Keto Cabbage Soup: Delicious in Just 30 Unforgivable Minutes

There’s just somethin’ about a big bowl of warm soup on a chilly day, isn’t there? It’s like a hug in a bowl! And trust me, this Keto Cabbage Soup really hits the spot. What’s even better? It takes only 5 minutes to prep! Seriously! And the best part is, it’s super low carb, so you can enjoy it without any guilt.

This isn’t just any cabbage soup recipe, though. It’s a German cabbage soup recipe that I learned straight from my mother. She always knew how to make simple ingredients taste amazing, and this Keto Cabbage Soup is proof of that. It’s flavorful, it’s easy to make, and it fits *perfectly* into a ketogenic lifestyle. You’re gonna love it!

Why You’ll Love This Keto Cabbage Soup

Seriously, there are SO many reasons to make this soup. But here’s the short list:

Quick and Easy

Five minutes prep? I’m not kidding! You can throw this Keto Cabbage Soup together faster than you can order takeout. Promise!

Flavorful and Hearty

The kielbasa, herbs, and rich broth create a taste explosion. It’s seriously satisfying and definitely not boring!

Perfect for Keto

Only 7.3g net carbs per serving? YES! You can enjoy a big bowl without blowing your diet. It’s a keto dream!

Comfort Food

When it’s cold outside, this Keto Cabbage Soup is like a warm blanket for your tummy. It’s the perfect way to get cozy!

Ingredients for Keto Cabbage Soup

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Keto Cabbage Soup. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty easy to find at your local grocery store. I usually have most of this stuff on hand already, which is a bonus!

Meats

You’ll need about 2 cups (that’s 300g) of Kielbasa sausage. Make sure you cut it into 1-inch cubes. This gives it the perfect bite! I just love the smoky flavor it adds to the soup.

Vegetables

Veggies are important! Grab 1 medium onion (around 100g), diced. Also, 1 cup of carrots (130g), diced. And don’t forget 1 cup of celery (130g), also diced. Then, 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Finally, you’ll want 4 cups of white cabbage (that’s 400g), finely shredded. A half of a medium cabbage should do the trick!

Spices and Herbs

For seasoning, you’ll need about 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or more to taste – always taste as you go!), and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. If you can find them, 6 juniper berries are *amazing* in this (but totally optional!). Plus, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon of dried if that’s all you’ve got). And finally, 3 tablespoons of parsley, finely chopped, for serving. Because presentation matters, right?

Liquids

You’ll want 2 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing. And then, 6 cups of chicken stock (that’s 1.5 litres). I usually use low-sodium so I can control the salt myself. Lastly, 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. This adds a nice little zing!

How to Make Keto Cabbage Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cookin’! This Keto Cabbage Soup is seriously easy to make, I promise. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a delicious, comforting bowl of soup in no time!

Sauté the Kielbasa

First, heat up half of the olive oil in a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat. I *always* use non-stick for this, trust me, it makes cleanup SO much easier. Add the cubed kielbasa sausage and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes, until it’s nice and crisp. Mmm, that smoky smell is just amazing! Once it’s ready, remove it from the pan and set it aside. We’ll add it back in later!

Sauté the Vegetables

Now, add the remaining olive oil to the pan. Toss in the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté them for another 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and starting to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 more minute. Careful, garlic burns easily! You just want it fragrant, not burnt.

Add Cabbage and Seasoning

Time for the cabbage! Add the shredded cabbage, salt, and pepper to the pan. Sauté everything for about 1-2 minutes. This just helps the cabbage soften up a bit before we add the broth.

Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken broth. Add the juniper berries, bay leaves, and thyme. Now, this is important: bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. You want it simmering gently, not boiling like crazy. Cover it (or don’t, if you want a thicker soup!) and let it cook for 20-25 minutes. Then, add the kielbasa back in for the last 5 minutes of cooking time. This warms it through and lets the flavors meld together.

