Creamy Cabbage Soup with Ham
A cozy and comforting Creamy Cabbage Soup with Ham that blends tender cabbage, savory smoked ham, and a rich creamy broth. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days, easy to prepare with simple ingredients, and ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The soup offers a balanced meal full of fiber and protein, and is easily customizable to suit your taste preferences.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium head fresh cabbage, chopped
- 1 ½ cups smoked ham, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional herbs (thyme, parsley), chopped for garnish
- Prepare the base: Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, building a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add the ham: Stir in the diced smoked ham pieces and cook until they brown slightly, releasing their smoky aroma and intensifying the savory character of the soup.
- Cook the cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and cook until it begins to soften, breaking down the firm layers so they blend beautifully with the broth.
- Pour in the broth: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the cabbage is tender and all flavors meld together.
- Make it creamy: Lower the heat and slowly stir in heavy cream or sour cream. Mix thoroughly to achieve a smooth, velvety consistency that defines the soup’s signature creaminess.
- Season and finish: Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or parsley. Let the soup simmer briefly to marry all the flavors perfectly before serving.
Notes
- Use smoked ham for a richer, deeper flavor.
- Do not overcook the cabbage; cook just until tender to keep some texture.
- Add cream off the heat to prevent curdling and maintain a silky smooth texture.
- Adjust seasoning throughout cooking to achieve a perfectly balanced taste.
- Simmer gently after adding broth to blend flavors without reducing liquid too fast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: creamy cabbage soup, ham soup, comforting soup, easy weeknight dinner, creamy soup with ham, cabbage and ham soup