Cabbage And Kielbasa Soup Recipe

Imagine a bowl of warm, comforting soup, rich in flavor, and filled with hearty ingredients that hit all the right notes. Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup is one of those dishes that not only fills your belly but also warms the soul. It’s the kind of meal you want to eat on a chilly evening, or whenever you’re in the mood for something nourishing and satisfying.

This soup blends the earthy, mild taste of cabbage with the smoky, savory flavor of kielbasa sausage. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with nutrients, and can be adjusted to suit your taste. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or preparing a big pot for a family gathering, this soup is sure to please.

But before we dive into the details of this recipe, let’s take a deeper look at the ingredients, how to make it, and ways to get creative with variations!

Cabbage And Kielbasa Soup Recipe

Ingredients Needed

For this comforting bowl of cabbage and kielbasa soup, here’s what you’ll need:

• Kielbasa sausage: 1 lb (sliced into half-moons)
• Green cabbage: 4 cups, chopped (roughly half a medium head)
• Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and diced
• Potatoes: 3 medium, peeled and cubed
• Onion: 1 medium, diced
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Low-sodium chicken broth: 6 cups (or vegetable broth for a different twist)
• Canned diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz)
• Bay leaves: 2
• Dried thyme: 1 tsp
• Paprika: 1 tsp (smoked or regular)
• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Olive oil: 2 tbsp (for sautéing)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get this soup cooking! It’s a simple, straightforward process that will have you savoring a delicious meal in no time.

1. Sauté the kielbasa: Start by heating up a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the kielbasa slices. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they get a little crispy and browned. This will help release that smoky flavor we love. Once browned, remove the kielbasa from the pot and set aside.
2. Cook the vegetables: In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, add the carrots and potatoes, sautéing them for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), bay leaves, thyme, and paprika. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot. These add tons of flavor!
4. Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Add the cabbage: Now, add the chopped cabbage and return the kielbasa to the pot. Stir to combine and let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
6. Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Once you’re happy with the flavor, serve up the soup hot and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

• Kielbasa Sausage: Kielbasa, also known as Polish sausage, is a flavorful, garlicky, and often smoky sausage that adds a rich depth to any dish. The combination of pork (and sometimes beef) with garlic, marjoram, and other spices makes kielbasa perfect for soups. Plus, its fat content infuses the broth with a delicious savory taste that’s hard to beat.
• Cabbage: The cabbage in this soup is key for texture. It wilts down to a soft, comforting consistency while still maintaining a slight crunch. Cabbage is also rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. It’s not just filling, but incredibly healthy, too!
• Potatoes: Potatoes provide a natural, creamy texture that makes the broth feel more substantial. They absorb the flavors around them, making every bite a perfect blend of savory goodness.
• Carrots and Onion: Both of these vegetables add sweetness and balance to the dish, cutting through the rich, salty flavor of the sausage. They also bring a beautiful color to the soup.
• Broth and Tomatoes: The chicken broth creates a savory base, while the tomatoes give the soup a slight acidity, helping to balance the richness of the kielbasa. The canned tomatoes also offer some added sweetness and depth of flavor.

Expert Tips

• Searing the kielbasa: Don’t skip browning the kielbasa at the beginning. That caramelization creates a ton of flavor that will infuse the soup and make every bite taste richer.
• Cabbage texture: If you like your cabbage to have a bit of bite, add it towards the end of the cooking process. If you prefer it softer, let it cook longer, but be careful not to overcook it to the point where it becomes mushy.
• Broth options: You can easily switch the broth for vegetable broth if you want a more vegetarian-friendly option. If you’re looking to add more depth of flavor, consider using bone broth or beef broth.
• Make it spicy: If you love a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup while it simmers. It’ll give it a nice kick without overwhelming the dish.
• Leftovers: This soup actually gets better the next day! The flavors have time to meld and intensify, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for a couple of days.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the kielbasa for a plant-based sausage or beans like white beans or lentils. This will keep the soup hearty and nutritious without the meat. You can add extra spices to compensate for the lack of sausage flavor.
• Smoky Twist: If you love that smoky flavor but want to experiment, try adding a little smoked paprika or even a bit of smoked sausage in place of kielbasa.
• Add Greens: You could also add in some spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for an extra dose of green. They will soften up nicely without overpowering the soup.
• Spicy Kielbasa: If you like heat, try a spicy kielbasa, or add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or even a splash of hot sauce.

Final Words

Cabbage and kielbasa soup is a versatile dish that combines the best of savory, smoky, and comforting flavors. It’s simple to make, packed with nutrients, and sure to please almost any palate. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this soup is a winner.

With so many ways to tweak the recipe, you can always make it your own. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients or seasonings! It’s one of those dishes that’s forgiving and will still turn out delicious even if you don’t follow every step to the letter.