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Cabbage soup. Just the name makes me think of my grandma’s kitchen, where a giant pot would simmer away on the stove, filling the house with the comforting aroma of garlic, herbs, and garden-fresh cabbage. Today, this humble bowl is more than a family memory — it’s also one of the most talked-about recipes for anyone curious about lighter eating and weight loss.
In fact, this cabbage soup recipe is simple, hearty, and full of nourishing vegetables. Whether you’re exploring the cabbage soup diet or just want a quick, easy cabbage soup recipe that’s satisfying and low in calories, this version will become your go-to.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Success Story: Emily’s Journey with Cabbage Soup
From Bloated and Tired to Light and Energized in Just 3 Months
Emily Torres, a 32-year-old teacher from Portland, Oregon, had spent years battling low energy and stubborn weight gain. “I’d come home from school completely drained, and by the time dinner rolled around, I just wanted something quick — usually takeout,” she recalls. “Cooking a healthy meal felt impossible.”
One evening, while looking for simple, nourishing foods to reset her diet, Emily discovered the benefits of the cabbage soup diet. She started small: preparing a big pot of cabbage soup every Sunday and keeping it in the fridge for quick weeknight meals.
“By the end of the first week, I felt lighter and less bloated,” Emily says. Within a month, her digestion had improved, her sugar cravings were under control, and she found herself naturally reaching for healthier snacks.
Three months later, Emily had lost 22 pounds — not by starving herself, but by swapping out heavy dinners for a bowl of weight loss cabbage soup recipe and pairing it with lean protein or salad. “It wasn’t a crash diet,” she explains. “It was a comforting meal that made me feel good, and it set the tone for the rest of my day.”
Her new routine? A morning walk before school, balanced lunches, and a warm bowl of original cabbage soup recipe most evenings. “I’ve got my energy back, my clothes fit better, and I’m no longer dreading dinnertime. Cabbage soup didn’t just help me lose weight — it gave me a routine I can actually enjoy.”
Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss
Sofie NienhausEquipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 carrots chopped
- 0.25 cups celery chopped
- 2 cups cabbage chopped
- 0.5 cup green bell pepper chopped
- 250 g tomatoes
- 3 cups water
- 2 bay leaf
- 1 tsp mixed herbs
- 0.5 tsp roasted red chilli flakes
- salt to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp green chilli sauce optional
- 1 tbsp red chilli sauce
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- For making Instant Pot weight loss soup, start the instant pot in saute mode. Add olive oil and add chopped onions.
- Saute the onion until the onions are softened.
- Add carrots and celery, cook for the few minutes.
- Add tomatoes and cook for few minutes.
- Add in salt to taste, mixed herbs, red chili flakes, green chilli sauce, red chilli sauce, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper powder and mix well.
- Add green bell peppers, chopped cabbage stir everything together and combine.
- Add water and close the lid of the instant pot. Close the steam vent and use manual settings. Set the pressure to high and reduce the time to 5 Minute.
- After that allow it 5-7 minutes to cool down and with the help of a long-handled spoon gently release the steam vent.
- Serve the vegetable soup hot
Nutrition
Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss
Cabbage soup is a low-calorie, fiber-rich, and flavorful vegetable soup designed to support weight loss while keeping you full. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for a 7-day cabbage soup diet plan.
Quick Answer: Yes, cabbage soup can help with weight loss because it’s light yet filling, making it easier to stay on track with healthy eating.
Easy Weight Loss Cabbage Soup Recipe
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Soups & Stews
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- 2 cups cabbage, chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 250 g tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon mixed herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon roasted red chili flakes
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon green chili sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon red chili sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions (Instant Pot Method):
- Start your Instant Pot in sauté mode. Add olive oil and chopped onions. Cook until softened.
- Add carrots and celery; cook for a few minutes.
- Stir in tomatoes and let them soften.
- Add salt, mixed herbs, chili flakes, sauces, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Add green bell pepper and cabbage; mix everything together.
- Pour in water. Close the lid and set pressure to high for 5 minutes.
- Allow 5–7 minutes to cool, then gently release steam with a long-handled spoon.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 158 kcal
- Carbs: 22 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 674 mg
Tools You’ll Need
- Instant Pot or large soup pot
- Sharp knife + cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
For People with Diabetes: Sugar Substitutes
If you’re following a diabetic-friendly diet, replace chili sauces with fresh chili or herbs to avoid hidden sugars. Safe alternatives like stevia, monk fruit, erythritol, or allulose can sweeten broth-based dishes — but avoid honey or maple syrup as they may spike blood sugar.
