1-Step 1: Prep your vegetables Start by chopping the carrots, onion, celery, potatoes, and cabbage so everything is ready to go. Grate the garlic cloves and rinse and drain the white beans. This recipe moves fast once the pot heats up, so having everything prepped makes the cooking smooth and easy. If you like to cook with a little rhythm, this is the part where the kitchen starts smelling promising before the soup even hits the stove. A good soup begins with good prep, and this one is no exception.

2-Step 2: Build the flavor base Heat the 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, diced onion, diced celery rib, salt, and several grinds of pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring now and then, until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent. This first sauté creates the base flavor for the Cabbage Soup Recipe. If you want a deeper savory taste, let the vegetables cook slowly and avoid rushing this step.

3-Step 3: Add the vinegar and tomatoes Stir in the 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar first. This little splash brightens the whole pot and keeps the soup from tasting flat. Then add the 2 cans of diced fire-roasted tomatoes, which bring smoky sweetness and color. At this point, the soup already looks like real dinner. That is one of the reasons people love Simple Cabbage Soup: it builds flavor quickly without complicated steps.

4-Step 4: Pour in the broth, beans, garlic, potatoes, cabbage, and thyme Add the 4 cups of vegetable broth, the drained and rinsed white beans, grated garlic, diced Yukon Gold potatoes, chopped green cabbage, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Stir everything together so the cabbage begins to soften and the potatoes are tucked under the broth. If you are making this as a Healthy Cabbage Soup for Weight Loss or just a lighter meal, this mix of vegetables and beans gives the soup plenty of body and staying power. It is filling without feeling heavy.

5-Step 5: Simmer until tender Cover the pot and reduce the heat so the soup simmers gently for 20 to 30 minutes. The covered simmer helps the cabbage cook evenly and keeps the potatoes tender without drying out the broth. Check the pot near the end of cooking to see if the potatoes and cabbage are soft enough for your liking. For a softer texture, let it cook a few extra minutes. If you like your cabbage with a little bite, start checking at the 20-minute mark.

6-Step 6: Taste, adjust, and serve Once the vegetables are tender, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or pepper if needed. Ladle it into bowls and top with fresh parsley for a bright finish. The parsley adds color and a fresh note that keeps the soup lively. Serve it hot and cozy with bread, a sandwich, or a simple salad. If you want a full meal that still feels balanced, this Classic Cabbage Soup is a solid choice.