Hearty, easy, nourishing and so mouth-watering; White Bean Cabbage Soup is a steamy one-pot recipe that will serve up cozy during the coldest months of the year. This vegetarian or vegan cabbage soup recipe is freezer friendly and gluten free.
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White Bean and Cabbage Soup Comfort Food
It’s so chilly outside, and the rain and wind has returned to the Pacific Northwest. Comfort food like this Cabbage Bean Soup has made its way into our weekly rotation.
I find soups and stews to be one of the simplest ways to deliver comfort during the chilliest of seasons. Easy too in that this cabbage soup comes together in one pot, and with some cook time flexibility.
This vegetarian or vegan cabbage soup helps me maintain healthy eating goals. Not that I eat it to lose weight, rather, I eat it because it’s nourishing, filling, super hearty and it just tastes delicious! The addition of potatoes in this cabbage potato soup gives it that comfort factor I’m after anyway this time of year.
Cabbage potato soup is super easy to pull together too!
Cabbage White Bean Soup Ingredients
The simplest ingredients come together to make a most hearty and nourishing soup! Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- Butter, Plant or Dairy or Olive Oil
- Leeks
- Cabbage
- Garlic
- Veggie Broth
- Potatoes
- Thyme
- Cooked White Beans
Quick Guide: How to Make this Easy Cabbage Bean Soup
- First, in a large Dutch oven or stock-pot, add the olive oil (or butter) and heat until shimmering. Add the leeks and cook, stirring frequently. Add the cabbage and stir, cooking down just a bit.
- Next, add the garlic, 1/2 tsp salt, broth, potatoes and thyme bundle. Bring to a simmer, then cook on low for about 20 minutes for a fork tender potato or 40 minutes to let the potatoes soften further and melt down into the soup (this time is flexible).
- Last, remove the thyme bundle and stir in the beans. Warm through, about five minutes and add a good squeeze of lemon.
Share vegetarian or vegan cabbage soup with crusty bread and a big salad to complete the meal.
A Few Recipe Tips
- Vegetarian or Vegan Cabbage Soup: Butter (plant or dairy) or Olive Oil? I prefer the richness unsalted dairy butter adds to this soup. Use olive oil or plant butter for dairy-free. If using plant butter omit the salt due to the salt content already in most plant butters and adjust the salt to taste near the end of cooking.
- The Cabbage: I’ve used savoy (pictured) and green. While I prefer green, either will work. Green tends to stand up more to the cooking time, producing a more texture-rich soup while the more tender savoy tends to cook down a bit more.
- The Broth: For a chunkier soup, hold out at least 2 C broth. This soup relies on a high quality broth to deliver best flavor. If using prepared broth, I like Better Than Bouillon.
- The Potatoes: The longer the soup cooks, the more the potatoes will cook down into the soup. If you prefer fork-tender potatoes, cook them for the shorter amount of time (as seen here.. I was impatient). Longer for a more creamy texture.
- How to Store Cabbage Soup: Refrigerate in a lidded container for up to three days. Or, if you love freezer meals like me, freeze in individual serving jars, or containers for lunch portions, or in a larger container for family meals.
- How long can Cabbage and Bean Soup be frozen? Freeze for up to two weeks. I’m anti-freezer burn so I don’t leave most food in the freezer too long. Thaw in the fridge overnight and rewarm on the stovetop on low heat.
More Cabbage Recipes You’ll Love
White Bean Cabbage Potato Soup
Servings:7 Servings
Calories:217kcal
Hearty, nourishing and simple ingredients. White Bean Cabbage Potato Soup is a steamy one pot recipe that will serve up cozy during the coldest months of the year. This recipe is vegetarian, easily vegan and gluten free.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbs Unsalted Butter, olive oil or plant butter* (see note)
- 5 C (436g) Leeks, sliced thin, about two large leeks
- 8 C (348g) Green or Savoy Cabbage, cut into bite size pieces or thinly sliced** (see note)
- 2 C (285g) Russet or Yellow Finn Potatoes, skins on, cut into small cubes, about one large potato
- 8 C (1.7kg) Vegetable Broth *** see note
- 4 Cloves of Garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt + more to taste, reduce to 1/4 tsp if using plant butter and adjust to taste
- 2 C (425g) Cooked Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
- 4-5 Thyme Springs, tied
- Squeeze of Lemon to taste
- Parmesan Cheese for garnish (optional)
- Fresh Ground Pepper
Instructions
- In a large Dutch Oven or stock-pot, add the olive oil (or butter and melt) and heat until shimmering. Add the leeks and cook, stirring frequently on low until they're soft with a bit of golden color, about 10 minutes. Watch them close, as they can burn easily.
