Cabbage Soup With Italian Sausage Recipe

Cabbage Soup with Italian Sausage is a dish that embodies the perfect balance between comfort, flavor, and nutrition. It’s a hearty, filling soup that’s full of savory goodness, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. The addition of Italian sausage gives the soup a rich, flavorful base, while the cabbage provides that light, crisp texture that blends beautifully with the other ingredients.

Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy meal on a chilly evening or need a dish to feed a crowd, this cabbage soup is an excellent choice. It’s also great for meal prepping-refrigerate it, and the flavors just get better over time. Trust me, it’s a soup that will leave your taste buds satisfied and your stomach full!

Let’s dive deep into the recipe and break down the ingredients, cooking method, and some insider tips for making the best cabbage soup with Italian sausage.

Cabbage Soup With Italian Sausage Recipe

This cabbage soup is more than just your typical veggie soup. With the spicy, savory Italian sausage, it becomes a robust, flavor-packed meal. The soup is simple to make but so rewarding. Plus, it’s highly customizable, which means you can adjust the ingredients according to what you like or have on hand.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious soup:

• Italian Sausage (preferably sweet or spicy): 1 lb (about 4 sausages)
• Cabbage: ½ head, chopped (you can use green cabbage, savoy, or napa cabbage, depending on preference)
• Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and chopped
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
• Onion: 1 medium, diced
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz)
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: 4 cups
• Dried Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Bay Leaves: 2 leaves
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): ½ teaspoon, for some heat
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Fresh Parsley or Basil (optional): For garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Sausage

   • Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Remove the Italian sausage from its casing and crumble it into the pot.
   • Cook the sausage for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks until it’s browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
   • Add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant.

3. Add The Tomatoes And Broth

   • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to let it caramelize and deepen in flavor.
   • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, followed by the chicken broth. Stir to combine everything evenly.

4. Season The Soup

   • Add the cooked sausage back into the pot. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together.
   • Bring the soup to a simmer, then cover and cook for 20-25 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5. Add The Cabbage

   • Finally, add the chopped cabbage to the pot and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still retains its texture.

6. Season To Taste

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you like a little more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

7. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

Ingredient Insights

• Italian Sausage: The sausage is the star of this soup. It adds a depth of flavor that can’t be replicated with other meats. You can go with sweet sausage for a mild flavor or spicy sausage for a kick. The fat in the sausage also helps to flavor the broth.
• Cabbage: Cabbage is a fantastic low-calorie vegetable that adds bulk and texture to the soup. It soaks up all the flavors from the broth and sausage, making it a perfect filler in this dish. You can opt for green cabbage, which is crunchy and slightly sweet, or napa cabbage for a milder, softer texture.
• Tomatoes: The crushed tomatoes provide acidity and depth to the soup. Tomato paste, on the other hand, gives it a concentrated richness, making the broth flavorful and hearty.
• Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth forms the base of this soup, keeping it light but rich. If you’re looking for a more robust flavor, you can substitute with beef broth or vegetable broth.

Expert Tips

• Sausage Choices: If you prefer leaner options, you can use turkey or chicken sausage. They still add good flavor but are less fatty than traditional pork sausage.
• Add Veggies: If you want to pack in more veggies, feel free to add diced zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans. These vegetables will absorb the flavor without overpowering the soup.
• Make It Ahead: This soup actually gets better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. It’s an excellent option for meal prepping, as it will last in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little more spice, don’t hesitate to add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce at the end. A dash of smoked paprika can also add a smoky kick to the soup.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or skip the sausage altogether. You can still create a hearty and flavorful soup by adding more beans (like cannellini or chickpeas) or using more vegetables.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace the carrots and celery with more cabbage and leafy greens. You could even throw in some cauliflower rice for texture, giving you a low-carb version that’s still just as satisfying.
• Spicy Cabbage Soup: For an extra spicy twist, add sliced jalapeños or a tablespoon of chipotle chili powder to the broth. It adds both heat and a smoky flavor.

Final Words

Cabbage Soup with Italian Sausage is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something that’s comforting, nutritious, and satisfying. With its hearty sausage, tender cabbage, and flavorful broth, this soup can easily become a staple in your recipe rotation.

It’s not only filling, but it’s also versatile. Whether you’re looking for a low-calorie meal or just want to clean out your fridge, this soup is a fantastic go-to. It’s easy to make, doesn’t require fancy ingredients, and it’s delicious.