When the weather turns brisk and the days get shorter, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort and joy. The dish I want to share with you today is cabbage sausage potato soup—a recipe that envelops you like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. Before diving into the heart of this soup, let’s talk about what to pair it with.
A crusty artisan bread or some homemade rolls could elevate your meal. Imagine dunking that warm bread into your bowl of soup. Can you hear the crunch? Now, that’s how a meal should feel—satisfying and heartwarming.
At its core, cabbage sausage potato soup is a delightful concoction weighing heavily on comfort food characteristics. It blends smoky kielbasa sausage with tender potatoes and earthy cabbage, all simmered together in a flavorful broth.
The flavors are simple yet wonderful, making it a staple that feels familiar without being boring. This soup is fantastic for meal prep, as the flavors develop over time, allowing it to taste even better the next day. Trust me; it’s worth making a big batch.
You will also like the following Soup recipes!
- How to cook Roasted Tomato Soup
- Copycat Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
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The Ingredients
To make this delicious soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage (cut into bite-sized rounds)
- 3 medium leeks (thinly sliced into ⅛-inch rings, using only the white and light green sections)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1 celery stalk (diced)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 1 small green cabbage (chopped into small chunks)
- 1 pound red potatoes (cut into cubes)
- 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian herb blend (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth without overpowering)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for aroma)
- 1 bay leaf
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make Cabbage Sausage Potato Soup?
Let’s jump into the process. This soup is as simple as it is satisfying. The step-by-step guide will show you just how easily you can whip up this delightful dish. Grab your pot and let’s get started!
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks, garlic, diced celery, and chopped carrots. Sauté them for about 5–7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. The smell that fills your kitchen at this stage is absolute bliss. The leeks should be translucent, showing that they’ve welcomed the other vegetables into the fold.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Next, toss in the kielbasa sausage rounds. Allow them to brown for about 3-4 minutes. You want the sausage to develop a few crispy edges, adding texture and flavor to the soup base. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Trust me, that caramelization makes a difference.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Potatoes
Once the sausage has some color, add the chopped cabbage and potatoes. Stir everything together, letting the cabbage wilt slightly. This usually takes around 2-3 minutes and adds a beautiful color to your pot.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Time to bring it all together! Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the Italian herb blend, smoked paprika, fresh thyme (if using), and the bay leaf. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, ensuring everything is well combined.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes and cabbage are tender. During this time, you’ll be glad you took the time to sauté those aromatics. The flavors will mingle beautifully.
Step 6: Final Adjustments
Before serving, taste your soup one last time. Adjust salt and pepper as necessary. Discard the bay leaf. If you’d like, a sprig of fresh thyme on top adds a lovely finishing touch.
Notes: Tips for Success
- Choose Good Sausage: Opt for high-quality kielbasa for the best flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Aromatics: Sautéing them properly develops the base flavor; take your time.
- Cut Vegetables Uniformly: This ensures everything cooks evenly.
- Feel Free to Add More Veggies: Kale or spinach can be wonderful additions.
- Seasoning Matters: Always taste your soup before serving to adjust the flavor profile.
Storage Tips
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion the soup into freezer bags, squeezing out excess air, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before reheating, and add a splash of broth or water when reheating, as the soup may thicken.
Nutrition Information
A hearty bowl (about 1 cup) of cabbage sausage potato soup contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Fat: 8g
- Sodium: Varies based on amount of salt and sausage used
Serving Suggestions
Here are five serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Top with Crusty Bread: A slice of fresh sourdough or something crusty gives a wonderful contrast to the soup’s softness.
- Add a dollop of Sour Cream: A spoonful of sour cream adds creaminess and a touch of tartness that complements the flavors beautifully.
- Shredded Cheese Sprinkle: A sprinkle of cheddar or Parmesan on top just before serving can enrich the soup.
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or dill sprinkled on top adds freshness and color, freshening up every bite.
- Side Salad: A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing crunch to balance the soup’s richness.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Cabbage Sausage Potato Soup?
Looking to switch it up? Here are five substitutions you could consider:
- Turkey Sausage: If you’re seeking a lighter option, turkey sausage works wonderfully and provides similar flavors without as much fat.
- Green Cabbage: Instead of regular cabbage, savoy cabbage could be used for a slight change in texture.
- Sweet Potatoes: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness and a nutrient boost.
- Vegetable Broth: For a vegetarian version, using vegetable broth instead of chicken is an easy swap. It will still shine in flavor!
- White Beans: If you want to make the soup heartier, add canned white beans to the mix for additional protein and texture.
Equipment
- Pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage cut into bite-sized rounds
- 3 medium leeks thinly sliced into ⅛-inch rings, using only the white and light green sections
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 celery stalk diced
- 2 medium carrots peeled and chopped
- 1 small green cabbage chopped into small chunks
- 1 pound red potatoes cut into cubes
- 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian herb blend homemade or store-bought
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika adds depth without overpowering
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves optional, for aroma
- 1 bay leaf
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks, garlic, diced celery, and chopped carrots. Sauté them for about 5–7 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. The smell that fills your kitchen at this stage is absolute bliss. The leeks should be translucent, showing that they’ve welcomed the other vegetables into the fold.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
- Next, toss in the kielbasa sausage rounds. Allow them to brown for about 3-4 minutes. You want the sausage to develop a few crispy edges, adding texture and flavor to the soup base. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Trust me, that caramelization makes a difference.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Potatoes
- Once the sausage has some color, add the chopped cabbage and potatoes. Stir everything together, letting the cabbage wilt slightly. This usually takes around 2-3 minutes and adds a beautiful color to your pot.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
- Time to bring it all together! Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the Italian herb blend, smoked paprika, fresh thyme (if using), and the bay leaf. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, ensuring everything is well combined.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
- Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes and cabbage are tender. During this time, you’ll be glad you took the time to sauté those aromatics. The flavors will mingle beautifully.
Step 6: Final Adjustments
- Before serving, taste your soup one last time. Adjust salt and pepper as necessary. Discard the bay leaf. If you’d like, a sprig of fresh thyme on top adds a lovely finishing touch.
Notes
- Choose Good Sausage: Opt for high-quality kielbasa for the best flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Aromatics: Sautéing them properly develops the base flavor; take your time.
- Cut Vegetables Uniformly: This ensures everything cooks evenly.
- Feel Free to Add More Veggies: Kale or spinach can be wonderful additions.
- Seasoning Matters: Always taste your soup before serving to adjust the flavor profile.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen cabbage?
Yes, you can use frozen cabbage, but it might change the texture slightly. Make sure to thaw it before cooking.
2. How do I make this soup gluten-free?
This soup is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure the broth does not contain gluten.
3. Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sauté the sausage and aromatics in a pan first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. What can I do if the soup is too salty?
If it’s too salty, try adding a potato. Let it cook for a bit; it can absorb some excess salt.
5. Are there vegetarian alternatives for the sausage?
Yes! Look for vegetarian sausages or any meat alternative that you enjoy.
Conclusion
Cabbage sausage potato soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It’s simple to make and offers endless variations. Whether seeking comfort on a cold night or a nutritious meal that packs flavor, this soup deserves a spot in your rotation.
Try it out! You may find it becomes one of your family’s favorites. After all, who can resist a steaming bowl filled to the brim with deliciousness? Enjoy slurping it up!