A light, low-calorie, and low-fat vegetable soup, famously known as the Dolly Parton Diet or Cabbage Soup Diet. This simple recipe is perfect for a healthy, detox-style meal with a savory, comforting flavor.
YIELD
6 servingsPREP
10 minCOOK
30 minREADY
40 minChef Tips
- Avoid Overcooking: Check vegetable tenderness after 10 minutes of simmering to avoid mushy textures.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
- Onion Soup Mix Caution: Onion soup mix is high in sodium. If using stock instead, taste before adding extra salt.
- Enhance Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of fresh herbs (like parsley or dill) before serving for a brighter flavor.
Optional Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño during boiling for a spicy version.
- Protein Boost: Stir in 1 cup of cooked white beans or shredded chicken during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- Veggie Swap: Replace green bell pepper with red or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter flavor, or add 1 cup of sliced carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- Stock Swap: Use 3 cups of low-sodium chicken, vegetable, or beef stock instead of water and onion soup mix for a cleaner, less processed flavor.
Ingredients
Directions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop cabbage, onion, green bell pepper, and celery into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, add cabbage, onion, green bell pepper, celery, canned tomatoes (with juice), onion soup mix, and water.
- Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Boil for 10 minutes.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-30 minutes, or until vegetables reach your preferred tenderness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more water or stock, ½ cup at a time, to achieve desired consistency.
- Taste and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (note: onion soup mix is salty, so additional salt may not be necessary). Serve hot.
Dolly Patrons Cabbage Soup Diet, Vanity Fair
Comments
I add brown rice with quinoa and browned ground turkey.
Excellent variation, will give it a try.
We skip the onion soup mix and use a good quality stock instead of water.
This was called Mrs. Humphreys soup in the 60's. the recipe was posted in the St. Paul paper by then Senator H Humphreys wife.
I lost weight on this diet
Put mixed frozen veggies in it been doing this for years The veggies add a lot to soup.
Delicious I can’t stop eating. Used more celery, 2 cans beef broth, some water, beef bouillon to taste & the onion soup mix. Add other veggies, potatoes & meat for good vegetable soup.
It sounds like it would be good to have during the winter time....................
This soup is the best one, i try it and was amazing, but also this diet https://bit.ly/3mdcxic is one of the best, i can't choose the right words to talk about it.....
I can't eat bell peppers......what can I use in it's place?
Potatoes, Zucchini, Celery, Turnips