- Add the cabbage to the leeks. Cook on low stirring occassionally to cook down, about 9-10 minutes (the pot will be very full!).
- Add garlic, 1/2 tsp salt, broth, potatoes and thyme bundle. Bring to a simmer, then cook on low for about 20 minutes for a fork tender potato (this will vary depending on type of potato and size of cut, so test to taste), or 40 minutes to let the potatoes soften further (this time is flexible - cooking the potatoes longer will allow them to be more creamy and melt into the soup - yum!)
- Remove the thyme bundle, stir in the beans and a good squeeze of lemon (it brightens the soup). Warm through, about five minutes. Taste to adjust salt and pepper seasoning as needed. Due to variations in salt content in vegetable broth, add salt to taste. I'm pretty generous with it in this recipe. Garnish with parmesan and fresh thyme leaves if desired.
- Store in a lidded container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This soup is freezer friendly. Freeze in individual containers for lunch portion servings or a larger family size container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and gently rewarm on the stovetop.
Video
Notes
*Olive Oil or Butter: I prefer butter because it adds richness to this soup, but if dairy free, olive oil is fabulous as well. If opting for plant butter, and it's salted, leave out the addition of salt and adjust to taste towards the end of cooking.
**Green or Savoy Cabbage (savory pictured): I like both equally, but the green cabbage is not quite as soft as the savoy and adds a bit more texture with the given cook times.
***For a chunkier soup, reduce the broth by 2 C and add more to your taste.
Recipe adapted from NYT.
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate. If this information is important to you, please have it verified independently.
Calories: 217kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1380mg | Potassium: 436mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1737IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 3mg
Made It? Leave a comment below! The most helpful comment may include recipe rating, feedback, any modifications and/or helping other commenters. On Instagram? Take a snap of your make and share, tagging @VanillaAndBean #VanillaAndBean!
Traci, this is fabulous !! I enjoyed this several days. Until it was all gone! Love the flexibility of your recipes! I used butter, green cabbage and the yellow potatoes. Still loving the “better than boulion” vegetable broth that you taught me about. The thyme really sets this off as well! Another “keeper” recipe from you! Everything you make looks (and is) sooooo good!! Thank you again for sharing!!
Hiii Laura! SO happy to hear you’re enjoying the blog and this soup (a personal favorite). That BTB really helps make it super tasty… ah, and the thyme is so lovely. I truly appreciate your feedback and giving so many V&B recipes a go!
Always love a cabbage recipe and this one turned out very good. I used partially cooked dried beans and added them early with an extra cup because they were there HAA. Served with sourdough bread. I will freeze individual servings which will be perfect after a morning of birding in the snow.
Hiii Carolyn! Thank you for your note and giving the recipe a go. Birding in the snow, then coming home to hot cabbage soup sounds like a day well spent!
Thank you so much for the soup recipe! I have lots of Swanson low sodium chicken broth, so I used that instead although your Better Than Bouillon looks so much better. I halved the recipe. I added Litehouse freeze-dried thyme instead of a thyme bundle. It turned out nice & tasty still, even though it looks nothing like your photo! My picky mom even liked it! I’ll definitely be making this soup again. It was my first time cooking leeks and possibly eating leeks.
Hooray for leeks, Angel Lisa! Thank you for your note and giving the soup a go (it’s a favorite around here!). And that your mom enjoyed it too, it’s a win-win!
I made this last night and was shocked at how flavourful and delicious it was. I used a can of mixed beans, Better Than Bouillion, and a tsp of thyme because that was what I had on hand. The simple, inexpensive ingredients and heartiness ticked all the boxes for me, so this will now become my go to comfort soup. Thank you!
Hi Suzanne! Thank you for your note and giving the recipe a go. This is one of my favorites too because of all the things you mentioned! Isn’t BTB the best?! SO flavorful!
Great winter soup recipe! I substituted with navy beans – running to the store for one item is a trip I avoid right now! I also opted for the thicker version – 6 cups of veggie broth. The pictures helped because I was not sure what a “sprig” actually meant HA! Anything with cabbage makes my list.
Oh my Carolyn! YES to anything with cabbage… I’m SO with you. I lol on sprig… I didn’t know what else to call it! Navy beans sound lovely. Thank you for your note and giving the recipe a go!
Hello again, yes – sprig is the right word for sure, the rabbit hole was the sprig within a sprig conversation in my head – still grinning….
LOL!! Same – thanks for the smile, Carolyn!
I followed it to a tee…..just wasn’t very flavorful. Kind of sad.
