Stuffed cabbage soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls with the ease of a soup. The traditional ingredients include shredded cabbage, ground beef, rice, and a flavorful tomato-based broth. The filling for the cabbage rolls is simmered in the soup, infusing the broth with rich and savory flavors.
To make the soup, the ground meat is cooked with diced onion and garlic and seasoned with spices such as paprika, cumin, and thyme. The cooked meat is then mixed with cooked rice and wrapped in cabbage leaves, which are then simmered in the broth until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are fully developed.
Stuffed cabbage soup is a filling and satisfying meal, perfect for a cold winter day. It is often served with crusty bread or crackers to help soak up the rich and flavorful broth. Some variations of the soup also include vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or diced tomatoes, adding extra nutrients and texture to the dish.
Overall, stuffed cabbage soup is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that brings the comfort of stuffed cabbage rolls to the convenience of a soup. Whether you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying lunch or dinner, this soup is sure to please.
Here is a simple recipe for making Stuffed Cabbage Soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of green cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of white rice, cooked
- 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups of beef or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Stir in the paprika, cumin, dried thyme, salt, and pepper and cook for another minute.
Add the crushed tomatoes, beef or chicken broth, and chopped cabbage to the pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook for 20-30 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.
In a bowl, mix together the cooked rice and the browned meat mixture.
Take a cabbage leaf and spoon some of the rice and meat mixtures onto the center of the leaf. Roll the leaf up and tuck in the sides to form a tight bundle. Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
Carefully place the cabbage rolls into the pot of simmering soup.
Cover the pot and let the soup cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, until the cabbage rolls are fully cooked.
Serve the stuffed cabbage soup hot with crusty bread or crackers, if desired.
Here are a few variations and additions you can try:
Veggie-packed:
Add in your favorite vegetables to make the soup even more nutritious and filling. Carrots, celery, diced potatoes, and chopped bell peppers are all great options.
Spicy twist:
Add a touch of heat to the soup by including some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapenos.
Tomato-free:
If you prefer a lighter broth, try using chicken or beef stock instead of crushed tomatoes. You can also add a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.
Thick and hearty:
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can puree some of the cooked cabbage and add it back to the pot. You can also add some heavy cream or sour cream to make the broth creamy.
Flavorful broths:
Try using different broths for different flavor profiles. For example, using vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of the soup, or mushroom broth for an earthy twist.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment and find the perfect combination of flavors and ingredients that suit your taste. Stuffed cabbage soup is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
