Mediterranean Cabbage Soup with Herbed Tahini Drizzle

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup to bring comfort and warmth, especially one that’s both deeply nourishing and incredibly flavorful. Today, I’m thrilled to share my take on a classic, transforming simple ingredients into a vibrant, hearty delicious easy cabbage soup that will truly awaken your palate. It’s the kind of healthy soup that feels like a reset button, perfect for a cozy night in or vibrant meal prep. Get ready for a surprisingly delicious and deeply satisfying experience, especially with the unique, optional herbed tahini-garlic drizzle that takes this dish to another level. This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and perfectly aligned with a Mediterranean diet lifestyle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I believe every dish should tell a story, and this cabbage soup certainly does. It’s a tale of simple ingredients reaching their full potential, especially with my special flourish:

• The Herbed Tahini-Garlic Drizzle: This is my secret weapon! Emulsified with fresh lemon and a touch of herbs, this creamy, nutty, and slightly tangy drizzle provides a perfect counterpoint to the savory-sweet soup. It adds an unexpected layer of richness and a luxurious mouthfeel without any heavy cream, boosting healthy fats and a hint of protein while enhancing its vibrant Mediterranean flavor.
• Health & Wellness Powerhouse: This isn’t just any cabbage soup; it’s a detox soup champion. Packed with nutrient-dense cabbage, anti-inflammatory turmeric and ginger, and immune-boosting garlic and onion, it’s a wholesome meal that truly nurtures your body. It’s a fantastic choice for those following a Mediterranean diet, being both vegan and gluten free.
• Rich & Aromatic Flavor Profile: Expect a symphony of tastes. The soup is wonderfully aromatic and savory from the sautéed vegetables and spices, brightened by fresh lemon, and given an earthy depth from cumin and coriander. It’s a comforting bowl that satisfies deeply.
• Easy & Versatile: This recipe is surprisingly quick to prepare, using common, budget-friendly vegetables. It’s incredibly versatile for meal prep, tastes even better the next day, and is easily customizable to suit your preferences.

Ingredients Needed

Gathering fresh, vibrant ingredients is the first step to a truly exceptional cabbage soup. Here’s exactly what you’ll need for the soup base and that incredible herbed tahini drizzle:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and chopped
• 2 celery sticks, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced into thin rounds
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or red pepper flakes)
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomato
• 3 cups low sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup chopped parsley leaves (from about 1 bunch parsley)
• 3 green onions, trimmed and sliced
• 1- inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
• 1 large lemon, zested and juiced

For the Herbed Tahini-Garlic Drizzle (optional, but highly recommended):

• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove, minced or grated
• 1-2 tablespoons water (for thinning)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped (optional)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Cabbage: While green cabbage is my go-to for its perfect texture and mild flavor, you can certainly experiment. Napa cabbage or savoy cabbage offer a slightly softer texture and are great alternatives. However, I advise against using red cabbage, as its strong pigments will bleed into the soup, turning it an unappetizing purplish-brown, and its flavor can be a bit too robust for this delicate soup.
• Spices: Aleppo pepper is a fantastic spice that offers a mild, nuanced heat with lovely fruity and earthy notes. If you don’t have it, don’t worry! Standard red pepper flakes make an excellent substitute, just use a bit less if you prefer a milder kick.
• Broth: I always recommend using a good quality low sodium vegetable broth. This allows you to control the seasoning precisely and ensure your soup isn’t overly salty.
• Tahini (for the drizzle): This creamy sesame paste is essential for our unique twist. If you have a sesame allergy, this drizzle can be omitted, and the soup will still be delicious. Opt for a good quality, runny tahini for the best flavor and easiest emulsification.
• Optional Protein Boosts: To make this cabbage soup even heartier, consider adding a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas, white beans, cannellini beans, or navy beans during the last 10 minutes of simmering. If you’re not strictly vegan, shredded poached chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken can also be stirred in at the end.

How to Make Your Best Cabbage Soup

Creating this flavorful cabbage soup is a simple pleasure. Follow these steps for a perfectly comforting bowl, and don’t forget that incredible herbed tahini drizzle!

1. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven or sturdy cooking pot with a lid, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring regularly, for about 3-5 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic is wonderfully fragrant. Be sure to adjust the heat as necessary to prevent the garlic from burning, which can make it bitter.

2. Soften the Veggies

Add the chopped green cabbage, celery sticks, and sliced carrots to the pot, along with a generous pinch of kosher salt and black pepper (about 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of each). Stir well to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened somewhat, about 5 to 7 minutes. I find that covering the pot partway really helps the cabbage wilt faster and encourages all the vegetables to become wonderfully tender.

