Peel-a-Pound Soup (Diet Cabbage Soup)

Peel-a-Pound Soup
Photo Credit
Sam Jones/Vaughn Communications
Written By: The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors The Almanac Editors and Staff
Yield
6 to 8 servings
Category
Soups, Stews, Chowders
Course
Appetizers
Main Dish
Side Dishes
Soup
Special Considerations
Low Fat
Meatless
Preparation Method
Boil
Credit
Ruth Southwick Willington Baptist Church, Willington, CT
Sources
Yankee Magazine Church Suppers and Potluck Dinners Cookbook

Have you ever heard of the Cabbage Soup Diet? Some folks claim this Peel-a-Pound Soup is a great way to lose pounds after the holidays and a long winter’s nap. Diet claims aside, this is a delicious, filling soup that we never tire of, and it’s packed with vegetables, including cabbage, onions, and tomatoes. It also smells fantastic. 

You might remember this soup as the Diet Cabbage Soup from years ago. We leave that diet advice to your doctor, but you won’t find a much healthier soup if you want to keep your cholesterol low, stave off hunger pains, eat a more plant-based diet, or flush out your system. Plus, it’s a warming soup that hits the spot on a cold day!

Peel-A-Pound Soup is easy to make with what you have on hand. Add some lean protein, such as leftover turkey.

Ingredients
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 onions, chopped
1 head green cabbage, shredded
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 can (16 ounces) tomatoes, with liquid, chopped
3 bouillon cubes
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon celery seeds
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups diced cooked turkey (or lean hamburger)

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients except meat in a pot, adding enough water to cover the vegetables completely.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
  3. Thirty minutes before cooking time ends, add meat. Serve hot.

About The Author
The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Editors

The Almanac Editors and Staff

Under the guiding hand of its first editor, Robert B. Thomas, the premiere issue of The Old Farmer’s Almanac was published in 1792 during George Washington’s first term as president.Today, the Almanac...
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Comments

<span>Suraksha</span> Fri, 03/13/2026 - 18:45
I add carrots , corn and tofu ( cut into pieces) in addition to the items described in this recipe . To heighten the flavor I add paprika and little soy sauce too.
<span>Carol</span> Thu, 01/09/2025 - 14:33
When I have made this soup in the past, I have whirred the finished product in the blender ... sometimes adding a bit of cream. Alternatively, I have used a hand blender, keeping some of the veggies in their chopped form. I know that the cream sort-of defeats the "diet" goals of the soup, but you only need a small amount to produce a delicious creamy flavour.
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Thu, 01/09/2025 - 16:27

Great idea! It sounds delicious!

 <span>Sandy Metzler</span> Thu, 01/09/2025 - 12:30
Is celery stalk the whole head or is it 2 ribs?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Thu, 01/09/2025 - 14:13

Two ribs of celery.

 <span>Traveler5930</span> Wed, 01/10/2024 - 13:56
Can red cabbage replace the green since it is supposedly better for you?
<span>Frances Gale</span> Sat, 01/11/2025 - 08:52
using red cabbage instead of green produces purple soup, it doesn't affect the flavor at all.
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Wed, 01/10/2024 - 15:37

Hi there. You can sub red cabbage in this soup, but keep in mind that green cabbage has a more mild flavor than red. While we would recommend sticking to the green cabbage, which is nutritionally very good, we always encourage experimenting with recipes. 

 <span>Mike</span> Wed, 01/10/2024 - 08:18
Two thumbs down. Love cabbage and cabbage soup but not this one. Too bland.
<span>Joan</span> Thu, 01/09/2025 - 09:59
Hi Mike, I find that sautéing the veggies in a good olive oil (wonderful for your health) and homemade chicken stock make a huge difference. Also a healthy dose of your favorite herbs. Then again, it wouldn’t be the same recipe, would it?😊