Cabbage and Smoked Sausage Soup

Hearty Cabbage and Smoked Sausage Soup: A Soul-Warming Comfort Dish

Cabbage and smoked sausage soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving a soul-warming meal. Packed with flavorful ingredients like smoked sausage, cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes, this soup is both satisfying and nutritious. In this blog post, we’ll share a delicious recipe for cabbage and smoked sausage soup, along with answering common questions and providing variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of this comforting soup!

Ingredients

Meat:

  • 1 lb Sausage, smoked

Produce:

  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 1 (15 ounce) can Beans, red
  • 3 Carrots
  • 3 stalks Celery
  • 1 Head cabbage
  • 1 Onion
  • 1/2 tsp Thyme, dried
  • 1 (28 ounce) can Tomatoes

Canned Goods:

  • 2 cubes Chicken bouillon
  • 1 (8 ounce) can Tomato sauce

Pasta & Grains:

  • 1/3 cup White rice, long grain

Baking & Spices:

  • Salt

Oils & Vinegars:

  • 1 tbsp Vegetable oil

Liquids:

  • 3 cups Water

Instructions

  1. Start by preparing the vegetables. Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the smoked sausage to the pot and cook until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
  4. Stir in the chopped cabbage and dried thyme, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the cabbage starts to wilt.
  5. Add the canned tomatoes (with their juices), red beans (drained and rinsed), chicken bouillon cubes, bay leaf, tomato sauce, and water to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  6. Season the soup with salt to taste.
  7. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Stir in the white rice and continue to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the soup has thickened slightly.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Cook Notes and Variations

  • Vegetarian Version: Omit the smoked sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon cubes for a vegetarian-friendly version of this soup. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
  • Low-Carb Version: Omit the white rice and beans, and replace them with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower rice or chopped cauliflower. Reduce the amount of tomato sauce to lower the carb content.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure that all ingredients, including the sausage and chicken bouillon cubes, are gluten-free to make this soup suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here are some adjustments you can make to this cabbage and smoked sausage soup recipe:

  • Keto Version: Replace the white rice with cauliflower rice or omit it altogether. Use low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach to bulk up the soup. Ensure the sausage does not contain added sugars or fillers.
  • Low-Carb Version: Similar to the keto version, omit the white rice and beans and use low-carb vegetables. Opt for a lower-carb tomato sauce or use fresh tomatoes instead. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of sausage? A: Yes, you can use your favorite type of sausage for this soup. Smoked kielbasa, Andouille, or chorizo would all work well.

Q: Can I make this soup in advance? A: Yes, this soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Absolutely! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Cabbage and smoked sausage soup is a classic comfort dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this hearty soup is sure to hit the spot. With its simple ingredients and satisfying texture, it’s the perfect meal to warm you up from the inside out.

So, grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of deliciousness that will keep you coming back for more. From the first spoonful to the last, this cabbage and smoked sausage soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Enjoy!