This quick and easy detox czabbage soup is vegetarian, healthy and perfect if you want to reset your system after the holidays. It can be served two ways - chunky or blended!
Don't worry, we are not going on a diet here. And I'm not going to start sending you recipes for boiled vegetables. But I figured after the holiday season, all of us need a factory reset and this is the recipe I turn to in the first week of Jan as I ease back into eating regular food again.
Yes, I am that person. Who needs a few days to get back to normal eating. Because we binge as December comes to a close. With friends, family. We open that last pack of chips, go out for almost every meal and bake endless cakes and cookies.
So when January creeps in and my body has had enough, and I need something warm, comforting and of course, healthy. And this cabbage soup is just the perfect thing to have.
Quick Walk Through: Detox Cabbage Soup
Why cabbage for detox?
Cabbage has diuretic properties that helps get rid your body of excess liquid and toxins. It helps cleanse your liver and colon. Which is why cabbage forms the base for this detox cabbage soup.
Ingredients You'll Need
Cabbage: I have used thinly sliced white cabbage for this recipe.
Veggies: Apart from cabbage, I have also added other veggies like onions, carrots, tomatoes, celery, capsicum to make it more nutritious. You can add whatever veggies you have available at home.
Oil: I have used olive oil for this soup, but any neutral flavored oil will work.
Ginger and garlic: Both finely chopped for flavor and aroma.
Vegetable stock: I have used my homemade vegetable stock for this recipe but you can easily use a store-bought one if that's easier. You can even use water instead, but I feel like vegetable stock tastes much better in this recipe.
Salt: For flavor and seasoning.
Herbs and spices: I have used oregano, red chilli powder, and pepper for lots of flavor.
Basil: Fresh basil leaves, roughly torn, for a dash of freshness.
Parsley: For garnish.
Note: This detox cabbage soup is just a feel-good-soup. This is not a weight loss secret or a diet thing. It's just tasty, healthy, vegetarian soup that's easy to digest and light on your stomach.
Richa's top tips to make the best detox soup
- This detox cabbage soup refrigerates well and is very easy to reheat, both on the stovetop and microwave. So I usually make a big batch to last us about 2-3 days and snack on it on and off during the day.
- You can have this soup blended as well as chunky, depending on your preference. If I am in the mood for blended, I usually just use a hand blender directly into the pan. It doesn't give the smoothest results, but I like the slightly chunky texture.
- This recipe is super customisable. You can add and remove veggies depending on what you like and have available. You can even add some protein like tofu, paneer or chicken to make it even more wholesome.
- To save time, you can chop the veggies in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
This may look like boiled vegetables but trust me, this soup can be healthy and TASTY. All those veggies add so much body and texture to every bite, while the herbs make this one full of flavour. There's no place for boring food here. Everything that goes into this soup is good for you and your body. If you are with me, make a big pot of this detox cabbage soup and give your body a little rest.
Watch Detox Cabbage Soup Recipe Video
Detox Cabbage Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Ginger finely chopped
- ½ cup Onion chopped
- ½ cup Celery diced
- ¼ cup Carrots chopped
- 1.5 cups Cabbage chopped
- ¼ cup Capsicum diced
- 1 cup Tomatoes diced
- 1 ½ teaspoon Salt
- 6 cups Vegetable Stock
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 8-10 Fresh Basil leaves roughly torn
- 1 teaspoon Red Chilli flakes
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- Parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Stovetop Version
- Heat oil in a large saucepan and add ginger and garlic, fry for ½ a minute. Add the onions and fry for another ½ a minute. Add the celery, the carrots, cabbage and capsicum and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes, salt and stock, bring to a boil and let simmer on low for about 20 minutes.
- Add the herbs, chilli flakes and pepper. Mix well. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
- Instant Pot Version
- Turn on saute mode on the instant pot and heat oil. Add ginger and garlic, fry for ½ a minute. Add the onions and fry for another ½ a minute. Add the celery, carrots, cabbage, capsicum, tomatoes, salt and stock. Lock the lid in place and shift the valve to sealing mode. Set high pressure for 2 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes and then release pressure manually.
- Stir in the herbs, chilli flakes and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions:
- The soup can either be served as is. Or you can let it cool, blend it till smooth and serve it.
Notes
- Cabbage has diuretic properties that helps get rid your body of excess liquid and toxins. It helps cleanse your liver and colon. Which is why cabbage forms the base for this detox cabbage soup.
- You can add veggies or proteins of your choice such as egg, ground chicken, lamb!
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Always reheat before serving.
Panda says
Made this for a friend who wants a reset. she preferred it blended, and she loved it. I doubled the batch and had some for myself (not blended) and it is so good. Will save this for those weeks I need something light but filling.
Richa says
Yassss thats why I love this recipe too. So happy you and your friend enjoyed it
Dawn says
What is Capsicum? When I googled it, it said Cayenne but recipe calls for 1/4 cup so I don't think that is it.
Richa says
Hey capsicum is green bell pepper
Malar says
Hi, how do you do or get the vegetable stock?
Chris says
This soup looks delicious!
Richa says
Thanks Chris!