Hearty Cabbage and White Bean Soup
This Hearty Cabbage and White Bean Soup is a comforting, fiber-packed meal that's incredibly simple to prepare and gentle on the stomach, perfect for a nourishing weeknight dinner.
For 6 servings
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage begins to wilt and soften.
Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), rinsed cannellini beans, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.
Remove and discard the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.
For an extra comforting touch, serve immediately with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overcrowd the pot when sautéing your aromatics; this ensures they caramelize rather than steam, building a deeper flavor base for your soup.
- 2For an even creamier texture, blend about 1 cup of the soup with an immersion blender (or carefully in a regular blender) before returning it to the pot.
- 3Taste and adjust seasonings frequently throughout the cooking process. The amount of salt needed can vary based on the broth's sodium content and personal preference.
- 4This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Make a larger batch for easy meal prep throughout the week!
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add cooked shredded chicken, turkey, or a plant-based sausage during the last 10 minutes of simmering for extra protein.
Greens GaloreGreens Galore
Stir in a handful of fresh spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last 5 minutes of cooking until just wilted for added nutrients.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Include a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce when serving, for a touch of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Cabbage and white beans are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels, contributing to overall gut health.
Nutrient-Dense
Packed with essential vitamins like K and C from cabbage, and vital minerals such as iron and folate from beans, this soup supports immune function and provides sustained energy.
Hydrating and Low-Calorie
With a high water content from the broth and vegetables, this soup is incredibly hydrating and satisfying without being calorie-dense, making it an ideal choice for weight management.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely! Great Northern beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas would work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly if using canned beans.