I’m sorry to hear the soup didn’t work for you, Christine.
I made this per your recipe and was totally delighted, the taste, texture and goodness were excellent..I am considering adding Farro or Bulgur to it. i’m vegetarian and love the flavor added by either.
Thank you
So happy to hear, Jack! Thank you for your note and giving the recipe a go! Farro or bulger would be a lovely addition!
Not sure why it took me so long, but I finally made this recipe today. I had received cabbage, potatoes, and leeks in a Misfits Market box this week, and although I did not have cannelloni beans, I did have some White Navy Beans that I had cooked up a few weeks ago in put the freezer; so it seemed like the right time to make this. Wow! So, so good! Since I live alone, I am going to have plenty to freeze, but I am looking forward to having this for lunch for the next few days! Thanks for another “keeper,” Traci!
Hii Jonel! SO nice to see your note and that you enjoyed the soup! Navy beans are perfect for it. Isn’t it so hearty and flavorful? This is one I make again and again. So happy to hear there’s more in the freezer…!
Delicious! Definitely a keeper! I used navy beans but followed the recipe as written with great results.
So happy to hear Amanda! Thank you for coming back and leaving a note! The navy beans are perfect.
Made it exactly as written and gobbled it all up!
I love your enthusiasm! :D So happy to hear you enjoyed it Margaret. I hope there’s some in the freezer? Thank you for your rating and sharing with me!
Traci, I made this last week to take for lunch and ended up sharing with a bunch of my work colleagues! I added some rotisserie chicken (obviously, I’m not vegan or vegetarian!) and it was wonderful! The butter adds a richness to the broth that really makes this a hearty soup.
Making this again today – thanks for this!
Hi Shannon! SO happy to hear you’re enjoying the recipe! Indeed (!!) the butter!! Thank you for your note and rating Shannon! Day made!
Made tonight with Savoy cabbage and a few red potatoes and a can of great northern beans. So simple and delicious. Oh! I had a Parmesan rind I popped in the soup while it cooked. Great for a fall night!
Hi RL! Ooooh that parm rind – thank you for that and your note! So happy to hear you’re enjoying the soup. It’s one of my favorite go-to recipes!
I made this recipe and it tasted delicious!
Regards Marijke.
This soup looks so cozy and comforting!! I absolutely love cannelloni beans in soup! They’re so creamy. Putting this on my list for winter soup recipes.
Hiii Hannah! Thank you for stopping by! LMK if you give it a go… this is total comfort food! :D
My husband and I adore this nutritious meal. It’s perfect for dinner anytime of year. All the ingredients go so good together, and the beans add a great amount of protein. Sometimes I add celery to the dish, and it turns out great. In short, this warm, comforting soup rocks! Thank you for sharing it with us Traci. I love your blog!
So happy to hear, Ann! Thank you for giving it a go, leaving a note, rating and such kind words :D ! This is one of those soups I make again and again… it IS so comforting. Celery sounds like a delicious addition!
Just what I needed,yum! Thanks for posting!
You got it Doreen! Thank you for your note!
This was a crowd pleaser for my children and grandchildren. I usually like trying recipes out before serving company, but you have never let me down ;)
SO happy to hear Delin! Hooray! Thank you for your note, kind words and rating! All the yesses for a crowd pleasing soup!
I have to say, I’ve never made soup with cabbage in it before, but this is looking FAB. Will try ASAP!!
Oh my, Sarah! You’re going to looove it! Pure comfort food!
Can’t wait to make! I just fall more in love with your recipes each week.. thanks so much for sharing them! Hope you’re feeling better soonest and a big YES PLEASE on the sourdough biscuits.. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy both those wonderful flavors this fall.
Hii Daisy! Thank you so much for your kind words, sending a smile and vote for those biscuits! They’ll be on the blog as soon as I get the details of the recipe tweaked! :D LMK if you give this soup a go!
Such a heartwarming soup for the cold months. I can eat this every day.
So well done my friend.
Hii Ayse… thank you! I’m so with you! It’s one I make over and over again.
Can this be put in slow cooker?
Hi Dawn! I wouldn’t hesitate putting it in the slow cooker. If I were to do it, I’d give it about 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low to start. The veggies should be cooked down and tender when done. Watch the broth level though. If the slow cooker lid is loose fitting, more steam will escape. Add more veggie broth if needed. Stir in the beans 30 minutes before service to warm through. If you give it a go, please let us know how it turns out!
