For comfort and sustenance, this stunning and nutritious cabbage soup recipe is a well-balanced meal made in a single pot. Keto friendly and delicious.
When I’m in need of a dish that comforts and provides nutrients, I always turn to this healthy cabbage soup. This dish serves the whole table (with some to spare) and will delight even those who aren’t on a keto diet.
When you think of cabbage soup, these vibrant colors and robust flavors rarely come to mind, but that’s why I love this soup. It’s a surprise that delights all of the senses. Made with lean protein, low carbs, and whatever leftover vegetables you might have laying around, it’s an easy recipe to whip up in under an hour. You can have this dish for lunch or dinner on a dreary day and your mood is sure to turn around.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- This soup is packed with nutritious vegetables and lean chicken thighs.
- A great well-balanced meal in one pot.
- You can add whatever vegetables you have in the fridge, leading to less waste.
- Make this soup ahead of time for an easy meal whenever you need it.
Is This Keto?
Yes, this dish utilizes low-carb vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and butternut squash, and the chicken thighs provide a good source of protein while being moderate in fat content. The butternut squash might sound like a keto no-no, but when eaten in moderation (like in this soup), the carb count isn’t too high.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 brown onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 rib celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 3 cups green cabbage, shaved
- 1 can tomato, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 4 chicken thighs, deskinned and deboned
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil, onion, garlic, chicken, and celery to the pot, and sauté them for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Once the onion mixture turns translucent, add the carrots, butternut, cabbage, can of tomatoes, vegetable stock, thyme, and salt and pepper into the pot. Stir everything together, cover the pot, and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
Variations
- You can switch out the chicken for another protein like turkey or bacon.
- Substitute or add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
- You can add different herbs like oregano or parsley.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many dishes you can serve with this healthy cabbage soup. Whether you’re trying to bulk it out or simply bring more to the table, here are some recipes I recommend.
- Keto Broccoli Salad: Made in 10 minutes, this sweet, crunchy, and a delicious side dish is perfect for your summer cookouts. Best of all, no cooking is required!
- Shaven Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Brown Sugar: Get some more veggies in with this green side dish. Brussels sprouts are sautéed until tender and caramelized with bacon and brown sugar erythritol. Even if you don’t like brussels sprouts, you’ll love these!
- Low-Carb Almond Flour Bread: What is soup without bread? Try this keto-friendly variety of bread on the side!
- Easy Keto No-Bake Cheesecake: Rule number 1: always save room for dessert. This sweet treat is the best way to wrap up your meal and reward yourself for eating healthily.
FAQs
My dish tastes bland. What did I do wrong?
If the soup tastes bland, add some extra herbs and spices. You can also squeeze in some lemon juice or zest to add some more flavor.
Yes. Simply leave out the chicken thighs and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh.
You can add ingredients like cooked quinoa, cauliflower rice, or keto-friendly pasta to your soup to make it more filling.
How to Store Healthy Cabbage Soup
This is a great make-ahead meal that stores really well. Simply let your leftover soup cool down before sealing it in an airtight container and popping it in the fridge. It will keep for up to 4 days. Alternatively, you can store your soup in the freezer for up to 3 months (keep in mind the textures may change slightly).
Let your soup defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then pop it in the microwave or in a pan on the stove and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning and enjoy!
Healthy Cabbage Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 brown onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 rib celery chopped
- 2 carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 cups butternut squash peeled and diced
- 3 cups green cabbage shaved
- 1 can tomato chopped
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 4 chicken thighs deskinned and deboned
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil, onion, garlic, chicken, and celery to the pot, and sauté them for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Once the onion mixture turns translucent, add the carrots, butternut, cabbage, can of tomatoes, vegetable stock, thyme, and salt and pepper into the pot. Stir everything together, cover the pot, and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
Notes
- Swap out any of the ingredients for vegetables you already have on hand.
- You can make this vegetarian by replacing the chicken broth with vegetable broth and the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein.
Nutrition
