Name: Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup: A Creamy Comfort in 30 Minutes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp Olive Oil (For sautéing aromatics and enhancing flavor.); 1 small Yellow Onion, chopped (About 1 cup; shallots can be used too.); 5 cloves Garlic, thinly sliced (Or 1 tsp garlic powder.); 4 cups Green Cabbage, chopped (Savoy cabbage gives a sweeter flavor.); 1 tsp Dried Oregano (Substitute with Italian seasoning if desired.); 0.5 tsp Ground Pepper (Plus more for garnish.); 4 cups Vegetable Broth (Reduced-sodium; use chicken broth if preferred.); 1 can (15 oz) Cannellini Beans, rinsed (Chickpeas or navy beans work well too.); 0.25 cups Parmesan Cheese, grated (Skip for a vegan version; use nutritional yeast instead.); 1 large Egg (Omit for a vegan version.); 2.5 tbsp Lemon Juice (Fresh is perfect but bottled will do.); 2 tbsp Fresh Dill, chopped (Plus more for garnish; dried dill can be used.); 0.25 tsp Salt (Adjust according to your preference.)

There’s something comforting about a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening, and my Creamy Lemon Dill Cabbage and Cannellini Bean Soup is no exception. This zesty dish combines hearty cannellini beans and tender cabbage, creating a satisfying meal that’s packed with protein and flavor. Best of all, it can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those weeknights when you crave homemade comfort food without the fuss. With a delightful creamy texture from the Parmesan-egg mixture—plus a refreshing kick of lemon—this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Curious about how to make it vegan or add a special twist? Let’s dive in!

Why is Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup special?

Comforting Warmth: This soup is a hug in a bowl, offering the perfect blend of flavors to warm you up on chilly nights.
Quick & Easy: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a homemade meal ready to enjoy without the stress.
Protein-Packed: The addition of cannellini beans elevates this dish, making it not only delicious but also nourishing.
Versatile Variations: Want to make it vegan? Simply swap in coconut milk and nutritional yeast—it’s that flexible!
Appealing Brightness: The refreshing lemon and dill work together to create a lively taste that’s both comforting and invigorating.
Check out our make-ahead tips for planning ahead and ensuring this soup always fits into your schedule!

Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup Ingredients

• Here’s what you need to create this delightful recipe.

For the Soup

Olive Oil – For sautéing aromatics and enhancing flavor. Any vegetable oil works too!
Yellow Onion (1 small, about 1 cup, chopped) – Forms the flavorful base. Shallots can offer a milder taste.
Garlic (5 cloves, thinly sliced) – Adds depth and aroma; you can use garlic powder (1 tsp) if short on fresh.
Green Cabbage (4 cups, chopped) – Provides heartiness and texture; savoy cabbage gives a sweeter flavor.
Dried Oregano (1 tsp) – Adds a herbal note; feel free to use Italian seasoning as a substitution.
Ground Pepper (½ tsp plus more for garnish) – Enhances overall flavor—adjust to your taste!
Vegetable Broth (4 cups, reduced-sodium) – The base liquid for our comforting soup; use chicken broth if you prefer.
Cannellini Beans (1 can, 15 oz, rinsed) – Delivers creamy texture and protein—chickpeas or navy beans work well too!
Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated) – Adds richness and umami; skip this for a vegan option and use nutritional yeast instead.
Egg (1 large) – For that creamy soup element; omit for a vegan version and choose coconut milk for creaminess.
Lemon Juice (2½ tbsp) – Provides bright acidity—fresh is perfect, but bottled will do in a pinch!
Fresh Dill (2 tbsp, chopped plus more for garnish) – Imparts a fresh, herbal flavor; dried dill works too—just halve the amount.
Salt (¼ tsp) – Enhances all flavors; feel free to adjust according to your preference.

Dive into making this comforting Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup and enjoy its delightful blend of flavors!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 1 cup of chopped yellow onion and 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Sauté the mixture for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant—this forms the delicious base for your Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup.

Step 2: Soften Cabbage
Next, stir in 4 cups of chopped green cabbage, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon of ground pepper into the pot. Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring regularly, until the cabbage begins to wilt and soften, brightening in color—this adds heartiness and texture to your soup.

Step 3: Simmer Soup
Pour in 4 cups of reduced-sodium vegetable broth and add 1 can of rinsed cannellini beans to the Dutch oven. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for about 8 minutes, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy, creating a comforting base for the Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup.

Step 4: Prepare Egg Mixture
While the soup simmers, grab a heatproof bowl and whisk together ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2½ tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 1 large egg. Slowly ladle in a cup of the hot broth from the soup while continuously whisking to temper the egg, which prevents curdling and ensures a creamy finish.

Step 5: Finish Soup
Remove the Dutch oven from the heat and gradually stir in the tempered egg mixture, followed by 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill and an additional ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix gently to combine, allowing the flavors of your Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup to meld beautifully, creating a rich, creamy texture.

Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into warm bowls and garnish each serving with extra dill and a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor. Serve your Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup warm, accompanied by crusty bread or garlic toast for a heartwarming meal ideal for chilly evenings.

Storage Tips for Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup

Fridge: Store your Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to retain the creamy texture.
Freezing: It’s not recommended for freezing due to the egg content; the texture may change upon thawing. Instead, enjoy it fresh or stored in the fridge!
Make-Ahead Tip: Feel free to prepare the soup in advance—just add the egg mixture right before serving to keep it creamy!

Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup Variations

Customize your soup journey with delightful twists that awaken the senses and tailor this dish to your taste!

Vegan Delight: Omit the egg and cheese, using coconut milk for a luscious creaminess that keeps it plant-based.
Leafy Greens: Swap cabbage for kale or fresh spinach for vibrant color and extra nutrients, enhancing the overall freshness.
Bean Choices: Use chickpeas or navy beans instead of cannellini for varied texture, cradling your flavors with new surprises.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to infuse your soup with warmth and a touch of heat, perfect for spice lovers.
Herb Boost: Experiment with fresh thyme or basil alongside dill for an aromatic layer of complexity, inviting a garden-fresh essence.
Citrus Twist: Experiment with lime juice instead of lemon for a zesty flair, adding a tropical vibe that brightens each spoonful.
Savory Additions: Toss in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth; they pair beautifully with the beans and cabbage.
Creamier Texture: For an ultra-creamy soup, blend a portion of the soup before adding the egg mixture for a thicker consistency.

Feel free to explore and combine these variations, remembering that cooking is as much about creativity as it is about comfort! Dive into more ideas like our delicious make-ahead tips to keep your cooking experience as smooth as the soup itself.

Make Ahead Options

This Creamy Lemon Dill Cabbage and Cannellini Bean Soup is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the vegetables (onion, garlic, cabbage) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days in advance, making busy weeknights a breeze. Additionally, you can prepare the egg and cheese mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours—just remember to whisk in a bit of hot broth to temper it right before adding it to the soup. When you’re ready to enjoy your Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup, simply simmer the prepped ingredients, add the broth, and stir in the egg mixture for a fresh, creamy finish that will be just as delicious as if you made it from scratch!

What to Serve with Creamy Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup

There’s a world of delightful pairings to create a full meal that’ll warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.

Crusty Baguette: Perfect for dipping, the crunchy exterior and soft inside make each bite feel cozy.
Garlic Toast: Golden, crispy slices topped with fragrant garlic butter add a savory crunch that compliments the soup beautifully.
Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing medley of greens drizzled with lemon vinaigrette adds a vibrant, tangy contrast to the creamy soup.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies caramelized to perfection brings warmth and extra texture to your meal.
Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on toasted bread resonates well with the soup’s rich flavors while introducing a fresh element.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A light dessert of seasonal fruits offers a sweet and juicy end, balancing the savory notes of the soup.
Herbal Iced Tea: A chilled drink with herbs like mint or verbena refreshes the palate, making each spoonful of soup enjoyable.
Lemon Sorbet: Serve it as a palate cleanser post-meal, enhancing the lemony zing already present in the dish.

Expert Tips for Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup

Garlic Slicing: Slice garlic thinly: This helps it meld seamlessly into the soup, maximizing its aromatic flavor.
Temperature Control: Always temper the egg mixture: Slowly add hot broth while whisking to avoid curdling, ensuring a creamy finish.
Fresh vs. Dried Dill: Opt for fresh dill when possible: It delivers the best flavor—if using dried, reduce the amount by half.
Greens Boost: Add baby spinach when simmering: This not only elevates nutrition but also enhances texture and color in your Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup.
Taste Test: Don’t skip the seasoning adjustments: Salt levels can vary; taste and adjust as needed for a balanced flavor profile.

Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select cabbage for the soup?
Absolutely! When choosing cabbage, look for heads that are heavy for their size with firm, crisp leaves. Avoid any that have dark spots all over or feel soft, as these indicate spoilage. A good yellow onion should also be firm and have dry, papery skin.

How should I store leftover Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup?
Very! You can store your Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I recommend letting it cool to room temperature before sealing, as this helps maintain its freshness.

Can I freeze Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup?
Not recommended! Due to the egg content, freezing can alter the creaminess and texture of the soup when thawed. Instead, enjoy this lovely soup fresh or store it in the fridge.

What should I do if my soup seems too thick?
No worries at all! If you find the soup thicker than you’d like, simply stir in a bit of vegetable broth or water, adding a splash at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt as necessary after adding the liquid!

Is this soup suitable for people with dietary allergies or restrictions?
Definitely! To make it vegan, just omit the egg and Parmesan cheese, replacing the cheese with nutritional yeast and using coconut milk for creaminess. As always, be sure to check for any other allergens you may need to avoid, such as gluten, when serving this dish.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Lemon Dill Cabbage Soup?
You can boost the flavor by adding spices! A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little kick, or adding fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, right before serving, can brighten the taste even more. Enjoy experimenting with different additions for your perfect bowl!