Cabbage soup is a nutritious, low-calorie soup that is popular for dieting and cleansing programs. It is typically made by simmering cabbage with vegetables like carrots, onions, and tomatoes in broth. Leftover cabbage soup can be conveniently frozen for future meals, but how well does it freeze?
Does Cabbage Soup Freeze Well?
Yes, cabbage soup freezes quite well and can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. The low-calorie vegetables, broth, and cabbage hold up well to freezing. However, there are some tips to follow when freezing cabbage soup to maintain maximum flavor and texture.
Tips for Freezing Cabbage Soup
Follow these tips for the best results when freezing cabbage soup:
- Make sure the soup is completely cooled before freezing. Hot soup should be refrigerated first to cool down before transferring to the freezer. This prevents unsafe partial thawing.
- Portion the soup into freezer-safe airtight containers, leaving 1-inch headspace. Containers like plastic freezer bags, plastic containers, or glass jars work well.
- Label the containers with the name and date before freezing. This makes identifying the soup easier later.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality. The vegetables may become mushy if frozen longer.
- Place containers in the back of the freezer where the temperature stays most consistent for even freezing.
tips for thawing and reheating
Follow these tips when ready to enjoy your frozen cabbage soup again:
- Thaw frozen cabbage soup overnight in the refrigerator. Do not thaw at room temperature.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding extra broth or water if it has become too thick.
- Avoid boiling the soup again, as this can make the vegetables overcooked and mushy.
- Add any additional fresh herbs or spices to freshen up the flavors before serving.
- Once thawed, store soup in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Do not refreeze after thawing.
Why Cabbage Soup Freezes Well
There are a few reasons why cabbage soup is well-suited for freezing:
Low-Calorie Vegetables
Cabbage soup typically contains low-calorie vegetables like cabbage, carrots, onions, tomatoes, and celery. These vegetables have a high water content and firm texture that holds up better to freezing than delicate vegetables.
Broth-Based Liquid
Cabbage soup is made with a vegetable or chicken broth. The broth acts as a protectant during freezing, preventing vegetables from getting dried out or freezer burnt.
Does Not Separate When Frozen
Some soups can separate or get watery when frozen. But the consistency of cabbage soup remains stable in the freezer since the chopped vegetables and broth freeze solidly.
Minimal Loss of Texture
The firm, dense vegetables in cabbage soup like cabbage, carrots, and celery maintain their texture relatively well when frozen and thawed. The soup may be slightly softer but doesn’t get mushy.
Potential Downsides to Freezing Cabbage Soup
While cabbage soup freezes well overall, be aware of a few potential downsides:
Some Loss of Texture
Freezing will break down the cell structure of the vegetables slightly. So the cabbage and carrots may be less crunchy after thawing.
Dilution of Flavors
The bright, fresh flavors of the herbs and seasonings can dissipate over time in the freezer. The soup may taste more generically vegetable-flavored.
Increase in Cooking Time
Frozen cabbage soup often takes longer to reheat than fresh soup. The liquid may need extra time on the stovetop or in the microwave to thaw and heat through.
Potential for Freezer Burn
If soup is not frozen properly in airtight packaging with minimal air exposure, freezer burn can cause dry spots and damage the texture.
Vegetable Substitutions for Frozen Cabbage Soup
Try substituting different frozen vegetables in cabbage soup recipes for variety:
| Vegetable | Notes |
|---|---|
| Broccoli | Add florets and stems for texture |
| Green beans | French-cut or chopped |
| Corn | Use frozen kernels |
| Peas | Frozen peas work well |
| Squash | Try zucchini, butternut, or acorn |
| Potatoes | Diced potatoes add heartiness |
Conclusion
Freezing is an excellent way to save leftover cabbage soup or prepare big batches to stock up your freezer. The low-calorie vegetables and broth-based liquid freeze solidly. Follow proper tips for cooling, storage, and reheating to retain the texture and flavors as much as possible. While some softening of vegetables and dilution of seasonings can occur, frozen cabbage soup remains nutritious and tasty. Adjust vegetables or add extra herbs before serving to liven it up. Frozen cabbage soup can make it easy to enjoy this healthy comfort food anytime.