Hearty & Easy Vegan Cabbage Roll Soup: A Delicious Unstuffed One-Pot Meal
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma and hearty taste of a traditional cabbage roll. However, the meticulous process of stuffing and rolling individual cabbage leaves can be time-consuming, making it a challenging dish to prepare on a busy weeknight. This is where the magic of cabbage roll soup comes in! Imagine all the delicious flavors of classic stuffed cabbage, but served as a wonderfully satisfying and incredibly easy one-pot meal. This unstuffed cabbage roll soup eliminates all the fuss, allowing you to enjoy that rustic, cozy feeling without the extra work. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, packed with wholesome ingredients that will leave you feeling warm, full, and utterly content.
Cabbage rolls are often considered the quintessential comfort food, evoking feelings of home and warmth. Yet, the preparation can be daunting. This vegan cabbage roll soup recipe captures the very essence of that cozy, traditional experience but streamlines the entire cooking process. By deconstructing the classic dish, we transform it into a simple, simmered soup that’s bursting with flavor. All the familiar ingredients are here – tender cabbage, a rich tomato broth, savory plant-based protein, and hearty rice – but they come together effortlessly in a single pot. This means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a deeply satisfying, healthy meal with your loved ones.
Not only is this unstuffed cabbage soup much easier to prepare than its rolled counterpart, but it also shines as an excellent option for meal prepping. It stores beautifully in the refrigerator, and like many great soups, its flavors truly blossom and deepen over time. Each subsequent serving seems even more delicious as the ingredients meld together, creating a complex and harmonious taste profile. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a wholesome lunch to pack, or a comforting meal for a chilly evening, this hearty vegan cabbage roll soup is a perfect choice that delivers on both convenience and incredible flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
- Hearty and Incredibly Satisfying: Unlike some lighter soups that might leave you wanting more, this vegan cabbage roll soup is truly a meal in itself. It’s generously packed with a colorful array of fresh vegetables, nourishing grains like rice, and robust plant-based protein. Each spoonful offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, ensuring it will fill you up and keep you feeling satiated for hours. It’s the perfect comfort food for cooler weather or any time you crave a deeply fulfilling dish.
- Effortlessly Easy to Make: Say goodbye to the tedious task of boiling, stuffing, and meticulously rolling individual cabbage leaves! This recipe is designed for maximum convenience and minimal effort. You simply add all the wholesome ingredients into one large pot, allow them to simmer together, and watch as they transform into a deliciously easy and flavorful meal. It’s truly a one-pot wonder that simplifies dinner preparation without compromising on taste.
- Completely Plant-Based and Deliciously Vegan: While many traditional cabbage roll soup recipes rely on ground beef, pork, or sausage, this innovative version is entirely plant-based. We use a fantastic vegan ground beef substitute that provides all the savory depth and texture without any animal products. This makes it a perfect, inclusive option for those following a vegan diet, those looking to reduce their meat consumption, or anyone seeking a healthy and flavorful alternative.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld and deepen. It’s perfect for making a large batch at the beginning of the week and enjoying healthy, homemade meals for days.
- Family-Friendly and Adaptable: This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters tend to enjoy. Its mild, comforting flavors are broadly appealing, and it’s easy to adjust the seasonings or add extra vegetables to suit various preferences.
Essential Notes on Ingredients for Vegan Cabbage Roll Soup
Crafting the perfect vegan cabbage roll soup begins with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the soup’s rich, comforting flavor profile. Below are some detailed notes to help you choose and prepare your ingredients for the best possible outcome.
Scroll down to the recipe card to find the precise ingredient quantities and full recipe instructions.
- Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil forms the base for sautéing our aromatics and vegan beef. It adds a subtle fruity note and helps carry the flavors. Any neutral cooking oil can be used as a substitute if preferred.
- Yellow onion: The humble onion is crucial for building a flavorful foundation. When sautéed until translucent, it releases a natural sweetness that complements the other ingredients. A white onion will work similarly, or you can opt for shallots for a slightly milder, more refined flavor.