3. Season

Stir in the ½ teaspoon ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or red pepper flakes). Toss the vegetables thoroughly with the spices, allowing them to bloom for about a minute, which will release their beautiful aromas and deepen the flavor of the soup.

4. Simmer

Pour in the 1 (28-ounce) can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the 3 cups of low sodium vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a brisk boil for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot part way, allowing just a small opening at the top for steam to escape. Let the soup gently simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until all the vegetables are perfectly tender to the bite.

5. Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat. Stir in the 1 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves, 3 sliced green onions, 1-inch piece finely grated fresh ginger, and the lemon zest and lemon juice from 1 large lemon. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. The bright acidity of the lemon and the freshness of the herbs really elevate the final flavor profile. Enjoy your hearty cabbage soup!

Prepare the Herbed Tahini-Garlic Drizzle

While the soup simmers or just before serving, prepare the drizzle. In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons tahini, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, the minced small garlic clove, and a pinch of salt. Gradually whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of cold water, a little at a time, until the mixture is smooth and reaches a thin, pourable consistency. If desired, stir in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Drizzle generously over each serving of warm soup for an unforgettable experience.

Health Benefits of This Mediterranean Cabbage Soup

Beyond its incredible flavor, this Mediterranean cabbage soup is a nutritional powerhouse, perfectly aligning with a healthy lifestyle. Each ingredient plays a vital role in contributing to your well-being:

• Cabbage: The star of our show, cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable high in vitamins C and K, and dietary fiber. It’s excellent for digestive health and supports your immune system, making this a fantastic detox soup ingredient.
• Turmeric & Ginger: These golden spices are renowned for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric contains curcumin, which may reduce inflammation, while ginger aids digestion and can soothe upset stomachs.
• Garlic & Onion: More than just aromatics, garlic and onion are packed with beneficial compounds that boost your immune system and support cardiovascular health.
• Vegetable Broth: This provides a hydrating, flavorful base that is typically low in calories, helping you feel full and nourished. Using low sodium vegetable broth further ensures you’re in control of your sodium intake.
• Tahini (drizzle): If you opt for the drizzle, tahini (sesame paste) provides healthy monounsaturated fats, a good source of plant-based protein, and essential minerals like calcium, further enhancing the Mediterranean profile of this healthy soup.

Overall, this vegan soup is designed to be nourishing, comforting, and supportive of a balanced diet, making it a truly rewarding meal.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Even the simplest recipes can be perfected with a few expert insights. Here are my tips to ensure your cabbage soup is always a triumph, along with solutions for common hiccups.

Pro Tips for the Best Cabbage Soup

• Flavor Building is Key: Don’t rush the sautéing of your onion and garlic. Taking the time to properly brown the onions and make the garlic fragrant creates the fundamental flavor base of your soup. Keep the heat moderate to avoid burning the garlic.
• Perfect Cabbage Texture: Covering the pot partway during the wilting stage is crucial. This traps steam and helps the cabbage become perfectly tender without overcooking it to mush.
• Rustic Tomato Texture: If you prefer a more rustic texture and fewer large tomato pieces, gently crush the diced tomatoes with your hands or the back of a spoon before adding them to the pot.
• Spice Control: The amount of Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes is a suggestion. Taste and adjust to your personal heat preference!
• Tahini Drizzle Perfection: For a smooth, emulsified drizzle, always add cold water gradually to the tahini while whisking. If it seizes up, just keep whisking and adding a little more water until it loosens. Fresh parsley or cilantro in the drizzle adds an extra layer of brightness.
• Ingredient Quality Matters: Start with fresh, vibrant vegetables. Their quality will directly translate to the flavor of your finished soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Burning Garlic: This is a common pitfall! Burnt garlic can quickly turn bitter and ruin the entire flavor profile. Always monitor your heat during sautéing and stir frequently.
• Firm Cabbage: If you don’t cover the pot during the initial wilting of the cabbage, it will take much longer to soften and might remain too firm. Ensure you partially cover the pot for perfectly tender cabbage.
• Using Red Cabbage: As mentioned, avoid red cabbage in this recipe. It will leach its deep purple color, resulting in an unappetizingly murky soup, and its flavor is often stronger and less delicate than green cabbage.
• Under-Seasoning: Soups often need more seasoning than you think! Always taste and adjust your kosher salt and black pepper levels as the soup simmers and just before serving.
• Soup Too Thin/Thick: If your soup is too thin, simply simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid. If it’s too thick, add a splash more vegetable broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. For a slightly thicker body, you can also mash some of the cooked vegetables against the side of the pot or purée a small portion of the soup before returning it to the pot.

Serving & Storage

One of the beauties of this cabbage soup is its versatility for both immediate enjoyment and future planning. Here’s how I love to serve and store it.

