Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup: The Ultimate Winter Comfort Food

There’s something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup on a cold winter day. This traditional Eastern European classic combines tender cabbage, tangy tomatoes, and a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal after a long workday or seeking a healthy, flavorful option to support your weight loss goals, this Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup recipe delivers on all fronts. The beautiful ruby-red broth, fragrant with paprika and garlic, promises a delightful sensory experience that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Best of all, this soup comes together with simple, affordable ingredients while offering complex, developed flavors that taste like they’ve been simmering for hours.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup

• ✅ Ready in just under an hour – perfect for busy weeknights when you need a healthy Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup fast
• ✅ Loaded with vegetables and fiber, making it an excellent Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup for weight loss plans
• ✅ The traditional Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup flavors that transport you to Eastern European kitchens
• ✅ Incredible depth of flavor from the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness
• ✅ Several easy Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup recipe variations to suit any dietary preference
• ✅ Budget-friendly ingredients that create a hearty Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup for winter meals
• ✅ Freezes beautifully for meal prep and quick future dinners

Ingredients for Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup

To make the best Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup, gather these ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 pounds), core removed and thinly sliced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or beef broth for non-vegetarians)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Ingredient Substitutions and Options

• For vegan Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup ingredients, ensure you use vegetable broth and check that your brown sugar is vegan-friendly.
• To make Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup with ground beef, brown 1 pound of lean ground beef with the onions before adding other ingredients.
• For low sodium Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup options, use no-salt-added crushed tomatoes and reduce the added salt.
• Red cabbage can be substituted for green cabbage for a more vibrant color.
• Honey or maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
• White vinegar or red wine vinegar can substitute for apple cider vinegar.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup – Step by Step

Preparing the Base

1. Heat the oil: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Sauté aromatics: Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Build flavor: Stir in tomato paste and paprika, cooking for 1 minute to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.

Adding the Main Ingredients

1. Incorporate vegetables: Add sliced cabbage and chopped carrots to the pot. Stir to coat with the tomato mixture.
2. Add liquids: Pour in vegetable broth and crushed tomatoes. Add the bay leaf.
3. Bring to boil: Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Simmer: Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the cabbage and carrots are tender.

Finishing the Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup

1. Add tang and sweetness: Stir in apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Season: Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.
3. Finalize: Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
4. Serve: Remove bay leaf, ladle into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup

• Slice cabbage properly: For the best texture, slice cabbage thinly and consistently. A mandoline can help achieve uniform slices.
• Balance is key: The perfect Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup has just the right balance of tang and sweetness. Start with the recommended amounts of vinegar and sugar, then adjust to taste.
• Slow and steady: For even more developed flavor, try making Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup slow cooker method by cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
• Make ahead: This soup actually improves with time as flavors meld together. Make it a day ahead for even better taste.
• Taste as you go: The acidity of tomatoes and cabbage can vary, so always taste and adjust seasonings before serving.

Best Ways to Serve Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup

Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup is a meal in itself, but can be enhanced with:

• A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for richness
• Crusty rye bread or sourdough for dipping
• A sprinkle of fresh dill in addition to parsley
• A side of boiled potatoes for extra heartiness
• Paired with a simple green salad for a complete meal

For special occasions, serve your hearty Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup for winter gatherings in hollowed-out bread bowls for an impressive presentation.

Nutritional Information for Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup

This healthy Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup is not only delicious but also nutritious:

• Calories: Approximately 120 per serving
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 13g (includes natural and added sugars)
• Fat: 3.5g
• Sodium: 650mg (varies based on broth and added salt)

This soup is particularly high in vitamins A and C, thanks to the cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes. It’s also rich in antioxidants and provides excellent support for digestive health due to its high fiber content.

Storage & Leftovers

Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep:

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves after a day or two!
• Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Leave a bit of headspace in containers as the soup will expand when frozen.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Variations of Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup

Try these delicious Best Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup variations:

Meaty Version

Brown 1 pound of ground beef, turkey, or sliced kielbasa before adding the onions for a protein-rich Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup with ground beef.

Add 1 cup of cooked barley, rice, or diced potatoes in the last 15 minutes of cooking for additional substance.

Ultra Healthy

Boost the nutritional content by adding 2 cups of chopped kale or spinach in the final 5 minutes of cooking for an even more healthy Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup.

Spicy Kick

Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the garlic for heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the health benefits of Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup?

Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup is loaded with nutrition. Cabbage is rich in vitamin C and contains compounds that may reduce inflammation. The soup is high in fiber, low in calories, and packed with vitamins and minerals, making it excellent for digestive health and immunity. It’s particularly popular for Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup for weight loss plans because it’s filling but low in calories.

Is Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup easy to make?

Yes! This easy Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup recipe requires only basic cooking skills. The most time-consuming part is slicing the cabbage. Once the ingredients are prepped, it’s mostly hands-off simmering time. Even beginner cooks can master this recipe with delicious results.

Can Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup be frozen?

Absolutely. Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months in airtight containers. The texture of the cabbage holds up well to freezing and thawing, making this an excellent make-ahead meal option.

What ingredients are needed for Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup?

The essential ingredients for Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup include cabbage, tomatoes, onions, carrots, broth, and the sweet and sour elements (typically vinegar and sugar). Additional ingredients like garlic, paprika, and fresh herbs enhance the flavor but the core recipe is quite simple and adaptable.

Conclusion

Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup is a timeless classic that deserves a place in every home cook’s repertoire. With its perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, hearty texture, and incredible nutritional profile, it’s no wonder this soup has been beloved for generations. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a cold night, a healthy option to support weight loss goals, or simply a delicious way to enjoy seasonal vegetables, this Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup delivers on all fronts.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile—add meat for protein, grains for extra heartiness, or keep it simple and vegetable-focused. No matter how you customize it, the distinctive sweet-sour flavor profile always shines through.

Have you tried making Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup before? What variations do you enjoy? Share your experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to save this recipe for those days when you need wholesome comfort in a bowl!

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