- Vegan beef: This is where the plant-based magic happens! Use your favorite brand of plant-based ground beef substitute. There are many excellent options available on the market today that mimic the texture and savory depth of traditional ground meat. Experiment to find one you love; crumbles made from soy, pea protein, or mushrooms are all great choices.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer of the soup, enhancing all the other flavors. Remember to taste and adjust at the end.
- Carrots: Adding a touch of sweetness and vibrant color, carrots also provide essential nutrients. Cutting them into uniform rounds ensures they cook evenly and become tender, but not mushy, contributing a pleasant bite to the soup.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for its pungent aroma and depth of flavor. It pairs beautifully with the tomatoes and herbs.
- Cabbage: Green cabbage is the star of this soup, breaking down into tender, sweet strands during simmering. Savoy cabbage is a fine alternative if you prefer a slightly softer texture. It’s important to avoid purple cabbage, as its color will leach into the broth, giving your soup an unappetizing hue.
- Veggie broth: The backbone of our soup, vegetable broth provides the liquid and a significant portion of the savory flavor. A good quality broth makes all the difference. For an extra touch of homemade goodness and to reduce waste, consider making your own vegetable broth from kitchen scraps.
- Tomato sauce: This ingredient contributes to a rich, thick, and beautifully red broth. It brings a tangy sweetness and depth that is characteristic of classic cabbage rolls.
- Diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add texture and a fresh, bright tomato flavor to the soup. Don’t drain them; the juices are full of flavor.
- Brown sugar: Just a small amount of brown sugar works wonders to balance the acidity from the tomatoes. It adds a subtle sweetness that rounds out the overall flavor profile without making the soup overly sweet. You can adjust this to your personal preference.
- Seasonings: Dried oregano, black pepper, and bay leaves are the classic herb trio that gives this soup its authentic, aromatic taste. Oregano provides an earthy, slightly peppery note, while bay leaves infuse the broth with a subtle, deep flavor that should be removed before serving.
- White rice: Uncooked white rice is added directly to the pot and cooks right in the broth, absorbing all the wonderful flavors. This makes the soup incredibly hearty and eliminates the need for a separate pot. Long-grain white rice works best here.
- Fresh parsley: A garnish of fresh chopped parsley at the end brightens the soup with its herbaceous, fresh flavor and adds a pop of color. Don’t skip it!
How Do You Slice and Core Cabbage for Soup?
Properly preparing your cabbage ensures it cooks evenly and integrates perfectly into the soup. Follow these simple steps for quick and easy slicing and coring:
- Preparation: Begin by rinsing the entire cabbage head thoroughly under cold running water. Remove any bruised or loose outer leaves that may be present.
- Halving the Cabbage: Place the cabbage on a sturdy cutting board with the stem side facing down for stability. Using a large, sharp chef’s knife, carefully slice the cabbage in half right through its core.
- Quartering the Cabbage: Lay each cabbage half flat on the cutting board. Cut each half in half again, creating four equal quarters. This makes the core more accessible.
- Coring the Cabbage: For each quarter, angle your knife and cut out the tough, triangular core. Make sure to slice diagonally towards the point where the core meets the leaves, removing as much of the hard core as possible.
- Slicing the Cabbage: Once cored, lay each cabbage quarter flat on its cut side. Slice across the wedge to create even strips of cabbage. The thickness of your slices can vary, but aim for about ½ to ¾ inch wide for a good texture in the soup.
How to Make This Delicious Vegan Cabbage Roll Soup
Making this hearty cabbage roll soup is incredibly straightforward, relying on a one-pot method that maximizes flavor with minimal cleanup. Follow these simple steps to bring this comforting meal to life in your kitchen:
- Sauté the Onion Base: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the diced yellow onion to the pot. Sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes wonderfully softened and translucent, releasing its sweet aroma. This step is key for building a flavorful foundation for your soup.
