Sweet Sour Cabbage Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that has become a staple in many households. Made with tender green cabbage, carrots, crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar, this soup beautifully balances sweet and tangy flavors. Whether you’re looking for a warm meal during winter or a healthy option for dinner, this soup fits the bill perfectly!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Sour Cabbage Soup

This sweet and sour cabbage soup is not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here are some reasons to love it:

Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Filled with healthy ingredients, offering a nutritious meal option.
Perfect for meal prep, as it stores well in the refrigerator.
Can be customized with additional vegetables like bell peppers or potatoes.
A great source of fiber, keeping you satisfied for longer.

Warm and comforting, perfect for cold winter nights.

This homemade sweet sour cabbage soup is also a fantastic vegetarian option, appealing to a wide range of diets, including those looking for a healthy sweet sour cabbage soup recipe. You can find more healthy recipes on our latest recipes page.

Ingredients for Sweet Sour Cabbage Soup

Gather these items:

2 tbs olive oil
1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbs tomato paste
1 tbs sweet paprika
1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 lbs, cored and thinly sliced)
3 medium carrots (peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces)
1 bay leaf
8 c low-sodium vegetable broth
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
¼ c apple cider vinegar
2 tbs brown sugar
2 tbs lemon juice
Salt and pepper (to taste)
¼ c chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Sweet Sour Cabbage Soup Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot (4–5 quarts), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, and paprika. Cook for another minute, allowing the tomato paste to darken slightly and develop depth of flavor.

Step 2: Add the cabbage, carrots, and bay leaf to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook until the cabbage becomes tender and the flavors are well blended, approximately 25–30 minutes.
Step 3: Once the vegetables are fully cooked, stir in the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, adjust the flavor balance by adding a touch more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tanginess.
Step 4: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm. For a complete meal, accompany it with crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Sour Cabbage Soup

Keep these in mind:

This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
It freezes well for up to 3 months, making it perfect for future meals.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or potatoes to enhance flavor and nutrition.

For a heartier version, consider adding meat like sausage or beef.

Best Ways to Serve Sweet Sour Cabbage Soup

There are many delightful ways to enjoy this soup:

Serve it with crusty bread for a filling meal.
Pair with a simple green salad to complete your dinner.
Add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for extra creaminess.

Sweet Sour Cabbage Soup: 6 Comforting Variations to Try - Sweet Sour Cabbage Soup - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Sweet Sour Cabbage Soup

To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Sour Cabbage Soup

What’s the secret to perfect Sweet Sour Cabbage Soup?

The key lies in balancing the sweet and tangy elements. Adjust the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar to suit your taste preferences, ensuring a satisfying flavor profile.

Can I make Sweet Sour Cabbage Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen and improve after a day or two.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Sweet Sour Cabbage Soup?

To avoid overcooking the cabbage, keep an eye on the simmering time. Additionally, adjust the seasoning after cooking to ensure the best flavor balance.

Variations of Sweet Sour Cabbage Soup You Can Try

Get creative with these variations:

Vegan Sweet Sour Cabbage Soup: Omit any meat and use vegetable broth for a fully plant-based option.
Sweet Sour Soup with Meat: Add cooked sausage or ground beef for a heartier dish.

Slow Cooker Sweet Sour Cabbage Soup: Prepare the soup in a slow cooker for a hands-off cooking experience.

Enjoy this delightful tangy cabbage soup recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household!

Sweet Sour Cabbage Soup: 6 Comforting Variations to Try - Sweet Sour Cabbage Soup - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp or Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers. You can also learn about the health benefits of cabbage on Healthline.

Sweet Sour Cabbage Soup: 6 Comforting Variations to Try

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Author: Jannet Lisa
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful cabbage soup made with tender green cabbage, carrots, crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar—perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy.

Instructions

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot (4–5 quarts), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, and paprika. Cook for another minute, allowing the tomato paste to darken slightly and develop depth of flavor.
Add the cabbage, carrots, and bay leaf to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook until the cabbage becomes tender and the flavors are well blended, approximately 25–30 minutes.

Once the vegetables are fully cooked, stir in the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, adjust the flavor balance by adding a touch more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tanginess.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm. For a complete meal, accompany it with crusty bread or a simple green salad.