Serving Ideas

• The Drizzle is Divine: The herbed tahini-garlic drizzle is truly non-negotiable for me. Swirl it in just before eating for a creamy, zesty, and visually appealing finish that elevates every spoonful.
• Crusty Bread for Dipping: There’s nothing better than a good piece of bread to sop up all the flavorful broth. I love serving this soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread like traditional simit, a fluffy piece of challah, fragrant Rosemary Focaccia, or a classic French baguette.
• Complementary Salads: For a complete and balanced meal, pair your cabbage soup with a light, crisp salad. A simple Caesar salad, a fresh butter lettuce salad with a vinaigrette, or a warm wilted spinach salad would all be delightful.
• Make it a Meal: As suggested in the Ingredient Notes, adding a can of chickpeas, white beans, or even shredded poached chicken can transform this into an even more substantial main course.

Storage and Make-Ahead

This cabbage soup is a fantastic candidate for meal prep as the flavors deepen and meld beautifully over time.

• Refrigerator Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: This cabbage soup freezes wonderfully! Once completely cooled, ladle the soup into freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating:
  • From the Refrigerator: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in individual portions, stirring halfway.
  • From the Freezer: For best results, thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave as you would with refrigerated soup. You may notice a slight change in consistency after freezing and thawing, but the taste will remain excellent. Stir well and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Note on the Drizzle: Always prepare the herbed tahini-garlic drizzle fresh just before serving. Do not store or freeze the drizzle with the soup.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean cabbage soup, especially with its vibrant herbed tahini-garlic drizzle, is truly a recipe to cherish. It’s a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something profoundly comforting, incredibly flavorful, and wonderfully healthy. Whether you’re seeking a revitalizing detox soup, a comforting meal, or an easy vegan dish for meal prep, this recipe delivers on all fronts. I encourage you to embrace the freshness of the vegetables, the warmth of the spices, and that unforgettable tangy kick from the tahini. Give it a try in your own kitchen – I promise you won’t be disappointed! I’d love to hear how it turned out, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

FAQ

How long does cabbage soup last and can it be frozen?

Your prepared cabbage soup will last up to 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Yes, it also freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What are the best types of cabbage for cabbage soup?

For this recipe, green cabbage is ideal due to its mild flavor and perfect texture when tender. You can also use Napa cabbage or savoy cabbage for slightly softer results. I recommend avoiding red cabbage as it can discolor the soup and has a stronger flavor that might not complement this recipe.

Can I adapt this cabbage soup recipe for an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

Absolutely! For an Instant Pot, you would typically use the sauté function for the aromatics and then pressure cook for a shorter time (e.g., 5-7 minutes on high pressure, with natural or quick release). For a slow cooker, sauté the aromatics on the stovetop first for best flavor, then combine all ingredients (except fresh herbs, lemon, and the drizzle) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly in both methods.

What are the key health benefits of the ingredients in this cabbage soup?

This cabbage soup is packed with health benefits! Cabbage is rich in vitamins K and C and fiber, supporting digestion and immunity. Turmeric and ginger offer powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Garlic and onion contribute immune-boosting and cardiovascular benefits. The overall recipe aligns with a Mediterranean diet, promoting holistic well-being.

What can I serve with this flavorful Mediterranean cabbage soup?

I love serving this soup with a swirl of the optional herbed tahini-garlic drizzle right before eating. It pairs wonderfully with crusty breads like simit or Rosemary Focaccia for dipping. A simple green salad, such as a butter lettuce salad, makes a refreshing accompaniment. For a heartier meal, you can also stir in some chickpeas or shredded poached chicken.

How can I thicken my cabbage soup if it’s too watery?

If your cabbage soup is thinner than you’d like, you have a few options. You can simply simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and the soup to reduce. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables directly against the side of the pot with a spoon, or carefully purée about 1-2 cups of the soup using an immersion blender or by transferring it to a regular blender (blend in batches, vent lid, and be careful with hot liquids), then stir it back into the pot.

What is Aleppo pepper and what can I use as a substitute?

Aleppo pepper is a mild chili flake from Syria and Turkey, known for its moderate heat (less spicy than red pepper flakes) and a distinctive fruity, earthy flavor with hints of cumin. It adds a beautiful color and nuanced warmth. A great substitute is regular red pepper flakes, though you might want to use slightly less if you prefer a milder spice level.

Can I add meat to this cabbage soup recipe?

Yes, absolutely! While this recipe is designed to be a delicious vegan soup, you can easily add meat if you wish. Shredded poached chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken are excellent additions for extra protein. Simply stir the cooked chicken into the soup during the final finishing step to warm through before serving.