Cabbage Roll Soup
Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish inspired by the classic cabbage roll, and it’s perfect for chilly evenings. This hearty soup combines tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato broth, making it not only delicious but also satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter night or serving it at a family gathering, this soup is sure to please. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies! Let’s dive into how you can create this cozy bowl of goodness.
What You’ll Need for Cabbage Roll Soup
To make this delightful soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 450 g (1 pound) ground beef, 90% lean
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 3 leveled tablespoons brown sugar (or cane sugar)
- 4 heaping cups (about 300 g / 10 oz) green cabbage, coarsely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, quartered (about 1½ cups / 200 g / 7 oz)
- 4 cups (1 liter) beef broth
- 680 g (24 oz / three 8-oz cans) tomato sauce
- ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) long grain rice, rinsed
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
- Splash of lime or lemon juice
How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup
Follow these simple steps to whip up a delicious pot of cabbage roll soup:
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking it apart until it is well browned and slightly caramelized.
- Add the Onion: Toss in the diced onion and cook for another 2 minutes until it starts to soften.
- Garlic Time: Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Mix in the tomato paste, cooking for about 1 minute to let it caramelize a bit.
- Flavor Boosters: Add the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Spices and Sugar: Sprinkle the smoked paprika, dried thyme, and brown sugar into the pot. Stir everything to combine.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the coarsely chopped cabbage and quartered carrots, coating them in the mixture.
- Pour in Liquids: Add the tomato sauce and beef broth to the pot, then add the rinsed rice. Nestle in the bay leaf and season with extra salt and pepper.
- Simmer Away: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it gently simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the rice is tender.
- Finish It Off: Remove the bay leaf and stir in minced parsley or dill along with a splash of lime or lemon juice before serving.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, along with some crusty bread on the side.
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup
Serving cabbage roll soup can be as simple as ladling it into bowls, but here are a few ideas to elevate your presentation:
- Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor.
- Creamy Touch: Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to add creaminess and a tangy flavor.
- Crunch Factor: Pair it with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping, making each bite even more delightful.
Expert Tips for Cabbage Roll Soup
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to toss in other vegetables you love, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Make Ahead: This soup stores well! You can make it ahead of time and reheat it for a quick meal throughout the week.
- Spice It Up: If you prefer a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.
Cabbage Roll Soup FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works well in this recipe for a lighter option, while still maintaining great flavor.
How long does Cabbage Roll Soup last in the fridge?
This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze Cabbage Roll Soup?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Cabbage Roll Soup is a warm hug in a bowl that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Give it a try, and cozy up with a hearty serving today!
Cabbage Roll Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking it apart until it is well browned.
- Add the diced onion and cook for another 2 minutes until it starts to soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Mix in the tomato paste, cooking for about 1 minute to let it caramelize a bit.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, and brown sugar, stirring to combine.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage and quartered carrots, coating them in the mixture.
- Add the tomato sauce and beef broth, then add the rinsed rice. Nestle in the bay leaf and season with extra salt and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it gently simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the rice is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and stir in minced parsley or dill along with a splash of lime or lemon juice before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, along with some crusty bread on the side.
