Hearty White Bean and Cabbage Soup with Potatoes

As the days grow shorter and a crisp chill fills the air, nothing quite warms the soul like a steaming bowl of homemade soup. Our Hearty White Bean and Cabbage Soup with Potatoes is a comforting embrace, packed with wholesome goodness and vibrant flavors, perfect for a cozy meal.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty White Bean and Cabbage Soup

There are so many delicious reasons to fall in love with this comforting bowl:

• Budget-Friendly Goodness: Crafted with simple, affordable ingredients that deliver maximum flavor.
• Wholesomely Vegetarian: A naturally plant-based soup, satisfying and deeply nourishing.
• Fiber-Rich Powerhouse: Loaded with white beans and cabbage, providing essential fiber for a healthy gut.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Each spoonful wraps you in warmth, making it ideal for chilly evenings.
• Quick & Easy Preparation: Minimal fuss in the kitchen means more time enjoying your delicious creation.
• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You likely have most of what you need already in your pantry.
• Flavorful & Satisfying: A rich, savory broth brimming with tender vegetables and creamy beans.

Ingredients Needed for Your Hearty White Bean and Cabbage Soup

Gather these simple yet wholesome ingredients to begin your culinary journey:

• 2 large / 200g Leeks: White and light green parts only, thoroughly cleaned and thinly sliced. Look for firm, vibrant leeks.
• ½ head / 500g Green Cabbage: Finely chopped. Choose a cabbage that feels heavy for its size.
• 3 medium / 450g Potatoes: Peeled and diced into ½-inch (1.2 cm) cubes. Russet or Yukon Gold work wonderfully here for their creaminess.
• 4-5 cloves / 20g Garlic: Minced. Freshly minced garlic provides the best aromatic punch.
• 2 cans (15 oz/425g each) / 3 cups Cooked White Beans: Such as cannellini or great northern, rinsed and drained.
• 6 cups / 1.4 L Vegetable Broth: Opt for a good quality low-sodium broth to control the seasoning.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: For sautéing, a good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste. Always season as you go.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Hearty and Comforting Cabbage Soup – Discover another delicious take on a warming cabbage soup!

Essential Equipment for Making White Bean and Cabbage Soup

Prepare your kitchen with these tools for a smooth cooking experience:

• Large Dutch Oven or Stockpot: Essential for sautéing and simmering, ensuring even heat distribution for a perfect soup.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for efficiently chopping leeks, cabbage, and potatoes.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for safe and precise vegetable preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking and build flavor.
• Ladle: For serving up generous, warming portions of your delicious soup.

Recipe Overview for Hearty White Bean and Cabbage Soup

Here’s a quick glance at what to expect in terms of time and effort:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6 generous servings
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions to Create Your Hearty White Bean and Cabbage Soup

Follow these simple steps to bring this incredibly satisfying soup to life in your kitchen:

1. Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

   1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat until shimmering.
   2. Add the sliced leeks to the hot oil. Sauté gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and translucent, releasing a sweet aroma. Avoid browning them too much.

2. Step 2: Build the Vegetable Base

   this …

   1. Stir in the chopped cabbage with the softened leeks. Continue to sauté for another 8-10 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften and wilt, its vibrant green deepening in color.
   2. Add the diced potatoes and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.

3. Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

   1. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed and drained white beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
   2. Allow the soup to simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. If the soup appears too thick, feel free to add a splash more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

CHECK OUT: Easy German Potato Salad – A fantastic potato-centric side dish to complement any meal!

Tips for Success with Your White Bean and Cabbage Soup

Unlock the full potential of your soup with these expert insights:

• Clean Leeks Thoroughly: Leeks can hide a lot of grit. Slice them, then rinse well in a colander under cold running water to remove all dirt.
• Layer Your Flavors: Don’t rush the sautéing steps. Allowing the leeks and cabbage to properly soften before adding other ingredients builds a deeper flavor base.
• Season in Layers: Add a pinch of salt when sautéing the vegetables, and then adjust the final seasoning after the soup has simmered and the flavors have fully developed.
• Potato Choice Matters: Waxy potatoes (like Red Bliss or new potatoes) hold their shape better, while starchy potatoes (like Russets) will break down more, contributing to a creamier broth. Choose based on your texture preference.

Variations & Substitutions for White Bean and Cabbage Soup

Customize your soup to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences:

• Add Greens: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of simmering for an extra nutritional boost.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic can introduce a pleasant warmth.
• Herbaceous Notes: Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs can be added with the broth and removed before serving for an aromatic touch.
• Root Vegetable Boost: Include diced carrots or celery with the leeks for added sweetness and complexity.
• Smoky Flavor: For a subtle smoky depth without meat, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika when you add the garlic.

Serving Suggestions for This Cozy Soup

Enhance your soup experience with these delightful pairings:

• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
• Fresh Green Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
• Garnish Galore: Top individual bowls with fresh parsley, a drizzle of good olive oil, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Pair with a sparkling lemon water or a warm herbal tea for a complete, comforting meal.

Health Benefits of This Nutritious White Bean and Cabbage Soup

Beyond its comforting taste, this soup is packed with goodness for your well-being:

• Rich in Fiber: White beans and cabbage are excellent sources of dietary fiber, supporting digestion and promoting satiety.
• Vitamin Powerhouse: Cabbage provides a significant dose of Vitamin K and Vitamin C, while potatoes offer Vitamin B6 and Potassium.
• Plant-Based Protein: White beans contribute a substantial amount of plant-based protein, making this a satisfying vegetarian meal.
• Low in Fat: Prepared with olive oil and vegetable broth, this soup is naturally low in saturated fat.
• Antioxidant Boost: Leeks and cabbage contain antioxidants that help protect your body’s cells from damage.

Storage & Reheating Your Leftover Soup

Keep your delicious soup fresh and ready for future enjoyment:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If it seems too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Avoid boiling rapidly to maintain texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty White Bean and Cabbage Soup

Here are some common questions we get about making this warming soup:

• Can I add other vegetables to this soup?Absolutely! Carrots, celery, or even bell peppers would make excellent additions. Add them with the leeks or cabbage to ensure they soften properly.

• Do I have to use white beans?While white beans are traditional, you can substitute with chickpeas or kidney beans for a different flavor profile and texture.

• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?Yes, you can! Sauté the leeks and cabbage first on the stovetop for best flavor, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until potatoes are tender.

• How can I make the soup thicker?For a thicker soup, mash a portion of the potatoes against the side of the pot, or blend a cup or two of the soup with an immersion blender before stirring back into the pot.

• Is this soup gluten-free?Yes, as written with vegetable broth, this Hearty White Bean and Cabbage Soup is naturally gluten-free.

  
  

More Delicious Dishes to Discover

If you loved this comforting soup, you’re sure to enjoy these other recipes from our kitchen:

• Creamy Vegan Tomato White Bean Stew – Explore another delightful, plant-based white bean dish with a rich, creamy texture.
• Zucchini Lentil Soup with Herbs – Dive into this light yet satisfying soup, packed with fresh herbs and wholesome lentils.
• Roasted Cabbage Steaks – Try cabbage prepared in a wonderfully savory and simple way that highlights its natural sweetness.

Conclusion

We hope this Hearty White Bean and Cabbage Soup with Potatoes brings warmth and joy to your table. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special and deeply satisfying. Happy cooking! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.

Print