Cabbage Soup with Smoked Sausage is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of smoked kielbasa with the tender texture of cooked vegetables and cabbage in a savory broth.
This comforting soup is perfect for a chilly day and is sure to satisfy your hunger with its robust ingredients. Adding smoked sausage brings a depth of flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables, making this soup a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Cabbage Soup with Smoked Sausage: A Hearty Meal for All Seasons
This soup is not only filling but also quite nutritious, providing a good balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins. It’s easy to prepare and can be served as a main dish with some crusty bread for a simple yet fulfilling dinner.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Serving: 6 servings
Equipment: Dutch oven, slotted spoon
Ingredients:
- 1/2 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
- 1 (16-ounce) package smoked Kielbasa sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 corn on the cob, cut into large chunks
- 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Brown the Sausage:
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same Dutch oven, add the butter to the remaining oil and grease from the sausage. Once the butter has melted, add the carrots, onion, and corn chunks. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook Cabbage:
- Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to wilt, about 2-3 minutes.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Stir in the potatoes, chicken broth, water, bouillon cube, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and let cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Final Ingredients:
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Add black pepper, caraway seeds (if using), and dried thyme. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine everything.
- Finish Cooking:
- Bring the soup back to a simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Serve:
- Check the seasoning and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or additional thyme if desired.
Cabbage Soup with Smoked Sausage is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. Its combination of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors makes it a favorite among adults and children alike.