Description
This easy and comforting cabbage soup recipe features fresh vegetables and smoky turkey bacon for a warm, healthy, and flavor-packed meal. Perfect for cozy evenings or quick dinners, it highlights the natural sweetness of cabbage combined with vibrant veggies and a savory smoky depth.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized strips
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (natural)
Protein & Flavor Base
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cut into small pieces
Liquids & Condiments
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt (natural), to taste
- Black pepper (natural), to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping the green cabbage into bite-sized strips, dicing the carrots and celery, and finely chopping the onions and garlic. Cut the smoked turkey bacon into small pieces to allow for even cooking and distribution of flavor.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large pot, cook the smoked turkey bacon pieces over medium heat until they are crispy but not burnt. This will release flavorful fat that forms the base of your soup. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the turkey bacon fat and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step develops the aromatic flavors that define your cabbage soup.
- Add Cabbage and Liquids: Stir in the cabbage and cook for a few minutes to soften it slightly. Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and apple cider vinegar (natural). Bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded beautifully.
- Finish and Season: Return the crispy smoked turkey bacon to the pot, toss in fresh herbs, and season with salt (natural) and black pepper (natural) to taste. Give the soup one last stir, then serve warm.
Notes
- Let the soup simmer gently to develop deeper, well-rounded flavors.
- Do not rush sautéing vegetables; this builds the flavor foundation.
- Use fresh cabbage for a sweeter and crisper texture.
- Add apple cider vinegar (natural) gradually, tasting as you go to find your perfect tang.
- Allow the soup to rest for 10 minutes off the heat before serving so flavors meld fully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cabbage soup, smoked turkey bacon soup, healthy cabbage soup, vegetable soup, comforting soup, gluten free soup
