Hearty Cabbage and Sausage Soup

Ingredients

• Sausage (1 pound, sliced (any smoked or kielbasa sausage works well))
• Onion (1 medium, chopped)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Cabbage (1 small head, shredded)
• Carrots (2 medium, sliced)
• Potatoes (2 medium, diced)
• Chicken broth (6 cups (homemade or low-sodium))
• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
• Bay leaf (1)
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon (optional, for sautéing))

Instructions

1. 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.
2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the shredded cabbage, sliced carrots, and diced potatoes to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
4. 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.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Add the cooked sausage back to the pot and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
7. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy the comforting flavors!