Cabbage Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a healthy, satisfying, and easy-to-make soup that aligns with your Weight Watchers (WW) program goals, then look no further! This WW Cabbage Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly low in SmartPoints. Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and brimming with flavor, it makes a perfect meal for those who want to stay on track with their weight loss journey without sacrificing taste.

Below, you’ll find a complete recipe for this delightful soup, along with step-by-step instructions, ingredient measurements, nutritional information, and WW SmartPoints breakdown. This cabbage soup is not only low in SmartPoints but also high in fiber and essential vitamins, making it an excellent option for a filling, guilt-free meal.

WW Cabbage Soup: Recipe Overview

This WW Cabbage Soup is an all-in-one dish that combines healthy, non-starchy vegetables with savory broth. It’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, and you can even enjoy it as a snack between meals. Best of all, it’s a “zero point” or very low SmartPoint option, depending on your specific WW plan, meaning it can help you stay full without worrying about your daily point allowance.

Ingredients:

Here is what you’ll need to prepare this nutritious and low SmartPoint WW Cabbage Soup:

• 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded (approximately 8-10 cups)
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 medium celery stalks, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes, no salt added
• 6 cups of vegetable broth (preferably low-sodium or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste (you can reduce or omit if watching sodium intake)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional, for extra nutrients)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for extra brightness)
• 1 bay leaf (optional)

This combination of ingredients offers an array of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, all while keeping the dish low-calorie and full of flavor.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Begin by shredding the cabbage. Use a sharp knife or a food processor to make thin strips of cabbage. You should have around 8-10 cups of cabbage once shredded.
   • Chop the onions, carrots, celery, bell pepper, zucchini, and mince the garlic.
   • If using spinach, rinse it thoroughly and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Base:
   • In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions are translucent.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, making sure it doesn’t burn.
3. Add the Liquids:
   • Once the vegetables are softened, add the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir well to combine.
   • Add the shredded cabbage and zucchini to the pot. Stir until everything is well mixed and the cabbage begins to wilt.
4. Season the Soup:
   • Sprinkle in the dried basil, thyme, oregano, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
   • Add the bay leaf (optional), and allow the soup to come to a boil.
5. Simmer:
   • Once the soup reaches a boil, lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the flavors will meld together, and the cabbage will become tender.
   • After about 45 minutes, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
6. Final Touches:
   • If using fresh spinach, stir it into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking so it wilts nicely.
   • Add the lemon juice to the soup for a bright, fresh flavor that balances out the savory taste.
7. Serve:
   • Once the soup is ready, remove the bay leaf if used, and serve hot. This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of whole-grain toast or a small serving of lean protein, such as grilled chicken or tofu, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This WW Cabbage Soup serves approximately 8 portions. Below is the nutritional breakdown for one serving (based on an 8-serving batch):

• Calories: 60
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 340mg (varies based on broth and salt used)

WW SmartPoints Breakdown

The SmartPoints for this WW Cabbage Soup are incredibly low, making it an excellent option for anyone following the WW program:

• Zero Point Foods: Most of the vegetables in this recipe, including cabbage, onions, carrots, celery, and zucchini, are “Zero Point” foods on most WW plans, meaning they do not add any SmartPoints to your daily allowance.
• SmartPoints: The soup is made with minimal oil (1 tablespoon), making it a very low SmartPoint option. On the Green Plan, this soup has 1 SmartPoint per serving due to the olive oil and the broth’s sodium content. On the Blue and Purple Plans, this soup is Zero SmartPoints, as the ingredients consist mostly of zero-point vegetables.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Weight Loss-Friendly: With its low-calorie and high-fiber content, this WW Cabbage Soup is ideal for those who want to feel full and satisfied without consuming many calories or SmartPoints. It’s a filling soup that won’t derail your diet goals.
• Nutrient-Rich: This soup is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, and antioxidants, helping support a healthy immune system and overall well-being.
• Versatile: This soup is highly customizable. Feel free to swap out or add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices. You can also turn this into a more hearty dish by adding beans or lean protein like chicken, turkey, or tofu for an extra boost of protein.
• Budget-Friendly: The ingredients for this soup are affordable and easy to find in most grocery stores. Additionally, the soup can be made in large batches and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it an ideal option for meal prep.

Tips for Success

• Make Ahead: This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. Consider making a large batch on a weekend and enjoying it throughout the week for lunch or dinner.
• Frozen Vegetables: If fresh vegetables aren’t available or you need a shortcut, you can use frozen vegetables. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Adjusting Flavor: If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch more of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a deeper flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Conclusion

WW Cabbage Soup is the ultimate comfort food for anyone looking to stay on track with their health and weight loss goals while enjoying a hearty, flavorful meal. With minimal SmartPoints, high nutritional value, and a customizable recipe, it’s a perfect addition to any WW follower’s recipe box. Whether you’re following the Green, Blue, or Purple Plan, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you full and energized.

Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of this WW Cabbage Soup and feel good about the choices you’re making for your body. It’s simple, satisfying, and low in SmartPoints—what’s not to love?