Looking for a cozy, nourishing soup that supports your digestion while packing serious flavor? This Garlicky Cabbage Soup is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. Loaded with gut-friendly ingredients like garlic, cabbage, and fiber-rich beans, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Best of all, it comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that still tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Each spoonful delivers layers of savory, lemony, and slightly creamy goodness—proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. Whether you’re on a gut-healing journey or just trying to eat more fiber and whole foods, this easy cabbage soup is a delicious way to care for your body.
Why You’ll Love This Gut-Healthy Soup
This isn’t your average cabbage soup. It’s comforting yet light, rich yet refreshing, and made with simple ingredients that are as good for your body as they are for your taste buds.
Here’s why this soup stands out:
- Gut-friendly ingredients: Garlic and cabbage nourish your microbiome with natural prebiotics.
- Protein and fiber: Cannellini beans keep you full longer and support digestion.
- Bright, fresh flavor: Lemon juice and fresh dill balance the earthy cabbage and creamy beans.
- Easy to adapt: Keep it vegetarian or add chicken for extra protein.
This recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t need to be complicated—just smart, wholesome cooking with a few flavor-boosting tricks.
Kitchen Tips for Perfect Cabbage Soup
Here’s what we learned while testing and perfecting this comforting soup:
- Make it fully vegetarian: Traditional Parmesan cheese contains animal rennet, so look for a vegetarian version to keep this dish plant-based.
- Avoid scrambled eggs: When adding the egg mixture, take the pot off the heat first. Temper the eggs by whisking in a bit of hot broth before combining everything. This creates a silky, luxurious texture.
- Serve it hot: Cabbage soup tastes best straight from the pot when it’s steamy and fragrant.
- Adjust for your appetite: Add cooked rice or barley for extra heartiness, or skip the beans for a lighter version.
Gut-Health Benefits
This Garlicky Cabbage Soup isn’t just tasty—it’s designed to support your gut and overall health. Here’s how each ingredient helps:
Cabbage
Cabbage is part of the cruciferous vegetable family, rich in glucosinolates, compounds known for their cancer-fighting and detoxifying properties. It’s also loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants that promote gut health and reduce inflammation.
Garlic
Garlic is one of nature’s best prebiotics. It helps feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, promoting balance and diversity in your microbiome. Plus, it adds a comforting aroma and depth of flavor that makes this soup irresistible.
Cannellini Beans
These creamy white beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber. Fiber helps keep your digestive system running smoothly and supports beneficial gut bacteria. Cannellini beans also provide calcium and iron—two nutrients that many people need more of.
Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice brightens the soup and adds a gentle acidity that helps balance the richness of the Parmesan and olive oil. The vitamin C in lemon also supports immune health and aids in iron absorption.
Olive Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil is full of healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that reduce inflammation in the body. It gives this soup a luscious mouthfeel without needing heavy cream or butter.
Nutrition Smart Choices
If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth. This keeps the soup heart-healthy while allowing you to control the salt level to taste. Using high-quality ingredients and balancing flavors naturally helps create a satisfying meal without overdoing the salt.
This soup’s mix of fiber, healthy fats, and lean protein makes it both satisfying and nourishing—exactly what your gut (and your taste buds) need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Can I freeze cabbage soup?
Yes! This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then freeze it in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How do I choose the best cabbage?
Look for firm, heavy heads of cabbage with crisp, tightly packed leaves. Avoid any with dark spots or signs of wilting.
What should I serve with Garlicky Cabbage Soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty whole-grain bread, a light green salad, or a side of roasted vegetables.
The Ultimate Gut-Healing Garlicky Cabbage Soup
Description
A warm, gut-nourishing soup that’s rich in fiber, protein, and flavor. With creamy cannellini beans, bright lemon, and fragrant garlic, this comforting meal supports digestion while keeping you satisfied.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (about 3 tablespoons)
4 cups chopped green cabbage
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more for garnish
4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (use vegetarian Parmesan for a meat-free version)
1 large egg
2½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish
¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
-
Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced garlic. Sauté for about 4 minutes, until fragrant and softened but not browned. -
Cook the cabbage
Add chopped cabbage, oregano, and pepper. Stir well and cook for about 3 minutes, until the cabbage begins to soften slightly. -
Add broth and beans
Pour in the broth and add the rinsed cannellini beans. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender. -
Temper the egg mixture
In a medium heatproof bowl, whisk together the Parmesan cheese, egg, and lemon juice. Slowly drizzle in ½ cup of the hot soup broth while whisking constantly. This step helps prevent the egg from curdling. Repeat once more with another ½ cup of broth until fully combined. -
Incorporate the mixture
Remove the pot from heat. Slowly whisk the tempered egg mixture into the soup. Stir in the dill and salt. -
Serve and garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with more fresh dill and black pepper. Serve hot with a slice of rustic bread or a light salad.
Notes
- This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently over medium-low heat to preserve texture and flavor.
- Garlic and cabbage both act as natural prebiotics, helping support a healthy gut microbiome.
- For the best results, serve the soup immediately after adding the egg mixture to enjoy the creamy texture and fresh aroma