- Brown the Vegan Beef: Next, add your chosen vegan ground beef substitute to the pot with the softened onions. Season it immediately with a pinch of salt. Cook the vegan beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns, for another 5-8 minutes. Continue cooking until it is nicely browned and slightly crispy, developing deep savory flavors.
- Cook Down the Vegetables: Introduce the sliced carrots, minced garlic, and sliced cabbage to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes, allowing the cabbage to wilt down significantly and the carrots to soften slightly. The garlic will become fragrant, and the vegetables will begin to release their natural moisture, intensifying the flavors.
- Simmer to Perfection: Pour in the vegetable broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), brown sugar, dried oregano, black pepper, and bay leaves. Finally, add the uncooked white rice. Stir everything thoroughly to combine. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes. During this time, the rice will cook, the cabbage will become beautifully tender, and all the flavors will meld together into a rich, comforting broth.
- Finish and Serve: Carefully remove and discard the bay leaves from the soup. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt and pepper to your preference. Ladle the hot, hearty cabbage roll soup into individual bowls. For a final flourish, garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley, which adds a bright, herbaceous contrast to the rich soup. Serve immediately and enjoy this wholesome, satisfying meal!
Expert Tips for the Best Vegan Cabbage Roll Soup
- Achieve Evenly Cooked Carrots: To ensure that every piece of carrot in your soup has a perfect, tender bite, it’s essential to cut them into uniform rounds or half-moons. This simple step guarantees that they all finish cooking at roughly the same time. You won’t be left with a mix of crunchy, undercooked pieces and overly mushy ones, leading to a much more pleasant texture throughout the soup.
- Master the Rice Texture: The cooking time for the rice directly impacts its texture. If you prefer your rice with a slightly firmer, al dente bite, you can reduce the simmering time by 5-10 minutes. Conversely, if you like very soft rice, you can extend the simmering slightly or add a splash more broth if the soup becomes too thick. Always test a grain of rice to ensure it’s cooked to your desired tenderness.
- Balance the Sweetness: The brown sugar in this recipe is crucial for cutting through the acidity of the tomatoes and adding a subtle, underlying sweetness that is characteristic of many traditional cabbage roll recipes. Some versions of cabbage rolls can be quite sweet, and you may find you prefer your soup to have a more pronounced sweet and sour balance. Feel free to add an extra teaspoon or two of brown sugar, tasting as you go, until you reach your desired level of sweetness.
- Don’t Rush the Sautéing: Allow your onions and vegan beef to properly brown and soften. These initial steps build the foundational flavors of the soup, creating a rich umami base that will carry through the entire dish.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Broths and canned tomatoes can vary in sodium content, so a final seasoning adjustment is vital for perfect flavor.
Delicious Variations for Your Cabbage Roll Soup
This vegan cabbage roll soup recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Embrace Natural Plant-Based Protein: If you’re looking for a more natural, whole-food alternative to store-bought vegan ground beef, crumbled tempeh is an excellent choice. Tempeh offers a firm texture and a slightly nutty flavor that absorbs the soup’s rich broth beautifully. For best results, press and crumble the tempeh, then sauté it until golden brown before adding it to the pot. Learn more about how to cook tempeh to get the most out of this versatile ingredient.
- Introduce a Spicy Kick: For those who appreciate a bit of heat, infusing your soup with a spicy element can elevate its flavor profile. Consider stirring in a pinch or two of red pepper flakes during the sautéing process, or adding a dash of cayenne pepper along with the other seasonings. Start with a small amount and increase to your desired level of spice. A few drops of your favorite hot sauce at the end can also provide a quick burst of heat.
- Experiment with Different Grains: While classic white rice is traditionally used, feel free to switch it up for other hearty grains. Brown rice offers a chewier texture and more fiber, though it will require a longer cooking time (you might need to add it earlier or pre-cook it slightly). Quinoa provides a complete protein and cooks relatively quickly, while pearl barley adds a delightful chewiness and earthy flavor. Remember to adjust the cooking time and liquid content based on the grain you choose.
