Hearty Mediterranean Detox Cabbage Soup Recipe

This vibrant Mediterranean-inspired cabbage soup combines healing spices and fresh vegetables for a nutrient-rich, detoxifying meal. Drawing from traditional Mediterranean cooking methods, this soup features aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, creating a flavorful and health-boosting dish perfect for cold days or as part of a cleansing diet.

Ingredients

For 6-8 servings:

Vegetables and Base

  • 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 lbs/900g), cored and chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion (about 5.3 oz/150g), chopped
  • 2 celery sticks (about 3.5 oz/100g), chopped
  • 2 carrots (about 4 oz/115g), thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves (about 0.5 oz/15g), minced
  • 3 green onions, trimmed and sliced
  • 1 cup (60g) parsley leaves, chopped

Liquids and Oil

  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 28 oz (800g) canned diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups (720ml) low-sodium vegetable broth

Seasonings and Aromatics

  • 1-inch piece (about 1 oz/30g) fresh ginger, peeled and grated
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½-1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Base (10 minutes)
  • Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat
  • Sauté onion until translucent (5-7 minutes)
  • Add garlic, ginger; cook until fragrant (1 minute)
  1. Add Aromatics (5 minutes)
  • Stir in turmeric, cumin, coriander, and Aleppo pepper
  • Toast spices until fragrant (30 seconds)
  1. Build the Soup (10 minutes)
  • Add chopped cabbage, celery, carrots
  • Season with salt and pepper
  • Cook until vegetables begin to soften (5 minutes)
  1. Simmer (25-30 minutes)
  • Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth
  • Bring to boil, reduce heat
  • Simmer covered until cabbage is tender (20-25 minutes)
  1. Finish (5 minutes)
  • Stir in parsley, green onions
  • Add lemon zest and juice
  • Adjust seasonings to taste

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1.5 cups):

  • Calories: 120
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Sodium: 390mg

Total Time: 55-60 minutes

  • Prep: 15-20 minutes
  • Cook: 40 minutes

Pro Tips and Tricks

  1. Optimal Cabbage Preparation
  • Shred cabbage into uniform pieces for even cooking
  • Soak in cold water briefly to enhance crispness
  • Core removal ensures tender results
  1. Flavor Enhancement
  • Toast spices before adding liquids
  • Add salt gradually throughout cooking
  • Finish with fresh herbs just before serving
  1. Texture Control
  • Monitor cabbage texture during simmering
  • Keep pieces consistent for uniform cooking
  • Adjust liquid levels for desired consistency

Variations and Substitutions

  1. Protein Additions
  • White beans or chickpeas
  • Shredded chicken
  • Turkey meatballs
  1. Vegetable Options
  • Purple cabbage for added color
  • Kale or spinach
  • Sweet potatoes instead of carrots
  1. Spice Alternatives
  • Smoked paprika for depth
  • Italian seasoning blend
  • Curry powder for Indian twist

Common FAQs

Q: Can I make this soup in advance?
A: Yes, flavors improve after 24 hours. Store refrigerated up to 5 days.

Q: Is this soup freezer-friendly?
A: Yes, freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before freezing.

Q: How can I make it more filling?
A: Add beans, grains like quinoa, or protein of choice.

Q: Can I reduce sodium content?
A: Use water instead of broth, reduce added salt, use fresh tomatoes.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigeration

  • Store in airtight container up to 5 days
  • Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave
  • Add fresh herbs when reheating

Freezing

  • Cool completely before freezing
  • Leave expansion space in container
  • Thaw overnight in refrigerator
  • Best consumed within 3 months

Prep-Ahead

  • Chop vegetables 24 hours ahead
  • Store prepped ingredients separately
  • Mix spices in advance
  • Complete recipe when ready to serve