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Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup
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Cabbage Roll Soup is a quick and lighter take on traditional stuffed cabbage, featuring tender cabbage, seasoned ground meat, rice, and a tangy tomato broth. This comforting and hearty soup delivers all the classic flavors in an easy-to-make, soul-satisfying bowl perfect for any occasion or chilly evening.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 4 cups chopped green cabbage
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef broth or stock

Spices and Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté the Base
    Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes, creating a flavorful foundation for the soup.
  2. Step 2: Brown the Meat
    Add the ground beef or your choice of protein to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until evenly browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes, which adds richness and depth to the soup.
  3. Step 3: Add Vegetables and Spices
    Stir in the chopped cabbage along with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Coat all the ingredients well, allowing the cabbage to start softening and the spices to infuse their warmth.
  4. Step 4: Pour in Liquids
    Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer to meld the flavors together gently.
  5. Step 5: Cook the Rice
    Stir in the rice, cover the pot with a lid, and let the soup simmer gently for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the cabbage softens.
  6. Step 6: Finish and Serve
    Remove the bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and cracked black pepper for a warm, hearty meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh cabbage for optimal texture and sweetness; avoid pre-shredded versions when possible.
  • Don’t skip browning the meat—it deepens the flavor and adds richness to the broth.
  • Simmer gently to help the flavors blend without creating mushy textures.
  • Add rice towards the end if planning to reheat later, preventing it from becoming overcooked.
  • Season gradually and taste as you go to balance the acidity from the tomatoes with the spices.

Nutrition

Keywords: cabbage roll soup, comfort food, stuffed cabbage, easy soup, hearty soup, cabbage soup, healthy soup, lean protein, tomato broth

Find it online: https://withnora.com/cabbage-roll-soup/