Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort to your table. This easy-to-make soup combines hearty ingredients and spices, making it perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. With its rich taste and nourishing qualities, this dish stands out as a favorite among many. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, Cabbage Roll Soup fits the bill!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Delight: The warm and hearty flavors create a cozy atmosphere, perfect for family dinners.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this soup can be on the table in under an hour.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your choice of veggies or add extra spices to make it your own.
• Healthy Option: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, it’s a nutritious choice without sacrificing flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Cabbage Roll Soup, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. These tools will help streamline the cooking process and ensure your soup comes out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large soup pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware while mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements for consistent results every time.

Ingredients

Cabbage Roll Soup recipe is a delicious dinner recipe that will warm your belly on a cold and crisp fall day. This is the ultimate comfort food!

For the Soup Base

• 2 tsp. vegetable oil
• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• salt and pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced finely
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables & Broth

• 4 cups chopped green cabbage
• 2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth

Flavor Boosters

• 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 oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef to the pot.
1. Season ground beef with salt and pepper as desired.
2. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot.
1. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until onions are tender.

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

Stir in chopped cabbage, carrots, tomato sauce, beef broth, white rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar.
1. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring soup to a simmer over medium heat.
1. Let cook for about 25 minutes until rice is tender.

Step 5: Serve

Remove bay leaf from the soup before serving.
1. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for garnish.

Enjoy your hearty bowl of Cabbage Roll Soup! Perfect for warming up after a long day!

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions that can enhance your meal experience.

Add a Dollop of Sour Cream

• A spoonful of sour cream on top adds creaminess and balances the flavors.

Sprinkle with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh parsley or dill can brighten the soup and add a burst of flavor.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• A slice of warm, crusty bread makes for perfect dipping and adds texture to your meal.

Pair with a Simple Salad

• A light salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup and adds freshness.

Top with Cheese

• Shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, can melt into the soup for extra flavor.

Enjoy it with Rice or Quinoa

• Serving over rice or quinoa turns it into a filling meal that’s great for leftovers.

How to Perfect Cabbage Roll Soup

Perfecting your Cabbage Roll Soup is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your recipe.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality broth will enhance the overall taste.
• Brown the Meat Properly: Searing the ground beef well develops rich flavors that enrich the soup.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and brown sugar according to your preference for balance.
• Simmer Gently: A gentle simmer allows flavors to meld without making the veggies mushy.
• Use Leftover Vegetables: Incorporate any leftover veggies you have on hand for added nutrition and flavor.
• Cool Before Storing: If you’re saving leftovers, let the soup cool before refrigerating for better preservation.

Best Side Dishes for Cabbage Roll Soup

Complementing Cabbage Roll Soup with side dishes can create a complete meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic side that’s perfect for soaking up every drop of delicious broth.

2. Coleslaw
   Crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables provide both color and nutrients to your meal.

4. Cornbread
   Sweet cornbread offers a delightful balance to the savory flavors in the soup.

5. Potato Wedges
   Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a satisfying side with extra crunch.

6. Stuffed Peppers
   Stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies complement the cabbage roll theme perfectly.

7. Pickled Vegetables
   Tangy pickles or pickled beets can enhance flavors and provide a zesty bite.

8. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad adds protein and fiber, making your dinner even more nutritious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your Cabbage Roll Soup experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning – Failing to season your ground beef properly can lead to bland soup. Always add salt and pepper during cooking for better flavor.
• Overcooking vegetables – If you cook the cabbage and carrots too long, they may lose their texture. Cook them just until tender for the best results.
• Not stirring enough – Neglecting to stir the soup as it simmers can cause the rice to stick. Stir occasionally to ensure an even consistency.
• Using low-quality broth – Poor broth can negatively impact the soup’s flavor. Opt for low-sodium beef broth that enhances the overall taste.
• Neglecting garnishes – Skipping fresh herbs like parsley can make your finished dish less appealing. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness and color.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Cabbage Roll Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Cabbage Roll Soup

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warm.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely; heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cabbage Roll Soup:

What is Cabbage Roll Soup?

Cabbage Roll Soup is a hearty dish made with ground beef, cabbage, rice, and tomato sauce, offering all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a comforting soup form.

Can I make Cabbage Roll Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or diced mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How can I customize my Cabbage Roll Soup?

You can add different vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini, adjust spices according to taste, or use different types of rice like brown rice for added nutrition.

What sides go well with Cabbage Roll Soup?

Serve your Cabbage Roll Soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that complements its rich flavors.

Is Cabbage Roll Soup healthy?

Absolutely! This soup is packed with nutrients from vegetables and lean protein while being relatively low in calories.

Final Thoughts

Cabbage Roll Soup is not just a delightful dish; it’s also versatile and comforting. You can easily customize it with various ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Try this recipe today for a warming meal that everyone will love!