- Boost with Legumes: To make this soup even more substantial and protein-packed, incorporate additional legumes. Cooked or canned lentils (brown or green), cannellini beans, or chickpeas are all fantastic additions. Stir them in during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering to allow them to warm through and absorb the rich flavors of the broth. This is a great way to increase the fiber and protein content, making the soup even more filling and nutritious.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like diced bell peppers, celery, or zucchini during the sautéing stage for added nutrition and flavor.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Cabbage Roll Soup
This hearty vegan cabbage roll soup is incredibly satisfying on its own, but it truly shines when paired with the right accompaniments. I always find that soup is made even better with something delicious to soak up every last drop of that flavorful broth.
For a classic pairing, try serving it with a crusty bread. My no-knead Dutch oven bread is a perfect match, offering a crisp crust and a soft interior ideal for dipping. Alternatively, a fragrant slice of garlic and rosemary focaccia bread adds an aromatic touch. Soup also makes a fantastic partner to a hearty sandwich. Consider a satisfying vegan BLT sandwich or a nutrient-packed smashed chickpea avocado sandwich for a complete and fulfilling meal. If you prefer a lighter side, a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad provides a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, rich soup.
How to Store Leftovers of Vegan Cabbage Roll Soup
Storing this delicious cabbage roll soup is incredibly easy, making it perfect for meal prep. Once the soup has cooled completely, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and as mentioned earlier, the flavors tend to deepen and improve over time! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply warm it up in the microwave for a quick reheat, or gently simmer it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of extra vegetable broth or water if it has thickened too much.
Can I Freeze This Vegan Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! This vegan cabbage roll soup freezes exceptionally well, making it an excellent option for long-term meal planning. If you wish to freeze a batch, allow the soup to cool completely after cooking. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It will keep fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a comforting bowl, simply thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave according to the instructions above, adding a bit more broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.
More Delightful Vegan Soup Recipes to Explore
If you loved this hearty cabbage roll soup, you’re in for a treat! Our kitchen is filled with an array of other comforting and delicious vegan soup recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From creamy and rich to light and refreshing, there’s a plant-based soup for everyone:
- Tomato Tortellini Soup: A classic, comforting favorite made vegan!
- Butternut Squash Soup: Creamy, naturally sweet, and incredibly wholesome.
- Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Rich, cheesy, and utterly irresistible.
- Mulligatawny Soup: An aromatic and flavorful Indian-inspired lentil soup.
- Creamy Vegan Instant Pot Potato Soup: Quick, easy, and luxuriously creamy.
Enjoy, friends! We hope you love this incredibly satisfying and easy vegan cabbage roll soup as much as we do. If you get a chance to make this recipe, we’d absolutely love to see your creations! Please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram. Your support means the world to us. We’d also be so grateful if you would leave a comment below to share your experience and give the recipe a rating! Your feedback helps us continue to create and share delicious vegan recipes. Thank you so much for being a part of our culinary journey!
Vegan Cabbage Roll Soup
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound vegan ground beef substitute
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 carrots, sliced into uniform rounds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ green cabbage, cored and sliced, (about 5 cups sliced or 450 grams)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- ¾ tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- ⅔ cup white rice, uncooked (long-grain recommended)
- More salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the vegan ground beef substitute to the pot, season with 1 teaspoon of salt, and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as you cook, about 5-8 minutes.
- Stir in the sliced carrots, minced garlic, and sliced cabbage. Sauté for another 8-10 minutes, allowing the cabbage to wilt slightly and the carrots to soften a bit. The garlic should be fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, brown sugar, dried oregano, black pepper, bay leaves, and uncooked white rice. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the soup mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer gently for 30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the cabbage is tender.
- Carefully remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste the soup and season with additional salt and pepper if desired, adjusting to your preference.
- Ladle the warm, hearty soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving immediately.
Notes
To freeze for later: This soup freezes beautifully! Once cooled, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat according to the instructions above.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.