Cabbage Sweet Potato Soup

This cabbage sweet potato soup is a unique tomato-based soup that is slightly sweet and has a light and refreshing feel. It is the perfect way to enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal with a Mediterranean vibe. The best...

Cabbage Sweet Potato Soup

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This cabbage sweet potato soup is a unique tomato-based soup that is slightly sweet and has a light and refreshing feel. It is the perfect way to enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal with a Mediterranean vibe.

Black plate from above with red tomato-based soup and chopped vegetables like cabbage, orange sweet potato, celery stalk slices, topped with lemon slices and dried green herbs

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The best part about this soup is that it is both delicious and healthy. Packed with the goodness of cabbage and sweet potato, it is also budget-friendly and super easy to make.

Looking for more vegan soups? Then you should definitely try my Hungarian bean goulash soup or this lemony vegan white bean soup.

Jump to:❤️ Why you’ll love it🧾 Key ingredients🥘 Equipment👩‍🍳 Instructions💡 Expert tip🔄 Variations🥣 Serving ideas❄️ Storing tips🤔 FAQsMore sweet potato soup recipesCabbage Sweet Potato Soup

❤️ Why you’ll love it

This cabbage sweet potato soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for the colder months. The combination of sweet potatoes and cabbage creates a delicious, naturally sweet flavor that is balanced out by the tanginess of the tomatoes and lemon.

The use of fennel adds a subtle, herby flavor that takes this soup to the next level. It is a great way to add depth to the flavor of the soup without having to use a long list of ingredients.

I love how simple and straightforward this recipe is. It is a one-pot recipe that requires minimal prep work, making it perfect for those busy weeknights. It is also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you may have in your fridge. Plus, it is a great recipe for meal prepping, as it reheats beautifully.

Red dutch oven with red tomato-based soup and chopped vegetables like cabbage, orange sweet potato, celery stalk slices, topped with lemon slices and dried green herbs

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🧾 Key ingredients

This cabbage sweet potato soup is a delicious, hearty dish that is made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen.

Sweet potatoes are the star of this dish, adding a natural sweetness and a hearty texture to the soup. They are a great source of vitamins and add a beautiful color to the soup.

Garlic and onion are essential for building the flavor base of this soup. They add a depth of flavor that is both savory and aromatic.

Fennel and tarragon are the key herbs in this recipe. They add a hint of sweetness and a touch of earthy flavor that pairs well with the sweet potatoes and cabbage.

Tomato paste and chopped tomatoes, along with a splash of lemon juice, add a tangy, acidic note to the soup, balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients.

Veggie broth is the liquid base of the soup, and it is important to use a good quality, flavorful broth to really bring all the ingredients together.

🥘 Equipment

A good-quality Dutch oven is essential for this delicious and comforting cabbage sweet potato soup. Its thick walls and heavy lid ensure that heat is evenly distributed and the soup is cooked consistently.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preparing the ingredients

STEP 1
Using a mandolin or a knife, shred the cabbage into thin strips. Next, peel the onion and garlic, and chop them finely. Then, wash the fennel and cut it into small pieces. Remember to use only the white bulb part.

STEP 2
After preparing the fennel, wash and slice the celery stalks. Remember, the lemon should be used with the peel. Wash it well and slice it.

Making the cabbage sweet potato soup

STEP 1
Preheat your Dutch oven or stockpot on low-medium heat. Add olive oil and the chopped onion. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they become tender.

STEP 2
Then, add the finely chopped garlic. Stir and cook for another minute. After that, add the chopped celery and fennel. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.

STEP 3
Now, add the tomato paste and the canned chopped tomatoes with their sauce. Stir well. After that, add the vegetable broth and dried tarragon leaves. Bring the soup to a boil.

STEP 4
Next, add the shredded cabbage, diced sweet potatoes, and lemon slices to the soup. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook the soup until all the vegetables are fork-tender.

4 photo collage of a white dutch oven from above showing chopped green celery stalk, chopped white fennel, tomato sauce, dried green herbs , chopped cabbage, orange sweet potato, lemon slices in order you need to put them in.

💡 Expert tip

The key to this cabbage sweet potato soup is the preparation of your vegetables. Ensure that you cut your sweet potatoes into evenly sized pieces. This ensures that they cook through at the same time, and you won’t end up with some of them being too hard or too mushy.

🔄 Variations

Consider adding some legumes like peas, lentils, or beans. They not only add a nice texture but also increase the protein and fiber content of the soup, making it even more nutritious and filling.

If you do not have sweet potatoes on hand, consider using butternut squash or other types of pumpkin. These vegetables have a similar sweet and nutty flavor, which can work as a great substitute in this recipe.

