Nourishing Instant Pot Cabbage Soup with a Kick of Harissa: Your New Go-To Healthy Meal

Forget the myth that healthy eating has to be bland. This isn’t just another cabbage soup recipe; it’s a vibrant, flavor-packed experience designed for your Instant Pot, making healthy cooking incredibly simple and fast. While it might not be a cookie recipe (as much as we love those!), this Instant Pot Cabbage Soup with a touch of harissa has quickly become a household favorite. It’s a low-sodium, low-fat wonder, perfect for those seeking a comforting, nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. And trust us, the only “burn” you’ll feel here is a delightful warmth from the harissa, not a bland diet.

This rendition of the classic “fat-burning” cabbage soup takes a modern twist, transforming it into a hearty, satisfying dish that stands on its own. It’s an ideal choice for meal prep, a light lunch, or a wholesome dinner. We’ve crafted this recipe to be inherently low in sodium and fat by utilizing low-sodium broth and unsalted diced tomatoes. However, if dietary restrictions aren’t a concern for you, feel free to use regular broth and your favorite seasoned canned tomatoes to instantly amplify the flavor. The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility and the deep, rich flavors extracted from a medley of fresh vegetables and aromatic spices.

Why Cabbage Soup? The Healthy & Flavorful Choice

Cabbage soup has long been celebrated for its health benefits, particularly its role in various detox and weight-loss diets. But beyond that, cabbage is a powerhouse of nutrients, rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s incredibly low in calories, making it a filling yet light meal option. When cooked in the Instant Pot, cabbage softens beautifully, releasing its natural sweetness and absorbing the savory flavors of the broth and spices. This soup provides a fantastic way to increase your vegetable intake and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl without any guilt.

The Instant Pot Advantage: Speed and Simplicity

Using an Instant Pot for this cabbage soup recipe is a game-changer. It significantly cuts down on cooking time, allowing you to achieve a deeply flavored, tender soup in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. The pressure cooking process also helps to meld the flavors more intensely, resulting in a more robust and satisfying soup. It’s a hands-off approach that means less time monitoring the pot and more time enjoying your meal. Simply combine your ingredients, set the timer, and let your Instant Pot do all the work!

Harissa: The Spicy Secret to Unforgettable Cabbage Soup

Harissa is truly my favorite condiment, and it’s the ingredient that elevates this cabbage soup from good to extraordinary. Originating from North Africa, particularly Tunisia, harissa is a versatile chili paste made from roasted red peppers, Baklouti peppers, olive oil, and various spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway. What I particularly love about harissa is its complex flavor profile: it delivers a satisfying heat that opens your sinuses without overwhelming your palate or leaving an aggressive burning sensation in your mouth. It’s a warmth that enhances, rather than detracts from, the other flavors.

I initially started my harissa journey with Mina, which, despite being labeled “spicy,” offers a fairly mild introduction to this fantastic paste. As my palate adapted and my love for its unique taste grew, I transitioned to a more concentrated version found at our local Middle Eastern store. This stronger harissa means that just a single tablespoon is enough to infuse an entire batch of this soup with incredible depth and warmth. If you’re using a milder or less concentrated harissa, don’t hesitate to add a bit more until you reach your desired level of spice and flavor. It’s all about personal preference, so taste as you go!

Here are some detailed notes if you’re interested in making this incredibly flavorful and healthy Instant Pot Cabbage Soup!

