Cabbage Roll Soup is a warm and comforting dish that brings the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls into a deliciously simple soup form. This recipe not only satisfies your hunger but also delights your taste buds with its rich flavors and hearty textures. Packed with ground meat, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, this soup is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to share with family and friends, Cabbage Roll Soup is sure to please everyone around the table.
Ingredient Breakdown
Ground Meat
Ground meat forms the base of this flavorful soup. You can use beef, pork, turkey, or chicken depending on your preference. For best results, choose lean meat to keep the dish lighter while still providing that satisfying protein boost.
Cabbage
Cabbage is the star ingredient in this recipe. A medium head of green cabbage adds volume and nutrition to the soup. Its subtle sweetness and crunchy texture balance perfectly with the other ingredients.
Onion
A medium onion adds depth to the flavor profile of Cabbage Roll Soup. Chopped finely, it releases its natural sweetness as it cooks down in the broth. Onions contribute essential aromatics that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Rice
Uncooked rice acts as a thickening agent in this soup while absorbing delicious flavors from the broth. Use white or brown rice for added texture; just ensure you adjust cooking times accordingly.
Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce provides a rich base for this soup. It adds acidity and depth of flavor while lending a beautiful color to the dish. Choose low-sodium tomato sauce for healthier options without sacrificing taste.
Beef Broth
Beef broth serves as the liquid base for Cabbage Roll Soup. Opt for low-sodium options to control salt levels in your dish. The broth infuses all ingredients with savory goodness while keeping everything moist.
Spices
A blend of spices such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper brings out all the flavors in Cabbage Roll Soup. Adjust these seasonings according to your taste preferences for a personalized touch.
Step By Step Recipe: Cabbage Roll Soup
Prepare Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean workspace. Chop onions finely and shred or chop cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Measure out rice and have tomato sauce ready handy. Having everything prepared will make cooking smoother.
Cook Ground Meat
In a large pot over medium heat, add ground meat along with chopped onions. Cook until browned thoroughly; this should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning and prevent sticking at the bottom of the pot.
Add Vegetables
Once the meat is cooked through, add shredded cabbage into the pot along with any remaining chopped vegetables if desired (like carrots or bell peppers). Stir everything together for another 3-4 minutes until cabbage begins to wilt slightly.
Incorporate Rice
Next, pour in uncooked rice along with tomato sauce and beef broth into the pot mixture. Stir well so everything combines evenly; bring mixture up to boil before reducing heat back down.
Simmer Soup
Cover pot with lid slightly ajar and allow Cabbage Roll Soup to simmer for about 30 minutes on low heat. Stir occasionally during this time; check if rice has cooked through completely before serving!
Season To Taste
After simmering time is complete, taste test your soup mixture! Adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or spices based on personal preference—this step ensures each bowl packs maximum flavor!
Serving and Storing Tips
Serve Hot
Ladle hot Cabbage Roll Soup into bowls immediately after cooking! Garnish each bowl optionally with fresh herbs like parsley or dill if desired; serve alongside crusty bread for an extra comforting experience.
Store Leftovers
To store leftovers effectively, transfer cooled Cabbage Roll Soup into airtight containers within two hours of cooking! It can be kept in refrigerator up to three days or frozen up to three months—just thaw overnight before reheating!
Reheat Gently
When ready to enjoy again, reheat leftover soup on stovetop over low-medium heat until warmed through properly—avoid boiling too vigorously as it may break apart rice grains in your dish!
This detailed guide ensures anyone can create their own homemade version of delicious Cabbage Roll Soup easily! Enjoy every hearty spoonful filled with warmth!
Mistakes to avoid
One common mistake when making Cabbage Roll Soup is using fresh cabbage that hasn’t been properly prepared. Always remove the tough core and soften the leaves before adding them to your soup. This ensures a more enjoyable texture.
Another pitfall is neglecting seasoning. Many cooks forget to taste their soup while it simmers. Remember to adjust salt, pepper, and other spices as needed for a well-balanced flavor throughout the cooking process.
Using too much liquid can dilute the taste of your Cabbage Roll Soup. Measure your broth carefully; you can always add more later if necessary, but it’s hard to fix if it becomes too watery.
Overcooking the cabbage can lead to mushy results. Aim for tender but not overly soft cabbage; this keeps the soup vibrant and appealing.
