Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Savoring Nostalgia: A Heartwarming Journey Through Cabbage Roll Soup Bliss

Embark on a culinary journey that transcends generations and borders with our Cabbage Roll Soup recipe. This comforting bowl of goodness captures the essence of traditional cabbage rolls but transforms it into a soul-warming soup that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Join us as we delve into the heart of this timeless dish, exploring the rich flavors that echo the warmth of home-cooked comfort. Get ready to immerse yourself in the satisfying embrace of Cabbage Roll Soup.

Ingredients:

For the Soup Base:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium-sized cabbage, shredded
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup rice, uncooked
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cabbage Roll Filling:

  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Sour cream

Instructions:

Preparing the Soup Base:

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
  3. Stir in shredded cabbage and cook until it begins to wilt.
  4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add uncooked rice, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and the bay leaf.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the cabbage and rice are tender.

Preparing the Cabbage Roll Filling:

  1. In a bowl, mix together cooked rice, finely chopped onion, tomato sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Assembling the Cabbage Roll Soup:

  1. Once the soup base is ready, remove the bay leaf.
  2. Take spoonfuls of the cabbage roll filling mixture and gently drop them into the soup, forming small meatballs.
  3. Simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.

Garnishing and Serving:

  1. Ladle the Cabbage Roll Soup into bowls.
  2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream.
  3. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of Cabbage Roll Soup.

Cooking Notes:

  • Adjust the rice quantity according to your preference. For a lower-carb version, reduce the amount or substitute with cauliflower rice.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
  • If the soup becomes too thick, you can add more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.

Variations:

Smoky Bacon Twist: Add crispy bacon bits or a smoky ham hock to infuse the soup with a delightful smokiness.

Italian-Inspired Elegance: Incorporate Italian seasonings like basil and oregano into the soup base for a Mediterranean twist.

Spicy Kick: For a spicy version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the soup.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Cabbage Roll Soup:

  • Replace rice with cauliflower rice to keep the soup low-carb.
  • Opt for ground turkey or sausage instead of beef for a leaner option.
  • Choose a sugar-free tomato sauce to reduce carbohydrate content.

Low-Carb Comfort Delight:

  • Reduce the amount of rice or omit it entirely for a lower-carb version.
  • Use a low-carb beef broth or make your own to control the carb content.
  • Check the labels on canned tomato products to ensure they are low in carbs.

Cabbage Roll Soup isn’t just a dish; it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of home-cooked meals that warm the heart and soul. Whether you follow the classic recipe, explore tempting variations, or opt for keto and low-carb adaptations, this soup is a celebration of comfort and flavor.

So, simmer that pot, let the aroma of hearty goodness fill your kitchen, and indulge in the joy of creating a bowl of Cabbage Roll Soup that brings the warmth of tradition to your table. This recipe is more than a soup; it’s a connection to the past, a reminder of cherished flavors, and a bowlful of love that transcends time and trends. Share this comforting creation with loved ones and savor the nourishment that comes from a bowl of homemade goodness.