Instant Pot Cabbage Soup Ingredient Notes: Tips for the Best Flavor

• Cabbage: The star of the show! We use about 3 cups (200 grams) of coarsely chopped cabbage. Green cabbage is typical, but you could experiment with Savoy cabbage for a slightly different texture. Ensure it’s chopped into manageable pieces, as it will cook down significantly.
• Tomatoes: One 14 oz can of no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained, provides a crucial acidic and sweet base. If sodium isn’t a concern for your diet, feel free to use flavored canned tomatoes or fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra layer of smoky depth. The liquid from the can adds to the broth, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Onions, Carrots, and Celery (Mirepoix): This classic trio forms the aromatic foundation of our soup. 1 cup (130 grams) of chopped onions, 1 cup (150 grams) of chopped carrots (cut into coins for quick cooking), and ½ cup (60 grams) of chopped celery are essential for building a rich flavor profile. Don’t skimp on these; they bring natural sweetness and savory notes.
• Garlic: Four cloves of chopped garlic (approximately a heaping tablespoon) are crucial for infusing the soup with its characteristic pungent and aromatic qualities. Freshly chopped garlic will always yield the best flavor.
• Broth: We recommend 3 to 4 cups of reduced-sodium vegetable broth to keep the sodium content in check. I’ve had great results with low-sodium Imagine and Pacific vegetable broths. If you prefer a richer flavor and added protein, low-sodium bone broth from brands like Aldi or Wegman’s no-salt chicken broth also works wonderfully. Start with 3 ½ cups for cooking, reserving the remaining ½ cup. This extra half-cup is invaluable for diluting any leftovers, as the vegetables tend to absorb a lot of the liquid overnight, making the soup thicker on day two.
• Tomato Paste: While optional, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste adds significant umami and depth of flavor without contributing much additional salt. It concentrates the tomato essence, making the soup taste richer and more complex.
• Honey: A small amount, 1 tablespoon (starting with 1 teaspoon initially, then adjusting), is a secret weapon. It balances the acidity from the tomatoes and vinegar, bringing out the natural sweetness of the other vegetables and creating a delightful sweet/hot flavor when combined with the harissa. It’s not enough to make the soup overtly sweet, but rather to enhance and round out the flavors.
• Lemon Juice & Vinegar: 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar works well) provide essential acidity. This brightness cuts through the richness, enlivens the vegetable flavors, and makes the soup more vibrant and exciting.
• Dried Sage: 2 teaspoons of dried sage impart a warm, earthy, and slightly peppery flavor that pairs beautifully with cabbage and other root vegetables. It adds a traditional, comforting aroma that feels very homey.
• Salt to Taste: Since we’re using low-sodium ingredients, you’ll add salt at the end. It’s crucial to taste the soup before adding salt, starting with a quarter teaspoon and adjusting as needed to ensure it’s perfectly seasoned.
• Harissa Paste: ½ tablespoon of good quality harissa paste is our recommended starting point. As mentioned, the concentration varies between brands, so feel free to add more if you desire a spicier or more intensely flavored soup.
• Optional: Za’atar: A small spoonful of Za’atar sprinkled over individual servings adds an aromatic, tangy, and slightly nutty finish. This Middle Eastern spice blend, typically made from dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, sumac, and sesame seeds, complements the harissa beautifully.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Cabbage Soup

Making this soup in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Here’s how to bring all these wonderful flavors together:

Recipe

Tips for a Perfect Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

• Don’t Overcrowd Your Pot: While the Instant Pot is great for cooking large batches, ensure you don’t exceed the max fill line.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: This is perhaps the most important tip. Because we start with low-sodium ingredients, you have full control over the final flavor. Taste the soup after pressure cooking and before serving. Add salt, a little more honey if it needs sweetness, or additional harissa for more heat.
• Natural Release is Key: Allowing for a natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes helps the vegetables become perfectly tender and allows the flavors to deepen without being abruptly stopped.
• Vegetable Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach (stirred in after cooking) would be delicious additions.
• Add Protein (Optional): If you’re not vegetarian, you can easily add cooked chicken or lean ground turkey to make this soup even more substantial. Simply stir it in at the end to warm through.

Serving Your Delicious Cabbage Soup

This Instant Pot Cabbage Soup with Harissa is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments. Serve it hot with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread for dipping, or alongside a fresh green salad for a light yet satisfying meal. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a swirl of olive oil can also add a nice touch right before serving, especially if you like a bit of creamy texture. The Za’atar garnish is highly recommended for an authentic touch of flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

One of the best things about this soup is how well it stores and tastes even better the next day! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating from the refrigerator, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. As noted in the recipe, the vegetables will absorb more liquid over time, so it’s common for the soup to thicken. Have that extra ½ cup of broth handy to thin it out to your desired consistency when reheating. This ensures your leftovers are just as delicious and soupy as the first serving.

Conclusion: A Healthy, Flavorful, and Easy Instant Pot Meal

This Instant Pot Cabbage Soup with Harissa proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or time-consuming. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with the magic of an Instant Pot and a unique spice like harissa, can create a meal that is both incredibly nutritious and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re aiming for a healthier lifestyle, looking for a comforting meal, or simply want to try something new, this recipe is a perfect choice. Give it a try, and let this wholesome, spicy cabbage soup warm your soul and delight your taste buds!