Cabbage Fat-Burning Soup has become a popular recipe among those looking to lose weight while enjoying delicious, satisfying meals. This simple yet flavorful soup is packed with low-calorie, nutrient-dense ingredients that help boost metabolism and promote fat loss. The primary ingredient, cabbage, is a powerhouse of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, while the other ingredients work synergistically to cleanse your system, support digestion, and keep you feeling full. Often included in detox plans or weight-loss diets, cabbage soup is not only effective for shedding pounds but is also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking to kick-start a healthier lifestyle, boost your metabolism, or simply enjoy a light, nutritious meal, this soup is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for meal prepping, weight loss challenges, or as a low-calorie comfort food.

Ingredients

1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
1 large onion, diced

2 celery stalks, chopped
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (preferably no added salt)
4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth

1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Salt to taste
2 cups water (if needed)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
Start by preparing all your vegetables. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, peel and chop the carrots, and mince the garlic. Set aside the green bell pepper, celery, and tomatoes for later use.

Step 2: Sauté the base vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the celery, carrots, and green bell pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 3: Add the cabbage and spices
Once the vegetables are softened, add the chopped cabbage to the pot and stir well. Let the cabbage cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to wilt slightly. Sprinkle the dried thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt over the vegetables. Stir to evenly distribute the spices, allowing them to enhance the flavor of the vegetables.

Step 4: Add liquids and simmer
Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth if you prefer) and canned tomatoes with their juice. Add 2 cups of water if needed to adjust the consistency of the soup. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Adjust seasoning and serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Variation

Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the soup for a spicy kick.
Protein-Packed Version: Add cooked chicken, lean ground turkey, or tofu for extra protein.
Vegan Version: Ensure your broth is vegetable-based and omit any animal products for a completely plant-based dish.
Herb-Infused Version: Experiment with adding fresh basil, parsley, or cilantro to the soup for a fresh, herbal twist.

Cooking Notes

For a thicker soup, you can use an immersion blender to purée part of the soup, or simply mash some of the vegetables with a potato masher. If you prefer a lighter texture, keep the soup as is. Cabbage can be a bit strong in flavor for some people, so feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding extra herbs or a splash of vinegar for tanginess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup alongside a simple green salad, whole-grain toast, or a small portion of brown rice or quinoa to make it a complete meal. This soup is also perfect as a pre-meal appetizer or as part of a detox plan. You can even freeze leftover portions for a quick and easy meal later.

Tips

If you’re meal prepping, store the soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
If you want to make the soup even more filling, consider adding legumes like lentils or chickpeas, which will provide more fiber and protein.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

35 minutes

Total Time:

50 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 100
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 500mg

Fiber: 5g
Fat: 3g

FAQs

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. It’s perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen vegetables if you don’t have fresh ingredients on hand. Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to the pot.

Q: How can I make the soup spicier?
To add heat to the soup, consider adding red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also add a teaspoon of curry powder for an extra kick.

Q: Is this soup suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this recipe is easily made vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensuring that all the other ingredients are plant-based.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Cabbage Fat-Burning Soup is an easy-to-make, deliciously satisfying option for anyone looking to support their weight loss goals or enjoy a light, healthy meal. Full of fresh vegetables, fiber, and antioxidants, this soup will keep you feeling full and energized without weighing you down. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—you can customize it with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices, making it adaptable to your personal taste preferences. Whether you’re following a detox program or simply want a nutritious, low-calorie meal, this soup is an excellent choice. Not only will it help you feel lighter, but it’s also packed with the flavors of the season. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy this nourishing soup as part of a balanced diet or as a go-to weeknight meal!