There’s nothing like the aroma of simmering vegetables and broth filling your kitchen on a chilly afternoon. This creamy cabbage soup offers warmth and comfort in a bowl, and it’s become a must-try recipe for anyone craving that cozy home-cooked feel.
Imagine velvety cabbage mingling with hearty ham and potatoes, creating a dish that brings back memories of family dinners. It’s simple to make, all in one pot, and takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll love how it uses pantry staples, making it easy to whip up without any fuss.
<I’ve been crafting comforting soups since my cookbook days back in 2015. The first time I made this gem, my sister declared it “the best hug in a bowl.” The secret? A splash of cream at the end makes everything rich and delicious. After years of testing recipes, this one’s become a family favorite.
Enjoy a warm bowl of Creamy Cabbage Soup that combines tender cabbage, savory ham, and fresh vegetables in a rich, comforting broth. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a hearty meal that fits well with Creamy Cabbage Soup, Creamy Cabbage Soup Ham, and Keto Creamy Cabbage Soup options. It’s a delicious way to savor classic flavors in a creamy, satisfying soup.
Put chicken broth, chopped celery, shredded cabbage, chopped onion, and peeled chopped carrot into a large pot and bring it to a rolling boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
In a bowl, combine the half and half cream with the milk, stirring until evenly mixed.
Melt the butter over medium heat in a separate saucepan. Add the flour along with salt and pepper, mixing continuously to create a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the cream and milk blend while stirring constantly. Keep cooking until thickened to your liking.
Slowly stir the creamy mixture into the pot with the cooked vegetables, blending well. Fold in the cubed ham and sprinkle with dried thyme. Heat the whole soup through.
Optionally, top with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, substitute half and half cream and milk with suitable non-dairy alternatives. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comfort Food Classic: This creamy cabbage soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for chilly days, it warms you up inside.
One-Pot Wonder: Simplifying dinner prep, you can sauté, simmer, and serve all from the same pot!
Good for You: Packed with hearty ingredients like ham and vegetables, this dish is satisfying without being heavy.
Affordable Ingredients: Utilizing pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients means you can whip this up any time.
Key Ingredients and Tools
Gather your ingredients to make this delicious creamy cabbage soup a reality. Here’s what you’ll need:
4 cups chicken broth
2 celery stalks, chopped
½ medium head of cabbage, shredded
1 sweet onion, chopped
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
¼ cup unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
2 cups half and half cream
1 cup milk
2 cups ham, cooked and cubed
½ tsp dried thyme
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Tools You’ll Need:
Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Mixing bowl for cream and milk
How It Works: Step-by-Step Instructions
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth, celery, cabbage, onions, and carrot to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
While the veggies cook, mix the half and half cream and milk together in a bowl.
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the flour, salt, and pepper, stirring until a smooth paste forms.
Gradually whisk in the cream and milk mixture, cooking until the sauce thickens.
Add this creamy mixture to the pot of vegetables, stir in the ham and thyme, and heat through.
Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Troubleshooting Tips
Soup Too Thin? If you find your soup isn’t thick enough, simply let it simmer a bit longer to enhance the creaminess.
Feeling Too Hearty? For a lighter version, you can substitute some of the half-and-half with coconut milk for a vegan creamy cabbage soup.
Too Salty? A dash of extra water or chicken broth can alleviate the saltiness if needed.
Flavor Tweaks and Variations
You can adapt this Easy Creamy Cabbage Soup One Pot recipe to suit your taste! Here are some ideas:
Swap
Effect
Replace ham with turkey
Great for a lighter take; think Creamy Beef Cabbage Soup Dairy Free.
Add potatoes
Makes for a Loaded Creamy Cabbage Soup with heartiness and nutrition.
Incorporate spices like paprika
Adds a little kick to the overall flavor profile!
Serving and Storing Your Soup
Now that you’ve made your comforting soup, here are the best ways to enjoy and store it:
Serving: This creamy goodness is perfect on its own or paired with crusty bread for dipping.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; it reheats beautifully on the stove.
Freezing: You can freeze smaller portions for easy lunches or quick dinners later on!
Expert Says
Creamy cabbage soup is not only comforting but also packed with health benefits. Cabbage contains glucosinolates, which have been linked to anti-inflammatory properties. Blending the soup creates a velvety texture while maintaining the nutrients, making it a delicious way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable.
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My Journey to Creamy Cabbage Soup Perfection
Creating this creamy cabbage soup was quite an adventure, taking weeks of experimenting to get it just right. I learned to balance flavors, and the first few batches turned out too bland. Now, this comforting bowl is a family favorite, bringing back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen filled with warmth and laughter.
FAQs ( Creamy Cabbage Soup )
What are the main ingredients in Creamy Cabbage Soup?
This recipe primarily uses cabbage, onion, garlic, and vegetable or chicken broth. Additionally, cream or a dairy alternative adds richness, while seasonings like salt, pepper, and thyme enhance flavor.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make this meal dairy-free by substituting the cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream. Just make sure to check the labels on any broth or additional ingredients for hidden dairy.
How can I add protein to this meal?
You can enhance protein by adding cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or even diced ham to the soup. For a vegetarian option, consider adding beans or lentils for a hearty boost.
Is this recipe good for freezing?
This dish freezes well; however, for best texture, consider omitting cream before freezing. You can add it back in when reheating for a creamy finish.
Can I use a slow cooker for this soup?
Absolutely! Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker and let it cook on low for several hours. Add the cream toward the end to maintain its richness.
Conclusion
This creamy cabbage soup is a delightful way to wrap up your day, bringing comfort and warmth with every spoonful. With just 30 minutes of your time, you’ll create a luscious blend that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. You’ll love how it turns out; it’s truly a hug in a bowl!
Feel free to play around with the ingredients! Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a touch of flair or throw in some roasted potatoes for heartiness. When storing leftovers, they’ll stay perfect in an airtight containerjust a quick reheat, and you’re good to go! A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen.
I’d love to see your versions! Did you grow up with something like this? Share your photos or favorite memories, and don’t forget to save this recipe for the next chilly day. It’s one you’ll want to return to again and again, bringing a taste of nostalgia right to your table.
