Cabbage Roll Soup

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Here’s a comforting and hearty recipe for Cabbage Roll Soup! This soup brings together all the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but in a simpler, one-pot form. It’s packed with ground meat, tender cabbage, rice, and a savory tomato broth.

Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground pork (or a mix of both)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped (about 5-6 cups)
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for balancing acidity)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or pork) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
  2. Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Add Cabbage and Other Vegetables: Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced carrot, and diced green bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir to combine.
  5. Season and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and add the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Cook the Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the soup and continue to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together.
  7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce, if needed.
  8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.

Tips for the Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup:

  • Use Fresh Cabbage: Fresh, crisp cabbage will hold up better in the soup and provide a more satisfying texture.
  • Balance the Flavors: The optional addition of brown sugar helps balance the acidity from the tomatoes. Adjust according to your taste preference.
  • Customize the Ingredients: Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also add other vegetables like celery or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.

Benefits of Cabbage Roll Soup:

  • Nutritious: Packed with vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains, this soup is a well-rounded meal that’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
  • Comforting and Filling: This soup is hearty and filling, making it a perfect dish for colder months or when you need a comforting bowl of warmth.
  • Low in Calories: It’s a lower-calorie option compared to traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, as it avoids using extra fats like bacon or sausage.

Conclusion:

Cabbage Roll Soup is a delightful, easy-to-make meal that brings the flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls into a convenient, comforting soup. It’s perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for batch cooking. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors with minimal effort!

Would you like more variations or additional tips for this recipe

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