Lastly, using pre-packaged ingredients may sacrifice flavor. Fresh vegetables and herbs provide a depth of taste that enhances your Cabbage Roll Soup significantly.
Tips and tricks
For a richer flavor in your Cabbage Roll Soup, consider browning the meat before adding it to the pot. This technique caramelizes the meat’s natural sugars, creating a deeper flavor profile that elevates your dish. Choose ground beef or turkey for a leaner option; both work wonderfully in this recipe.
Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or parsley at the end of cooking for an added burst of freshness. They not only enhance the soup’s flavor but also add a pop of color, making your dish visually appealing. Adding herbs early in the cooking process can cause their flavors to diminish, so save them for just before serving.
Experiment with different types of broth to customize your Cabbage Roll Soup further. Beef broth adds richness, while vegetable broth keeps it light and suitable for vegetarians. You could even use chicken broth if you prefer a milder flavor profile.
Consider adding grains like rice or quinoa directly into your soup during cooking for added texture and nutrition. These ingredients help thicken the soup while providing hearty elements that make each bowl satisfying.
Lastly, let your Cabbage Roll Soup rest after cooking before serving. This resting time allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more cohesive dish that tastes even better as leftovers.
Suggestions for Cabbage Roll Soup
To elevate your Cabbage Roll Soup experience, try serving it with crusty bread on the side. The bread’s texture complements the soup perfectly and makes for a comforting meal ideal for chilly days.
Garnish each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt right before serving. This addition brings creaminess and balances out the acidity from tomatoes in the soup.
For extra crunch, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs atop each serving of Cabbage Roll Soup. This contrast in textures adds an enjoyable twist that will impress your guests.
If you’re looking to make this recipe healthier without sacrificing flavor, swap out half of the ground meat for finely chopped mushrooms or lentils. This substitution enhances nutrients while adding unique flavors to your soup.
Lastly, try incorporating different vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers into your Cabbage Roll Soup mix. They bring additional color and sweetness while also boosting nutritional value without overwhelming the classic taste you love.
FAQs
What is Cabbage Roll Soup made of?
Cabbage Roll Soup features key ingredients such as ground meat (often beef or turkey), cabbage, rice or grains, tomatoes, onions, and various seasonings like garlic and herbs. The combination creates a hearty and delicious one-pot meal that resembles traditional cabbage rolls but simplifies preparation.
Can I make Cabbage Roll Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To create a vegetarian version of Cabbage Roll Soup, simply replace ground meat with plant-based options like lentils or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of meat broth and load up on additional veggies to maintain both heartiness and flavor in every bowl.
How long does it take to cook Cabbage Roll Soup?
Typically, preparing Cabbage Roll Soup takes about 30 minutes for prep work and around 30-45 minutes of simmering time on low heat. Allowing sufficient simmering time helps blend flavors effectively while ensuring ingredients are cooked through for maximum enjoyment.
Can I freeze Cabbage Roll Soup?
Yes! Freezing Cabbage Roll Soup is easy and convenient for meal prep. Once cooled completely, transfer portions into airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion as it freezes—this allows you to enjoy hearty soup later without losing quality!
What can I serve with Cabbage Roll Soup?
Cabbage Roll Soup pairs well with various sides like garlic bread or crusty baguettes that soak up its delicious broth. A simple green salad topped with vinaigrette also complements this hearty dish nicely by offering freshness alongside warm comfort food.
How do I store leftover Cabbage Roll Soup?
To store leftover Cabbage Roll Soup properly, allow it to cool down first before transferring it into an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated if you plan on consuming within three days or freeze portions if you’d like to keep them longer—just remember to reheat thoroughly when ready!
Summary
Cabbage Roll Soup is an enjoyable dish packed with flavors from quality ingredients such as fresh cabbage and seasoned meat. Avoid common mistakes like overcooking cabbage or under-seasoning by following helpful tips throughout preparation. Enhance your meal experience by pairing with bread or garnishes while being mindful of storage options for leftovers—this way you can savor every delightful bite!
Print
Cabbage Roll Soup
This hearty Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that captures all the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a warm and delicious soup form.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large green cabbage, chopped
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
1 cup rice (uncooked)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes until it begins to soften.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, uncooked rice, tomato paste, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 30-35 minutes or until the rice is tender.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 20g
Keywords: cabbage roll soup, comfort food, soup recipes