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German Cabbage Soup (Kohlsuppe) – Hearty, Simple, and Delicious

German cabbage soup Kohlsuppe in rustic bowl

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This traditional German cabbage soup (Kohlsuppe) is a hearty and healthy vegan dish made with fresh white cabbage, potatoes, root vegetables, and aromatic spices. It’s perfect for cold weather and easy to customize with your favorite herbs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 800 g white cabbage, chopped
  • 500 g waxy potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 150 g celery root, peeled and chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 leek, cleaned and finely diced
  • 2 onions, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp sweet paprika powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 liters water
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 1/2 tbsp mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for serving)
  • Bread (for serving)
  • Crème fraîche (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Remove the outer leaves and core from the cabbage. Chop into bite-sized pieces.

2. Peel and chop the potatoes, celery root, and carrots.

3. Clean and finely dice the leek, onions, and garlic.

4. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions, garlic, and leeks; sauté for several minutes.

5. Add the remaining chopped vegetables and sauté for another 5 minutes.

6. Add paprika powder and cumin; stir and cook briefly.

7. Deglaze with water and lemon juice. Add bay leaf and mustard.

8. Season generously with salt and pepper.

9. Increase heat and bring soup to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for approx. 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

10. Season again with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice to taste.

11. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with bread and optional crème fraîche.

Notes

This vegan cabbage soup is rich in vitamin C and minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

For extra depth, try adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, dill, or savory.

Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavor.

Serve with toasted bread or crispy croutons for added texture.