Wonder Soup (Original Cabbage Soup Diet Soup)
This classic wonder soup is the original low-calorie cabbage vegetable soup used in cabbage soup diet plans. It’s a simple, brothy cabbage soup made with basic vegetables, minimal oil and plenty of fibre, often called detox cabbage soup, fat-burning soup or cabbage diet soup.
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Equipment
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Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil or water, for oil-free
- 2 medium onions chopped
- 3 stalks celery chopped
- 3 medium carrots sliced or diced
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 lb green cabbage about 800–900 g / 1.7–2 lb, core removed and chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juices or 3 medium fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 8 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth 2 litres
- 1 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons dried mixed herbs Italian seasoning, thyme, oregano or a blend
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red chilli flakes or cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prep the vegetables
- Chop the onions, celery, carrots, bell pepper and cabbage. Mince the garlic and chop the tomatoes if using fresh.
Sauté aromatics (very lightly)
- In a large soup pot, heat 1–2 teaspoons olive oil over medium heat (or use a splash of water for an oil-free version).
- Add the chopped onions and celery. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, until they start to soften.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the rest of the vegetables
- Stir in the carrots, green bell pepper and chopped cabbage. Toss everything together so the vegetables are mixed and just starting to soften.
Add liquids and seasoning
- Pour in the water or vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes with their juices.
- Add bay leaves, dried mixed herbs, salt, black pepper and red chilli flakes or cayenne if using. Stir well.
Simmer the wonder soup
- Increase the heat and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot partially and let it simmer for about 20–30 minutes, or until the cabbage and other vegetables are tender but not mushy.
Taste and adjust
- Remove the bay leaves. Taste the broth and adjust salt, pepper or herbs if needed.
Serve
- Ladle the hot wonder soup into bowls and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if you like.
- Serve as a very light meal, starter or part of a short “reset” – not as your only food for long periods.
Rekha's Notes
- This is an original-style wonder soup / cabbage diet soup: very low in calories, high in volume and fibre, with no added protein in the soup itself.
- For everyday, long-term healthy eating, it’s best to enjoy this soup as one part of a balanced diet, not as your only meal.
For a more cozy, flexible version you can pair with protein and whole grains Healthy Cabbage Soup (Vegetarian & Easy) - Storage: keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2–3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition
Calories: 67kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 3gFat: 0.4gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 344mgPotassium: 293mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 3973IUVitamin C: 47mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 1mg