So reading this Jan 2019, and your words apply here to. I am resolving to get back to basics – cook and move. I have an internal dialogue cheering myself with “Move Muffin Move!” I hope to be “mini muffin” later this year ;)
Hi Lisa! Thank you for your note… I love your internal dialogue, can I borrow it? I reread this post yesterday as I was preparing dinner and I absolutely couldn’t believe I wrote it in 2017! TWO years ago, Lisa! Sigh…. I hope you enjoy the soup :D GO MINI MUFFIN!
Hi!
Just made this today and it was delicious! My family loved it. What I liked was the simple ingredients and that by making more and more soups it doesn’t feel complicated anymore. I was always intimidated by making broth.
Sending love from Latvia! :)
Health is everything, no? I am so sorry that you have been going through this for a long time. But I am glad you are working with professionals to get help.
Okay so headspace.. It has been on my to-do list for a very long time. I need to try it. Reading that you like it, I am more inclined to giving it a try. Thank you for that.
This soup.. I am a HUGE fan of savoy cabbage. Like you said, it doesn’t stand to high temperatures as well as the green cabbage, but it is just too pretty photograph and eat. Also, your photography in this post is stunning my friend. That last photo takes my breath away. That backlight is a killer! :P
Finally, my goal this year is to start my day with journaling. Have you ever heard of the book called The Artist’s Way? The author of that book calls it the morning pages. I used to write my pages every day while we were in the Caribbean, but after we moved up to the States I stopped doing it. I want to go back to being a regular writer.
If you haven’t heard of the book and looking for a good read, I highly recommend giving it a read.
Much love.. Sending healing positive energy to your way…
I hope you’ll check out Headspace. It’s been SO helpful for me. Taking time out of busy days to care for ourselves is so important. I’ll check out The Artist’s Way – thank you for your recommendation! And thank you for your kind words and support Aysegul!! XO
Love, Love your Recipes! Made many of your tasty recipes and everyone loves them..
Thank you so much Gitta!! :D
A friend of mine made this soup and I loved it! I’m trying to lose some weight and was wondering if you had the nutritional facts for this recipe? Thanks!
Hi Angie! Thank you for your note. I do not have the USDA nutritional facts for this recipe.
Thank you for your response!
Health + mindfulness is a big goal of mine this year too – I’ve been practicing meditation as well, and trying to force myself to do it even when I feel like I don’t have time to sit still for 10 or 20 minutes. Practicing yoga also helps with mindfulness – It’s a work in progress! I feel your pain about the goings-on in our world, but that quote sums it up perfectly. If we stopped to consider everything bad in the world, the sad truth is that happiness would never come. Better to focus on the positive, wonderful things that are going on around us instead…like devouring a big bowl of this soup! It looks fantastic, and so warm and comforting. I’m definitely wanting to slurp up a big bowl!
I’m sorry you didn’t get the big dump of snow! Freezing temperatures aren’t as enjoyable when there isn’t snow to go with it! I hear you on trying to keep with your goals and stay healthy! As it turns out, baby weight doesn’t just melt off and I’ve been struggling trying to get into the mind frame to do something about that! I could probably benefit from eating more hearty soups like this one! It looks amazing and so comforting, Traci! I hope everything keeps getting better for you!
I saw this recipe and knew I had to make it. So many of my favorite things! It tastes great, is easy to make, and all were pleased with this and a baguette. Thank you, and Bravo.
Hey Greg! So happy you enjoyed the recipe with said baguette – a perfect dipping vessel ;) (!!) Thank you for your note!
It sounds like you and are in the same boat Traci! I used to be able to eat anything I wanted, any time of day and I wouldn’t have any issues keeping the weight off! Not so much so now that I’m getting older! Stupid old age! And as you know, the life of a food blogger doesn’t help…at all. I have decided to take more time for myself this year. More time out walking and at the gym and way less carbs (my fave)!! And way more water every day (not my fave unfortunately)!
This looks like the perfect healthy, hearty soup. I love white beans and cabbage and haven’t made myself a pot of bean soup in quite a while. I love how easy this recipe looks too! Good luck with your goals for the year! Hope we both do well!
