There’s something heartwarming about the smell of savory cabbage simmering away. This creamy cabbage soup fills the kitchen with warmth and familiarity, like a cozy hug on a chilly evening. It’s a deliciously comforting dish that’s perfect for those busy weeknights or when you need a little extra love from your food.
Imagine rich, tender cabbage mingling with hearty potatoes and a hint of smoky ham in one pot. This recipe is simple and comforting, almost like your grandma’s version but ready in just 30 minutes. Plus, it uses pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever you need something nourishing.
After a long day of work, I first made this soup during a chilly fall in 2015. My girls rushed into the kitchen, enchanted by the aroma, and immediately asked for seconds. The real secret? A splash of cream at the end brings everything together beautifully. With years of cooking and sharing family-friendly recipes, this one has quickly 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
Hearty and Comforting: Lots of delicious ingredients come together to create a warm, filling dish that wraps you in coziness.
Easy and Quick: With just a little prep work, you can have this wholesome soup on the table in about an hour.
Family-Friendly: This soup is a hit with kids and adults alike – even picky eaters will enjoy it!
Flexible Ingredients: Use what you have on hand; you can easily tweak this recipe to suit your pantry.
Key Ingredients & Tools
Cabbage: This is the star of our creamy cabbage soup, providing a tender, comforting bite.
Ham: Adds a lovely smoky flavor that elevates the dish. Use your favorite leftover ham or deli ham.
Half and Half & Milk: Create that rich creaminess that makes this soup feel indulgent while still being wholesome.
Chicken Broth: The base of the soup; it enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Equipment: A large pot (like a Dutch oven) for simmering, a medium saucepan for the cream mixture, and a trusty wooden spoon for stirring!
How It Works: Step-by-Step Instructions
Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of creamy cabbage soup! Here’s how to bring this delicious dish to life:
Start with the base: In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, chopped celery, shredded cabbage, onion, and chopped carrot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Prepare the creamy mixture: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the flour, salt, and pepper, stirring until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in the half and half and milk until it thickens nicely.
Combine and finish: Slowly pour the creamy mixture into the pot with the vegetables, stirring until combined. Mix in the cubed ham and dried thyme, and let it heat through. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley if you’d like!
Troubleshooting Tips
Too Thick? If your soup ends up thicker than you’d like, simply add a bit more broth or milk to loosen it up.
Too Thin? Keep simmering! Give it a little time so the soup can thicken naturally or mix in a bit more flour, whisked into some water, and add that to the pot.
Taste Adjustment: Don’t hesitate to add extra seasoning to suit your taste. A pinch of salt or a splash of vinegar can enhance the flavors wonderfully!
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
Your creamy cabbage soup is perfect for many occasions. Enjoy it while cozying up on a chilly night or serve it alongside a crisp green salad for a complete meal!
Garnish: A little fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a touch of freshness.
Storage: Leftovers are golden! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Freezing: This soup freezes well! Portion it out and freeze in individual containers for a quick meal later – just remember to leave space for the soup to expand.
Timing Chart
Step
Time Needed
Prepare Ingredients
Chopping and measuring
15 minutes
Simmer Soup
Cooking the vegetables
20 minutes
Prepare Cream Mixture
Mixing and thickening
15 minutes
Combine & Heat
Finishing touches
5 minutes
Total Time
Complete Soup
55 minutes
Expert Says
Creamy cabbage soup not only warms the soul but also provides a rich source of vitamins C and K from cabbage. Sautéing the cabbage before adding liquids enhances its natural sweetness, creating a more balanced flavor profile. This technique ensures a comforting and nutritious dish that everyone can enjoy.
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The Journey to My Creamy Cabbage Soup
This creamy cabbage soup went through quite the evolution in my kitchen! After several attempts, I finally found the perfect balance of flavors, learning along the way that a touch of garlic and a sprinkle of nutmeg makes all the difference. Now, it brings back warm memories of cozy family dinners.
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
You’re going to adore this creamy cabbage soup. In just under an hour, you’ll enjoy a bowl of pure comfort, with savory aromas wafting through your homelike a warm hug on a chilly evening.
Feel free to mix it up! Toss in some extra veggies for a vibrant twist or swap ham for a hearty bacon boost. Remember, storing leftovers in the fridge makes for a lovely meal later on. A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen is to reheat gently to keep that creamy goodness intact!
I’d love to see your versionsshare your photos or memories! Did you grow up with something like this? Save this cozy recipe for friends and family; it’s sure to bring everyone together around the table. Happy cooking!
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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