Warm up with a bowl of Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup, a comforting and nutritious dish that brings the beloved flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into a convenient soup form. This soup combines tender cabbage, savory ground meat, and a rich tomato broth, infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week, this Cabbage Roll Soup is both satisfying and easy to make. Packed with vegetables and protein, it’s a wholesome meal that delights the taste buds while nourishing the body.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (150g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (6g)
- 2 carrots, diced (150g)
- 2 celery stalks, diced (100g)
- 1 small head cabbage, chopped (about 500g)
- Protein:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
- Liquids:
- 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) beef or vegetable broth
- Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Crusty bread or garlic bread for serving
Directions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, dice the carrots and celery, and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Ground Meat:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery to the pot with the cooked meat. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Seasonings and Broth:
- Stir in the paprika, dried thyme, dried dill, and bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the beef or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the Cabbage:
- Stir in the chopped cabbage and continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
- Adjust Seasonings:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Bread: Serve the soup with slices of crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping.
- Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the meal.
- Toppings: Add shredded cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Protein Boost: Top with additional cooked ground meat or a poached egg for added protein.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or potatoes for extra nutrition and variety.
Cooking Tips:
- Cabbage Prep: To prevent the soup from becoming too watery, ensure you chop the cabbage into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
- Flavor Depth: For a deeper flavor, use a combination of beef and pork ground meat or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground meat with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth.
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop further. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Cabbage: High in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting immune health and digestion.
- Ground Meat: Provides protein and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins for muscle maintenance and energy.
- Vegetables: Carrots and celery add vitamins, minerals, and fiber, promoting overall health.
- Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene and vitamin C, contributing to heart health and immune function.
- Herbs and Spices: Enhance flavor without adding extra calories, and many have anti-inflammatory properties.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-Free: Yes, naturally. Ensure to use gluten-free broth if needed.
- Dairy-Free: Yes, unless adding sour cream or yogurt as a topping.
- Vegetarian: Can be made vegetarian by omitting the meat and using plant-based substitutes.
- Nut-Free: Yes
- Low-Carb: Suitable for low-carb diets, focusing on vegetables and protein.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little water or broth if the soup is too thick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comforting and Hearty: The combination of tender vegetables and savory meat in a rich broth provides ultimate comfort.
- Nutritious: Packed with a variety of vegetables and protein, making it a balanced and healthy meal option.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences and customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and readily available ingredients make this soup accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week, saving time and ensuring a nutritious meal is always on hand.
Conclusion:
Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup is a delicious and nourishing dish that brings the beloved flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into a convenient and comforting soup form. Its rich broth, tender vegetables, and savory ground meat make it a satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re seeking a warming dinner on a cold night or a wholesome meal to enjoy with family and friends, this Cabbage Roll Soup is sure to impress. Easy to prepare and packed with nutritional benefits, it’s a perfect addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy the comforting flavors and hearty goodness of this delightful soup!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use a different type of meat for this soup?
- Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be used as alternatives to beef for varying flavors and fat content.
- How can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
- Omit the ground meat and substitute with lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and a dairy-free sour cream option if desired.
- Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
- Absolutely! Bell peppers, potatoes, green beans, or spinach can be added for extra nutrition and variety.
- Is it necessary to use ground meat?
- Ground meat adds richness and protein, but you can omit it or use a meat substitute to make the soup lighter or vegetarian.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- Yes, the soup can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- Can I freeze this soup?
- Yes, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?
- Adjust the amount of broth based on your desired consistency. You can add more broth or water during cooking if needed.
- Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
- Yes, use fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried for the best flavor.
- How do I prevent the soup from being too salty?
- Use low-sodium broth and adjust the salt to taste towards the end of cooking. Be cautious when adding additional salt.
- What can I serve with Cabbage Roll Soup?
- It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.