Description
This Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup is a hearty, comforting dish featuring smoky kielbasa sausage, tender cabbage, and a flavorful blend of vegetables simmered in a savory broth. Perfect for chilly days, this soup combines Eastern European influences with an American twist and is easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Sausage and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced into half-moons
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
Liquids and Seasonings
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Kielbasa: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the kielbasa slices and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are nicely browned. Remove them from the pot and set aside to add back later.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook these together for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften. Stir in the chopped cabbage and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes to slightly wilt it.
- Add Back the Kielbasa and Liquids: Return the browned kielbasa slices to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and the diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir in dried thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes. This allows the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finish and Serve: If using, stir in the apple cider vinegar to add a touch of brightness to the soup. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
- For a lighter version, substitute turkey kielbasa.
- Serve with crusty bread to make it a complete, satisfying meal.