Why You’ll Love This Original Cabbage Soup Recipe
If you’ve ever wondered why cabbage soup keeps showing up in conversations about health and home cooking, the answer is simple: it’s one of the most original cabbage soup recipes rooted in tradition yet endlessly adaptable.
Who It’s For
- Anyone starting a weight loss journey who wants a comforting, filling meal without excess calories.
- Busy cooks looking for a cabbage soup recipe easy enough to throw together on a weeknight.
- Home cooks who love classic dishes with room for personalization.
When to Cook It
This soup shines in cooler months when you crave warmth but also want to keep meals light. It’s equally perfect for summer when you need a quick detox after heavy holiday eating.
A Kitchen Memory
When I was little, my grandma had a small wooden stool in her garden, right next to a row of cabbages that looked enormous to me at the time. She’d pull one straight from the soil, peel back the outer leaves, and say, “This is enough to feed us well without weighing us down.”
That phrase stuck with me. And decades later, as I chopped cabbage in my own kitchen, I realized she was right — this vegetable, humble as it may be, builds a soup that’s nourishing, budget-friendly, and deeply satisfying.
The original cabbage soup recipe was never about dieting in her house. It was about resourcefulness, using what the garden gave us, and crafting a bowl that tasted even better the next day.
What Makes This Version Special
- Balanced spices: A touch of cayenne, herbs, and chili sauces keep it flavorful without being bland.
- Global inspiration: Though rooted in grandma’s American kitchen, I’ve woven in Indian flavors for depth and warmth.
- Health focus: With only 158 calories per serving, this soup fuels you without guilt.
Weight Loss Cabbage Soup Recipe – How It Works
Yes, cabbage soup really can support weight loss — not because it’s a “magic fix,” but because it’s low-calorie, high-fiber, and naturally filling. Each bowl is packed with water-rich vegetables that stretch your stomach, signal fullness, and reduce the urge to overeat.
Why It Helps
- Low in calories: At just 158 kcal per serving, you can enjoy a generous portion without guilt.
- Fiber-rich: Cabbage, carrots, and celery provide soluble and insoluble fiber to aid digestion and keep you satisfied.
- Nutrient-dense: Even while cutting calories, you’re fueling your body with vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants from tomatoes and peppers.
- Hydrating: With its water base, this soup doubles as hydration support — a factor many overlook during diet plans.
A Personal Moment
During my college years, exam season was always my most stressful time. Sleep was scarce, coffee cups piled up, and meals became more about convenience than nutrition. One winter, I found myself drained — until I remembered my grandma’s cabbage soup.
I made a pot late at night, and with each steaming bowl, I felt calmer, lighter, and more focused. It wasn’t just food; it was a reset button. That was my first experience of how a weight loss cabbage soup recipe doesn’t just trim calories — it restores balance when life feels chaotic.
Pro Tip for Weight Loss Success
Pair your cabbage soup with lean proteins (like grilled chicken, lentils, or tofu) and whole grains (like brown rice or quinoa) if you plan to eat it beyond a short detox. This keeps your diet sustainable, preventing the fatigue that can come from eating only soup.
Cabbage Soup Diet – Does It Really Work?
It depends. The cabbage soup diet has been around for decades, often described as a 7-day “quick-fix” plan. The idea is simple: eat unlimited cabbage soup alongside a few other food groups (like fruits on day two, lean proteins later in the week), and watch the pounds drop.
The Truth Behind the Diet
- Yes, it works short-term: Because cabbage soup is so low in calories, most people lose several pounds in a week.
- No, it’s not sustainable: The moment you return to regular eating, the weight often comes back.
- Best as a reset: Think of it as a gentle cleanse or a way to reduce cravings before transitioning to balanced meals.
Cultural Insight
In my own home, soups like this weren’t about “diets” — they were part of seasonal rhythms. In India, fasting traditions often included light, vegetable-rich broths to give the body rest. My grandma would sip cabbage or spinach soup during these times, not to lose weight, but to feel lighter and refreshed.
This shows us something important: soups like these are timeless. Whether part of a “cabbage soup diet” or simply a mindful way to eat, the bowl in front of you is about balance more than restriction.
Balanced Way to Try It
If you’re curious about the cabbage soup diet:
- Do it short-term (no more than 7 days).
- Hydrate well with water and herbal teas.
- Reintroduce whole foods slowly afterward — proteins, grains, and healthy fats.
