Cabbage Soup with Vegetables and Fresh Basil Recipe
Introduction
This hearty cabbage soup is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for any season. Packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, it comes together easily in just over half an hour. Enjoy a warm bowl that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

Ingredients
- 3 cups nonfat low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chopped cabbage
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup chopped carrot
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- ½ cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup diced tomato
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- Optional garnish: chopped chives or thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Lightly coat a large pot with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Step 2: Over medium-high heat, sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic for about 5 minutes, until onions are translucent and carrots start to soften.
- Step 3: Add the beef broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chopped cabbage, green beans, and dried oregano to the pot. Season with salt and pepper, stirring well to combine.
- Step 4: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes to let the vegetables soften and flavors meld.
- Step 5: Stir in the chopped zucchini and continue simmering for another 10 minutes until all vegetables are tender to your liking.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh chopped basil. Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives or thyme if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this soup without sacrificing flavor.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the soup a subtle spicy kick.
- For extra protein, stir in cooked beans or shredded cooked chicken before serving.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can be swapped in for basil depending on your preference.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. The soup may thicken in the fridge; add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the consistency.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables for this soup?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used if fresh are unavailable. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust simmering time until vegetables are tender.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. This cabbage soup keeps well and flavors often improve after a day. It’s easy to portion and reheat for quick meals throughout the week.
Print
Cabbage Soup with Vegetables and Fresh Basil Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A light and nutritious cabbage soup packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, simmered in a savory low-sodium beef broth base. This comforting recipe is perfect for a wholesome meal that highlights the natural flavors of cabbage, green beans, carrots, and zucchini, enhanced with fresh basil and optional herb garnish.
Ingredients
Broth and Base
- 3 cups nonfat low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 2 cups chopped cabbage
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup chopped carrot
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- ½ cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup diced tomato
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- Optional garnish: chopped chives or thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the pot: Spray a large pot with olive oil spray to lightly coat the surface, preventing sticking and enhancing flavor.
- Sauté the aromatics: Over medium-high heat, sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and the carrots begin to soften, developing the soup’s base flavor.
- Add broth and vegetables: Pour in the nonfat low-sodium beef broth and stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chopped cabbage, green beans, dried oregano, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to low to bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld.
- Add zucchini and continue cooking: Stir in the chopped zucchini, then continue simmering the soup for an additional 10 minutes until all vegetables reach your preferred tenderness.
- Finish and serve: Turn off the heat, stir in the chopped fresh basil for brightness, and ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped chives or thyme if desired, then serve immediately and enjoy the nourishing, flavorful dish.
Notes
- Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
- Tomato paste can be substituted with crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
- Optional herbs like chives or thyme add a fresh garnish and extra aroma to the soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cabbage soup, healthy soup, low fat soup, vegetable soup, beef broth soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe

