Spring Detox Cabbage Soup (Printable)

Light cabbage soup with ginger, lemon and turmeric—vegan, gluten-free, low-fat, ideal for a spring cleanse.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 small head green cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups)
02 - 2 medium carrots, sliced
03 - 1 medium onion, diced
04 - 2 stalks celery, sliced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 medium zucchini, diced

→ Aromatics & Spices

07 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
08 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

→ Liquids

11 - 6 cups vegetable broth (gluten-free if needed)
12 - Juice of 1 lemon

→ Fresh Herbs

13 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)

→ Optional

14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

# Steps:

01 - In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat (or use a splash of broth for oil-free). Add onion, celery, and carrots; sauté 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Add garlic, ginger, and turmeric; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in cabbage and zucchini. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth, add salt and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
05 - Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, until vegetables are tender.
06 - Stir in lemon juice and fresh herbs. Adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs and a lemon wedge if desired.

# Tips from the Pros:

01 -
  • It’s like a fresh start in a bowl—just the thing when you want to lighten up and feel more vibrant.
  • The flavors land somewhere between comforting and invigorating, making it perfect for rainy days or that first real warm spell.
02 -
  • Nobody warned me that overcooking cabbage makes it go limp and sulky; keep a close eye and taste test early.
  • Adding the lemon juice at the end instead of simmering keeps the flavors bright, not muddled.
03 -
  • The real magic comes from grating ginger fresh—don’t use the jarred stuff here.
  • If your broth is bland, try simmering a lemon peel in it for a few minutes, then remove before serving.
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