Hehe… I know, it’s tough Mary Ann!! Glad someone’s in the boat with me ;) . I’m completely with ya… and am so glad to hear your taking more time to yourself this year. That is the first step in caring for ourselves… I know, the carbs thing. And I just started baking sourdough again. But, everything in moderation, right? And yes to water.. I know, I’m bad at that too. I forget. All the best to you too in this new year my dear! We can do it!! xo
I love soups in the winter too, although my husband is not too fond of it, hence I don’t make it often! I love your hearty soup with the goodness of the vegetables and protein from the beans! Looks really delicious! I bought some leeks – I hope I can make leek and potato soup, one that my husband likes ;)
I hear you and your struggles, and wish you all the best in achieving your goals for this year. Meditation and Yoga will certainly help. I have become a bit slack too in my exercise regime. One of my goals is to lose weight this year. And I am working towards it. I have been juicing and it is working well in the sense, I feel good! I hope I can continue too :)
Oh Noooooo!! Not fond of soup? How do you deal?! OMG. Why is it that exercise seems to always go first? It becomes the lowest priority when it should be right up at the top!? I guess there’s so many competing priorities.. it’s tough! But hooray for taking care of yourself and your feeling good! Hope is powerful! xo
Just discovered your blog, so beautiful!! I’ve actually just recently started using Headspace and have been loving it!! I’m so excited to try some of your gorgeous recipes :)
Thank you so much for your kind words, Ali! Headspace is great! His voice just sucks me in! :D
I’ve kind of fallen off my exercise regimen, too. You’re so right, it IS a snowball effect – you exercise less, so you have less energy, so you don’t feel motivated to exercise. Woof. But here’s to both of us getting back on that train!! Sending hugs, Traci <3
Augh! Woof, woof, right Sarah!? I’m on that train with ya, girrrl! xo
Give me all your soup, Traci! We’re having a great winter – rainy and cold (for us) weather – something that we haven’t had for 4 years. So soup is on the menu a lot for me too. As for goals – it’s always hard to get motivated but I got a fitbit charge 2 for Christmas and that has really got me up and moving. Its counts steps, stairs, buzzes if you haven’t moved in a set amount of time and has a meditation setting! Also, the dog gets me out – even when it’s raining – since she’s a loony without a long walk. So here’s to 2017 – meeting our goals, taking care of our health, being mindful of those around us and inner peace! xo
And you too, Geraldine! I’ve been eyen’ your lentil chili lately! So happy to hear the rain is back! This will certainly help with fire suppression. Our wildlands and wildlife needs it! And the fitbit is helping!? That’s awesome about the meditation setting… I’m so glad you told me. Haha, loony without a long walk. I can relate!!! Yes, we’re in this together, Geraldine! I’m with ya! xo
I feel like we all struggle with these things too! I feel like soups always set me back on track, especially ones that are loaded with all the best beans and greens! :)
It’s the human struggle, right… always adjusting, learning, growing, tweaking how we walk through life to create inner calm and cope with struggle better. And a good loaded soup helps us along our path. ;)
I love how healthy yet soul-warming this soup is. Cabbage and beans is what my body needs right now! (Easy on the hurting post-christmas wallet too) Making this beauty this weekend. Thanks for sharing your goals with us Traci! <3
Yeah, right on, Meredith! Cabbage is economical as are beans and potatoes. I dare say that cabbage is comfort food… a big pot of steaming cabbage soothes the soul. I hope you enjoy it my dear.
I’m eager to give this soup a try. So simple with ingredients that are available to anyone and not too many of them. I like uncomplicated food. It’s easier to taste five ingredients than twenty. You might consider adding yoga to your life. There’s a detox yoga DVD by Maya Fiennes that’s wonderful and doesn’t contain a lot of getting up and down to do.
I’m going to be 7o this year. I have to say that I am so looking forward to the changes coming. Usually people my age hate change, but I’ve learned that they happen regardless, why fight a losing battle. Besides, our country needs a good shaking up. It’s been stagnant for far too long. Besides, nothing remains the same. At 70, I’ve lived through 3 marriages -good and bad- and a great many other things. You lose your looks, you lose your friends, you lose your family, but you gain a plethora of wisdom. Wisdom is very calming, as is aging. I am embracing it and looking forward to all it brings, with lots of soup!
Simple, yes and hearty Nancy. That’s what I love about it too. I started yoga last year. I practice once a week with a group, and also at home. I grow to appreciate it more with each practice. No doubt embracing change (acceptance) will support a more fulfilled life. It’s something that I’m growing into and am getting better at. Wisdom… calming indeed. Thank you for sharing, Nancy. I hope you enjoy the soup :D
What is an alternative for the potatoes?
Hi Hannah. I’m sorry I don’t have a suggestion for an alternative for the potatoes. You can leave them out if you wish. Just reduce the cooking time. Your soup will be ready in no time!
I love your idea of being mindful while cooking soup and making it a calming experience! Too often I’m rushing around in the kitchen and not paying attention to the process. This soup looks so good for a cold day, perfect for pairing with a slice of warm homemade bread- yum!
It’s the best, Mel! You know the app, Headspace, I referred to? There’s a meditation on cooking! :D
No way! That sounds right up my alley, I’ll have to get that app :)
Hooray!!