Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. This flavorful soup combines tender beef, fresh vegetables, and savory broth, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings. With its rich taste and satisfying texture, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty Flavor: The combination of beef and vegetables creates a robust flavor that warms you inside out.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe simplifies dinner prep without sacrificing taste.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prepping.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables, this soup offers a healthy option without compromising on flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Cabbage Roll Soup smoothly, you’ll need some essential tools to help you in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large soup pot: Ideal for cooking soups evenly while providing ample space for all ingredients.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cutting of vegetables, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the best taste in your soup.

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Roll Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Protein and Vegetables

• 2 tsp. vegetable oil
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• salt and pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced finely)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups chopped green cabbage
• 2 medium carrots (quartered and sliced)

Broth and Seasoning

• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 3 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup white rice (uncooked)
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tbsp. light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley

How to Make Cabbage Roll Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a dutch oven or large soup pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pot.
1. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper according to your taste.
2. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Once the beef is browned:
1. Add the diced onion to the pot along with minced garlic.
2. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the onions become tender.

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

Next:
1. Stir in chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, white rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar.
2. Mix everything well to combine.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring your soup to a simmer:
1. Allow it to cook for about 25 minutes until the rice is tender.

Step 5: Finish It Off

After simmering:
1. Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
2. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley just before serving.

Now you have a delicious Cabbage Roll Soup ready to warm your belly! Enjoy this comforting dish with family or friends any day of the week!

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Pairing it with the right accompaniments enhances its flavor and makes for a satisfying meal.

With Crusty Bread

• A slice of crusty bread, like sourdough or French baguette, is perfect for dipping into the soup. The bread’s texture complements the soup’s richness.

Topped with Sour Cream

• Adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top creates a creamy contrast and adds a tangy flavor that elevates each spoonful.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh herbs like dill or parsley sprinkled on top not only add color but also enhance the soup’s freshness and aroma.

Served with Salad

• A light side salad, such as a simple green salad or coleslaw, balances the meal with extra crunch and freshness.

Accompanied by Pickles

• Pairing cabbage roll soup with pickles provides a tangy bite that contrasts beautifully with the savory flavors of the soup.

How to Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup

To ensure your Cabbage Roll Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of your soup, making it more vibrant and delicious.

• Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper; these seasonings bring out the natural flavors of your ingredients.

• Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen the flavors. Just keep an eye on the rice to prevent it from getting too soft.

• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend some of the mixture before serving or add more rice for added body.

• Store Properly: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread – Toasted bread topped with garlic butter adds a flavorful crunch that complements the soup perfectly.

2. Cheese Quesadillas – Simple cheese quesadillas offer a cheesy, melty addition that’s easy to prepare and loved by all ages.

3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables can add depth to your meal while keeping it healthy and colorful.

4. Cornbread – Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the savory soup, making each bite enjoyable.

5. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a comforting side that pairs nicely with the warmth of the soup.

6. Steamed Rice – A bowl of steamed rice can absorb some of the flavorful broth if you prefer something extra filling alongside your soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cabbage Roll Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef can lead to a bland soup. Ensure you cook it until browned for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the cabbage: If left too long, cabbage can turn mushy. Add it at the right time to maintain its texture and taste.
• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your soup taste flat. Always taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Using high-sodium broth: High-sodium broth can overpower the dish. Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness.
• Not removing the bay leaf: Leaving the bay leaf in after cooking can result in an unpleasant bite. Remember to take it out before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cabbage Roll Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cabbage Roll Soup

• Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Cabbage Roll Soup

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered soup in an oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cabbage Roll Soup:

How do I make Cabbage Roll Soup vegetarian?

You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Can I add other vegetables to my Cabbage Roll Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or potatoes for added nutrition and flavor.

What is the best way to serve Cabbage Roll Soup?

Cabbage Roll Soup is delightful on its own but pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

How long does Cabbage Roll Soup take to cook?

This delicious comfort food takes about 30 minutes of cooking time after prep, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Final Thoughts

Cabbage Roll Soup is not just comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite in your home!