Finish and Serve

Finally, stir in the apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. More salt? More pepper? It’s your soup, make it perfect for YOU! Scatter with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy every single spoonful!

Tips for the Best Keto Cabbage Soup

Want to take your Keto Cabbage Soup from good to *amazing*? Here are a few of my top tips!

Cabbage Prep

For the best texture, I highly recommend using a mandoline slicer or a really sharp knife to get that cabbage super finely shredded. It just cooks better that way! Now, you *can* chop it if you want, but it’ll take a bit longer to cook through, so keep that in mind.

Adjusting the Carbs

If you’re really watching your carbs, you can reduce the amount of carrots in the soup. Just halving the carrots will bring the net carbs down to around 7.4g per portion. Every little bit helps, right?

Seasoning

Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go! The 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper is just a starting point. You might want more, you might want less. Trust your taste buds!

Kielbasa Choice

Seriously, don’t skimp on the kielbasa! Choose a good-quality sausage for the best flavor. It really makes a difference in the final taste of the Keto Cabbage Soup!

Keto Cabbage Soup Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Keto Cabbage Soup and you’re loving it, right? But what if you want to mix things up a little? No problem! Here are a few easy variations to keep things interesting. Get creative!

Spice It Up

Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s simmering. Trust me, it adds a *delicious* warmth!

Different Meats

Not a huge fan of kielbasa? No worries! You can totally swap it out for smoked sausage, bacon (because bacon makes everything better!), or even ground beef. Just brown the ground beef before adding it to the soup. Yum!

Add Greens

Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Stir in a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt down and add a boost of nutrients. Easy peasy!

Creamy Version

Feeling a little indulgent? Stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or heavy cream at the very end for a creamier texture. It’s totally optional, but oh-so-good if you’re craving something extra comforting!

Storing and Reheating Your Keto Cabbage Soup

So, you’ve made a big batch of Keto Cabbage Soup (good for you!), and you’ve got leftovers. Awesome! Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious for later.

Storage

Just pop the soup into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 5 days, easy! Or, if you want to keep it longer, freeze it in individual containers for up to 3 months. Perfect for those days when you just don’t feel like cooking!

Reheating

When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat the soup either on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just make sure it’s heated all the way through before you dig in. And that’s it! Easy peasy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Cabbage Soup

Got questions about this Keto Cabbage Soup? I’ve got answers! Here’s the lowdown on some common questions I get asked all the time.

Is Keto Cabbage Soup really keto-friendly?

Yep, it sure is! With only 7.3g net carbs per serving, this soup is perfect for a ketogenic diet. We’re using low-carb ingredients like cabbage, kielbasa, and a reasonable amount of carrots to keep those carbs in check. It’s a winner!

Can I use a different type of broth?

Absolutely! If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or bone broth work great too. Just keep in mind that they might change the taste a little bit. Bone broth will give it a richer, deeper flavor, while vegetable broth will keep it lighter and brighter. Experiment and see what you like best!

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to toss in other low-carb veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or even some mushrooms. Just avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes or corn, as they’ll definitely kick you out of ketosis. We don’t want that!

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

You betcha! Just toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker (except for the parsley and apple cider vinegar). Cook it on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Before serving, stir in the parsley and apple cider vinegar. Easy peasy slow cooker Keto Cabbage Soup!

Keto Cabbage Soup Nutritional Information

Okay, so here’s the deal: I can give you an estimate of the nutritional information for this Keto Cabbage Soup, but keep in mind that it’s just that – an estimate! The exact values can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use. So, please don’t take this as gospel, okay? Just a general idea!

Enjoy Your Keto Cabbage Soup!

And there you have it! My mother’s amazing Keto Cabbage Soup recipe, ready for you to enjoy. I really hope you love it as much as I do! If you give it a try, please don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. I’d love to hear what you think! And hey, if you’re feeling social, share a picture of your creation on social media. Happy cooking!

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