Teresa's Recipes
Hearty Cabbage and Sausage Soup
Warm up your soul with this hearty cabbage and sausage soup, a delightful blend of savory sausage, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered to perfection. This comforting dish, often found in Eastern European kitchens, is a celebration of rustic flavors and wholesome ingredients. The combination of rich, smoky sausage and the natural sweetness of cabbage, carrots, and potatoes creates a symphony of taste that is both nurturing and satisfying. Perfect for chilly days or gatherings with family and friends, this soup is best served with a crusty bread for dipping, creating a meal that warms the heart and nourishes the body.
Ingredients
- 1 pound, sliced (any smoked or kielbasa sausage works well) Sausage
- 1 medium, chopped Onion
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 small head, shredded Cabbage
- 2 medium, sliced Carrots
- 2 medium, diced Potatoes
- 6 cups (homemade or low-sodium) Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (optional, for sautéing) Olive oil
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 14g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving the drippings.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the shredded cabbage, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the tomato paste, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the cooked sausage back to the pot and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Tips
- For a spicier version, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans for added nutrition.
- This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.