Description
This hearty Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish, combining smoky kielbasa sausage with tender cabbage, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and offers a satisfying blend of Eastern European and American flavors.
Ingredients
Sausage and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
Broth and Seasonings
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Brown the Kielbasa: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set aside to add back later.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for an additional 2 minutes until it begins to wilt slightly, blending the flavors.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and the diced tomatoes with their juice. Add the paprika, dried thyme, black pepper, salt, and bay leaf. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- Return Kielbasa and Finish Cooking: Add the browned kielbasa back into the pot and continue simmering the soup for another 10 minutes to ensure the sausage is heated through and all flavors have fully developed.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving the soup hot. Enjoy it with crusty bread for a full meal.
Notes
- This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight.
- You can substitute smoked sausage or turkey kielbasa for a leaner option.
- Serve with crusty bread to make the meal more filling.
