JOA Mom
✨ Introduction: Why Is It Called “Witch Soup”?
Hi everyone, JOA Mom here! 👩🍳
Today, I’m excited to introduce what many people in Korea consider a truly game-changing diet soup — Korean Witch Soup.
Have you ever wondered why this soup is called “Witch Soup”?
The name comes from the image of a large pot filled with vegetables slowly simmering together — almost like a witch stirring a big cauldron in a fairy tale. It’s not an official culinary term. Rather, it’s a playful nickname commonly used in Korea to describe what is essentially a cabbage tomato soup.
Recently, Korean Witch Soup has become one of the most consistently loved healthy recipes in Korea. This Witch Soup recipe is known as a light yet satisfying cabbage tomato soup that many people include as part of a balanced eating routine.
Unlike heavy cream-based soups or highly processed diet products, Korean Witch Soup focuses on whole vegetables, tomato purée, and lean beef. Many people search for it as a “diet soup” or “weight loss soup,” but its true appeal lies not in restriction — rather, in its simplicity and whole-food ingredients.
After giving birth, I was looking for a dinner option that felt nourishing but not heavy. That’s when I began making Korean Witch Soup regularly. It kept me full without feeling uncomfortable, and gradually it became one of my go-to healthy Korean soup meals.
Today, I’ll walk you through this Witch Soup recipe step by step and explain why this cabbage tomato soup fits so naturally into a realistic whole-food lifestyle.
🥕 Why This Soup Works: The Nutritional Perspective
The foundation of Korean Witch Soup is cabbage and tomato.
Cabbage provides fiber and natural volume, while tomatoes contribute acidity and depth of flavor. Together, they create a cabbage tomato soup that feels hearty without being calorie-dense.
🧾 JOA Mom’s Nutritional Breakdown
| Ingredient | Key Component | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Cabbage | Fiber & Vitamin U (often referenced in nutrition literature) | High fiber content may help support fullness and digestive comfort. |
| Tomatoes | Lycopene (Antioxidant) | Contains lycopene, an antioxidant widely studied for its potential role in overall wellness, while building a rich flavor base. |
| Lean Beef | High-Quality Protein | Supports muscle maintenance and steady energy when included as part of a balanced diet. |
| Curry Powder | Curcumin (Naturally Occurring Compound) | Adds warmth and depth of flavor and contains curcumin, a compound frequently studied in nutrition research. |
Adding lean beef makes this diet soup more balanced and sustainable. Protein plays an important role in maintaining muscle mass and supporting steady energy levels, especially when enjoying this soup for dinner.
🌎 Connecting to Official Dietary Guidelines
According to the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), healthy eating patterns should emphasize whole, nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein while limiting added sugars, saturated fats, and highly processed foods.
You can view the full official guideline here: 👉Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
Korean Witch Soup aligns naturally with these recommendations because it focuses on whole vegetables like cabbage, tomatoes, carrots, and celery, along with minimally processed tomato purée and lean beef.
While no official guideline promotes a specific “Witch Soup diet,” meals built around whole vegetables and lean protein reflect broader evidence-based recommendations for balanced and sustainable eating patterns.
🥬 Ingredients (4–5 servings)
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1/2 head cabbage
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1 onion
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1 carrot
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1 stalk celery
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2 fresh tomatoes
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500 ml tomato purée (100% tomato recommended)
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200 g lean beef
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1 L water
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Salt & black pepper (to taste)
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1 spoon curry powder
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Optional: potato, mushrooms
👩🍳 5 Simple Steps to Make Witch Soup
1️⃣ Chop Everything
Cut all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
Avoid chopping them too finely — if the pieces are too small, the soup can lose texture and feel flat.
Keeping cabbage, carrots, and celery slightly chunky helps the cabbage tomato soup feel more substantial and satisfying after simmering 🥬
Texture is what makes this soup feel like a complete meal, not just a light broth.
2️⃣ Sauté the Beef and Onion
Heat a small amount of olive oil in a large pot and sauté the lean beef and onion first.
As the beef cooks, it releases natural juices that form the flavor base of the soup. The onion softens and adds gentle sweetness and depth.
This step builds the foundation of flavor — don’t rush it 🔥
It plays a key role in shaping the overall taste of Korean Witch Soup.
3️⃣ Add Remaining Vegetables
Once the onion becomes slightly translucent, add the remaining vegetables.
It’s best to add firmer vegetables first — such as carrots or potatoes — and then add quicker-cooking ingredients like cabbage or mushrooms.
Layering vegetables properly ensures balanced texture throughout the soup.
As the vegetables sauté briefly, they release moisture and deepen in flavor 🍲
4️⃣ Add Tomato and Water
Add the tomato purée, fresh tomatoes, and water. Simmer over medium-low heat for 20–30 minutes.
Using a 100% tomato purée without added sugar keeps the flavor clean and natural.
As the soup gently simmers, the vegetables release their natural sweetness.
Slow simmering is what transforms simple ingredients into a rich, cohesive cabbage tomato soup 🌿
5️⃣ Season and Finish
After simmering, remove the lid and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Here’s the final tip ✨
Add one spoon of curry powder.
This small addition completes the Korean-style Witch Soup without overpowering it.
It adds subtle warmth and savory depth while keeping the soup light and balanced 🤍
💛 JOA Mom’s Experience
When I first made Korean Witch Soup, I worried it might taste too simple. But after enjoying it for a few evenings, I noticed I felt lighter and less bloated.
Because it’s vegetable-forward yet includes protein, it helped reduce late-night overeating.
I don’t use this soup as an extreme diet plan or short-term fix. Instead, I see Korean Witch Soup as part of a consistent whole-food routine — something that supports long-term balance rather than quick results.
For me, it’s not just a weight loss soup. It’s a reset meal that feels realistic and sustainable.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I eat Korean Witch Soup every day?
Yes, but ensure your overall diet includes sufficient protein, healthy fats, and variety.
Q. Is this the same as the cabbage soup diet?
It uses similar ingredients, but adding lean beef makes this version more balanced than traditional cabbage-only diet plans.
Q. Can I freeze this cabbage tomato soup?
Yes. Store in individual portions and freeze for up to 2 weeks.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: 3–4 days
Freeze: Up to 2 weeks
Reheating: Add a little water or tomato juice to maintain its smooth texture.
🥣 A Light & Clean Reset Meal
If you’re looking for a practical and comforting Korean Witch Soup recipe, this cabbage tomato soup is a wonderful place to start.
Built on whole vegetables, lean protein, and minimal processing, it reflects modern recommendations for balanced eating.
Whether you think of it as a diet soup, a weight loss soup, or simply a healthy Korean soup, the goal remains the same: a nourishing, vegetable-rich meal that supports steady and sustainable habits. 🤍
🔗 Looking for Another Korean Diet Recipe?
If you’re looking for another Korean-style healthy meal idea, you might also enjoy my Sweet Potato Carrot Egg Salad recipe.
It’s another whole-food-based dish that balances natural sweetness, protein, and simple ingredients — perfect for light meals or meal prep.