For a more savory twist, consider adding vegan sausage or bacon. These plant-based meat substitutes will add a rich, smoky flavor to the soup, making it even more satisfying and delicious without compromising its vegan status.

Red dutch oven and ladle with red tomato-based soup and chopped vegetables like cabbage, orange sweet potato, celery stalk slices, topped with lemon slices and dried green herbs

🥣 Serving ideas

This hearty cabbage sweet potato soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

I love serving this soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. The bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth, and the salad adds a refreshing crunch to the meal.

For a heartier option, consider serving this soup with a grain-based side dish, such as quinoa, rice, or couscous. The grains will soak up the flavorful broth, making for a delicious and filling meal.

If you are a fan of vegan cheese, consider sprinkling some on top of the soup for a creamy, tangy twist. You can also add a dollop of vegan sour cream or some chopped avocado for a touch of richness.

Black plate from above with red tomato-based soup and chopped vegetables like cabbage, orange sweet potato, celery stalk slices, topped with lemon slices and dried green herbs

❄️ Storing tips

This hearty cabbage sweet potato soup is just as delicious, if not more so, when enjoyed as leftovers. The flavors have more time to meld, making it even more satisfying.

To store, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days without any significant changes in flavor or texture.

Freezing is also a great option for this soup, thanks to its vegetable base. Portion it into individual serving sizes and store them in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through.

🤔 FAQs

Can I use other types of cabbage?

Yes, you can use other types of cabbage, but I recommend using green cabbage for this soup. While savoy cabbage or Chinese (Napa) cabbage can also work, I do not recommend using red or purple cabbage as it will significantly change the color of the soup.

What if I need to thicken this soup?

You may find that the soup is quite thin, similar to minestrone. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch or flour and water. However, I personally prefer this soup as it is, especially with some crusty bread on the side.

Are the lemon slices edible?

Yes, the lemon slices are edible. They add a subtle citrus flavor to the soup. However, if you do not want to eat them, you can easily remove them before serving.

Does cabbage get soggy in the soup?

The cabbage in this soup is cooked for a relatively short time, so it should not get too soggy. If you prefer your cabbage to have more texture, you can add it towards the end of the cooking process.

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Different colorful vegetables drawn as icons on an orange background in a shape of a heart.

Black plate from above with red tomato-based soup and chopped vegetables like cabbage, orange sweet potato, celery stalk slices, topped with lemon slices and dried green herbs

Cabbage Sweet Potato Soup

Nandor Barta

It is a tomato-based soup with crunchy shredded cabbage and tender sweet potatoes. To give it a light, refreshing Mediterranean vibe, we added fennel and celery and seasoned it with lemon and tarragon. If you love veggie-only soups, you’ll love this cabbage sweet potato soup as well.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Course Soup

Servings 4 servings

Calories 218kcal

Ingredients  

1 Onion (small)4 cloves Garlic1 lb Sweet potato diced1 lb Cabbage shredded½ Fennel2 Celery stalk½ Lemon1 Tbsp Tomato paste1 cup Chopped tomatoes canned6 cup Veggie broth1 Tbsp Olive oil1 tsp TarragonSalt and Pepper to taste

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Instructions 

Preparing the ingredients

Shred the cabbage using a mandolin or just cut them into stripes.

Peel and chop the onion and garlic (finely).

Wash and cut the fennel. Chop off the green fronds, and use only the white bulb part. Cut them in half and then slice one half like you would slice and onion.

Wash and slice the celery stalks.

Wash and slice the lemon. As we put them in the soup without peeling. Make sure to choose organic ones, or ones where the peel is not treated with chemicals or preservatives.

Cooking the soup

Pre-heat your Dutch oven or stockpot over low/medium heat. Add olive oil and chopped onion. Cook them for approx. 2-3 minutes until they are tender looking.

Add finely chopped garlic. Stir and cook for a minute.

Add chopped celery and fennel. Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they soften.

Add tomato paste and canned chopped tomatoes (with sauce – no need to drain it). Stir well.

Add vegetable broth and dried tarragon leaves. Bring the soup to boil.

Add shredded cabbage, diced sweet potatoes, and lemon slices. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook them until all vegetables are fork tender.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Cabbage Sweet Potato Soup

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 218 Calories from Fat 36

% Daily Value*

Fat 4g6%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 3g

Sodium 1629mg71%

Potassium 941mg27%

Carbohydrates 44g15%

Fiber 9g38%

Sugar 15g17%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 17154IU343%

Vitamin C 65mg79%

Calcium 136mg14%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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