green and white leeks. Below the leeks are bright orange diced carrots. At the bottom left of the board are light green sliced celery pieces arranged in a small pile. Next to the celery, a knife with a wooden handle rests on the board. There is a halved lemon with bright yellow skin and pale yellow inside near the top right edge. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Vegan Cabbage Soup Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple yet powerful in flavor. Each ingredient plays an essential role, adding layers of taste, texture, and color that make the dish come alive in your bowl.

2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables evenly.
1 small leek, chopped: Brings a mild oniony sweetness that deepens the base flavor.
2 carrots, chopped: Offer a natural sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
2 celery ribs, sliced: Provide a fresh, crisp texture and aromatic base notes.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuse the soup with warmth and depth.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and subtle complexity.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an earthy, herbal note that complements the vegetables.
2 bay leafs: Impart a delicate woodsy aroma throughout the cooking process.
1 14.5-ounce canned diced tomatoes: Give a slightly tangy base and rich texture.
4-6 cups vegetable broth: Creates a flavorful liquid foundation to cook everything in.
1 14.5-ounce canned white beans, drained and rinsed: Add creaminess and protein.
2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced: Contribute heartiness and help thicken the soup naturally.
½ small green cabbage or savoy cabbage, about ½ pound (5 cups chopped): Provides bulk, crunch, and subtle sweetness.
2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed: Brightens all the flavors with a fresh citrus zing.
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: Adds a pop of color and freshness when serving.

How to Make Vegan Cabbage Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped leek, carrots, and celery and cook them gently until soft and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn but releases its lovely aroma to build a flavorful foundation.

Step 2: Add Herbs and Tomatoes

Next, stir in the sea salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and bay leafs. These spices will infuse the soup with warm, earthy notes. Pour in the diced tomatoes and mix well, allowing the juices to meld with the sautéed vegetables. This step sets the tone for the depth of flavor that makes the Vegan Cabbage Soup Recipe so satisfying.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Add Potatoes

Add 4 cups of vegetable broth to the pot and bring everything to a gentle boil. Then, add the diced russet potatoes. They will cook slowly, breaking down a bit to help thicken the soup naturally while adding a creamy texture. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more broth at this stage.

Step 4: Stir in Cabbage and Beans

Once the potatoes start to soften, it’s time to add the chopped cabbage and the drained white beans. These ingredients add wonderful texture and make this soup uniquely filling and hearty. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors have fully come together.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Parsley

Right before serving, stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten the soup’s earthy flavors. Remove the bay leafs, taste for seasoning, and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a lively color and a touch of freshness that makes each spoonful sing.

How to Serve Vegan Cabbage Soup Recipe

A light blue pot filled with a soup that has three main layers: at the top, pale white beans are scattered mainly on one side; underneath, there are orange carrot pieces, light green celery slices, and soft beige cabbage pieces mixed with chunks of red tomatoes in a thick reddish broth; to the side, a dark green bay leaf rests on the surface. A wooden spoon is placed inside the pot, leaning on the edge. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with two lemon halves nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic garnish here, but you can also add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes to add a bit of heat. For an added texture contrast, sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed walnuts over the top. These little details bring the soup to life and make it feel extra special when served.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty whole-grain bread or a light, crisp salad. A simple avocado toast or a side of roasted Brussels sprouts can also round out your meal nicely. Because the Vegan Cabbage Soup Recipe is so nourishing on its own, the best sides are often those that complement without weighing you down.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a warm, thick slice of garlic bread on the side to soak up every last drop. For a fun twist, ladle the soup over cooked grains like quinoa or barley for a one-bowl meal. Alternatively, serve it chilled as a refreshing summer soup garnished with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Vegan Cabbage Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, so it’s perfect for meal prepping or busy weeknights when you want something fast and comforting.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some room for expansion in the container and label it clearly to enjoy your tasty homemade soup whenever you want.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to refresh the texture. Avoid microwaving when possible to maintain the best flavor and consistency, but if in a rush, microwave on medium power stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cabbage in this Vegan Cabbage Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Green cabbage, savoy cabbage, or even napa cabbage all work beautifully. Each variety offers slightly different textures and flavors, so feel free to experiment based on what you have or prefer.

Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this entire recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth. Always check the label if you’re buying store-bought broth to ensure it meets your dietary needs.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! This soup is quite versatile. You might add mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or kale for extra nutrition and flavor. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to keep the vegetables tender but not mushy.

How can I make this soup more filling?

The white beans and potatoes already add great heartiness, but you could also toss in cooked barley, lentils, or some cooked pasta to bulk it up even more. Serving it alongside a hearty grain salad also pairs nicely to keep you satisfied.

Does the soup taste better the next day?

Many soups, including this Vegan Cabbage Soup Recipe, benefit from resting overnight as the flavors meld and deepen. If you can wait, the next day’s leftovers will be even more delicious and comforting.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Cabbage Soup Recipe has a special place in my heart and kitchen because it delivers big flavors with simple ingredients and effortless steps. It’s wholesome, vibrant, and absolutely satisfying on any day. I hope you give it a try soon and find it as cozy and comforting as I do—ready to nurture your body and soul with every spoonful.