And if you’d rather skip the “diet” label altogether, enjoy this soup regularly as part of a healthy lifestyle. It’s far more rewarding to savor it as a comforting meal than to see it as a rulebook.
Cabbage Soup Recipe Easy – The No-Fuss Approach
Cabbage Soup Recipe Easy – The No-Fuss Approach
Yes, this is one of the easiest soups you’ll ever make. Even if you’re new to cooking, this cabbage soup recipe easy approach proves that healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Why It’s Easy
- Minimal chopping: Cabbage, onion, carrots, and celery — that’s your base.
- One-pot magic: Everything cooks together, no juggling multiple pans.
- Quick cooking time: Just 20 minutes in an Instant Pot (or 30–35 minutes on the stove).
- Flexible: Swap in veggies you have on hand — zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach blend right in.
A Kitchen Hack Story
When I first moved into my tiny apartment, I had a single pot, a wooden spoon, and not much else. This cabbage soup became my survival recipe. I’d chop the vegetables on a cutting board balanced across the sink, toss everything into the pot, and 30 minutes later, I had three days of meals ready.
That’s the beauty of this dish — it’s not only a cabbage soup recipe easy to follow, it’s also forgiving. Forgot a spice? No problem. Don’t have chili sauce? A dash of paprika works. The soup welcomes creativity and still tastes like comfort.
Quick Time-Saver Tips
- Use pre-chopped cabbage mix (like coleslaw blend) if you’re short on time.
- Batch-cook and freeze in single portions for quick lunches.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten flavors instantly.
Conclusion
At the heart of it, cabbage soup isn’t just about calories or diets. It’s about comfort, balance, and the quiet joy of knowing you can nourish yourself with simple, wholesome ingredients. From my grandma’s garden to my own kitchen, this humble pot has always symbolized resourcefulness and care.
Whether you try it for the cabbage soup diet, cook it as an easy cabbage soup recipe for busy nights, or savor it as the original cabbage soup recipe passed through generations, you’ll discover what I love most: each spoonful feels like a reset button — gentle, grounding, and full of flavor.
So here’s my encouragement to you: don’t just follow the recipe, make it your own. Add spices that excite you, toss in vegetables that need using, or serve it alongside a crust of bread for extra comfort.
Explore beautifully curated weight loss pink salt recipe ideas on Sofie Recipes on Pinterest and find your next favorite healthy habit!
FAQs
What are some common mistakes when making cabbage soup?
he biggest mistake is overcooking the cabbage. It turns mushy and loses its vibrant crunch. Another common slip is using too much salt or too little seasoning, leaving the soup flat.
I learned this the hard way one winter, when I let the soup simmer all afternoon while helping my sister with her homework — the pot tasted more like boiled cabbage water than the fragrant bowl I remembered from Grandma. Since then, I keep it to a gentle simmer and always balance with herbs, chili flakes, and a squeeze of lemon.
What does cabbage soup do for your body?
Cabbage soup is detoxifying, hydrating, and fiber-rich, which means it supports digestion, eases bloating, and keeps you fuller for longer. It’s also high in vitamin C, which boosts immunity.
Think of it as a reset meal — not a cure-all, but a comforting way to give your body a break from heavy foods. After holiday feasts, I always find myself craving a clean, bright-tasting bowl like this.
What spices go with cabbage soup?
Classic choices include bay leaf, black pepper, thyme, paprika, and chili flakes. For warmth, add cumin or coriander. For brightness, try dill or parsley.
Grandma always added just a pinch of cayenne “to wake it up,” and I’ve carried that tradition forward. It’s amazing how one small spice can lift the whole pot.
What is the best soup to eat to lose weight?
It depends on your goals, but vegetable-based soups like cabbage soup, lentil soup, or miso broth are top choices. They’re low in calories yet high in nutrients and water, which helps with satiety.
When I was trying to manage my weight during college, alternating between cabbage soup and a simple lentil broth gave me variety while keeping meals light.
What are the 4 ingredients in cabbage soup?
At its simplest, cabbage soup can be made with just cabbage, onion, carrot, and water (or broth). From there, herbs and spices elevate it.
That’s the charm of this dish — it can be stripped down to basics or built up with layers of flavor.
What not to put in soup?
Avoid overly starchy ingredients (like pasta or potatoes) if you’re following a weight loss plan, since they increase calories. Also steer clear of high-sodium soup bases or too much oil.
I once made the mistake of tossing in leftover sausage to “bulk it up,” and while tasty, it completely changed the soup’s light, cleansing nature. Keep it simple, and let the vegetables shine.