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Here’s what you need for a hearty bowl of cabbage roll soup: - 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces - 1 pound ground beef (or turkey) - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup rice, thoroughly rinsed - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 4 cups beef or vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish You can add some fun twists to your soup. Here are a few ideas: - 1 cup diced carrots for sweetness - 1 cup corn for a pop of color - 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice for brightness - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat This soup is not just filling; it’s also packed with nutrients. Each serving provides: - Calories: Approximately 300 - Protein: 20g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fiber: 4g - Fat: 10g This makes it a well-rounded meal, great for lunch or dinner. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them often for about five minutes. You want the onion to look clear and smell great. This step builds the base flavor for your soup. Next, add the ground beef or turkey to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces. Cook until it turns a nice brown color. Season the meat with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin as it cooks. This adds depth to the soup's flavor. Now, fold in the chopped cabbage. Let it cook for about five more minutes. Stir it occasionally. You want the cabbage to wilt and soften a bit. Then, pour in the rinsed rice, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Mix everything well to combine all the flavors. Raise the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 30 minutes. This allows the rice to cook and the flavors to blend nicely. After simmering, taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. When ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your warm and hearty cabbage roll soup! To make your cabbage roll soup rich and tasty, follow these tips: - Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. - Brown the meat well to add depth. - Sauté the onion and garlic until they smell strong. - Add spices like oregano and paprika early for more flavor. - Let the soup simmer long enough to blend the tastes. Many people make mistakes when cooking soup. Here are some to watch out for: - Don't rush the browning of the meat; it can taste bland. - Avoid using old or wilted cabbage; fresh cabbage is key. - Don’t skip the rinsing of rice; this helps keep the soup clear. - Be careful with salt; add a little, taste, then adjust. Serving your soup well makes it even better. Here are some ideas: - Serve in rustic bowls for a cozy feel. - Garnish with fresh parsley for color and flavor. - Pair with crusty bread for a delightful dip. - Try a side salad to add freshness to your meal. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Cabbage: Always opt for a firm, vibrant green cabbage. The fresher the cabbage, the sweeter and more tender it will be in your soup. Enhance with Spices: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like thyme or bay leaves to deepen the flavor profile of your soup. Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator. Garnish Wisely: Top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added richness and a creamy texture contrast. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of cabbage roll soup. Start by swapping the ground beef with lentils or a mix of beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add more veggies like carrots and bell peppers for added flavor. You can also include mushrooms for a nice umami touch. This version remains hearty and satisfying while being meat-free. To make this soup gluten-free, simply use rice that is marked gluten-free. Most white and brown rice varieties work well. Be sure to check that the broth is gluten-free as well. If you want more texture, try quinoa or gluten-free pasta instead of rice. Both options cook nicely in the soup and add a fun twist. If you love heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the pot. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. For a milder soup, reduce or skip the spices. You can also play with different herbs like thyme or basil to change the flavor profile. This soup can be your canvas for spice and flavor! To keep your cabbage roll soup fresh, let it cool first. Then, pour the soup into an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. Store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three to four days. If you have a lot left, you might want to freeze some instead. If you want to save the soup for later, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the containers with the date. You can freeze the soup for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheating cabbage roll soup is easy. You can use a pot on the stove or a microwave. If using the stove, heat it over low until warm. Stir often to avoid burning. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it and heat in intervals of one minute, stirring in between. Make sure it’s hot all the way through. Enjoy your comforting meal again! Yes, you can use different meats. Ground turkey or chicken works well. These options keep the soup light. You can even try ground pork for a richer taste. Just ensure you cook the meat until it’s brown. This adds depth to the flavor. Cabbage roll soup lasts about 4 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. You can use quinoa or barley as a rice substitute. Both add a nice texture and flavor. If you prefer a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice. It cooks quickly and blends well with the soup. Absolutely! Making the soup in advance is a great idea. It often tastes even better the next day. Just cool it down and store it in the fridge. You can also freeze it for longer storage. When ready, just reheat and enjoy! Cabbage roll soup is a tasty and healthy dish. We covered the main and optional ingredients, plus key steps for cooking. I shared tips for better flavor and ways to avoid common mistakes. You can even try fun variations like vegetarian or gluten-free options. Storing leftovers is easy, and I provided great reheating tips. I hope you feel confident to make this soup your own. Enjoy the warm flavors and share it with friends and family.

Cabbage Roll Soup Delight

A comforting and hearty soup featuring cabbage, ground meat, and rice in a flavorful broth.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup rice, thoroughly rinsed
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  • Introduce the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot. Using a wooden spoon, break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until it’s nicely browned, seasoning generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin during this process.
  • Fold in the chopped cabbage, cooking for an additional 5 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the cabbage to wilt slightly and soften.
  • Pour in the rinsed rice, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly combined.
  • Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender, and the flavors have blended beautifully.
  • After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add extra salt, pepper, or herbs to enhance the flavor to your liking.
  • Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch and added flavor.

Notes

Serve the soup in rustic bowls, with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. Pair with a slice of crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Keyword cabbage, comfort food, hearty, soup