Looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s easy to make? This Cabbage Roll Soup brings all the delicious flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a much simpler form. Packed with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and hearty rice in a rich tomato broth, it’s the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. Plus, it comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re a fan of classic cabbage rolls or trying them for the first time, this soup is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized cabbage, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or to taste)
- 1 tsp paprika (optional for a little smokiness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- Optional: chopped bell peppers, green beans, zucchini, or any other vegetable of your choice
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preparation: Clean and chop all the vegetables.
- Sautéing the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Adding Vegetables: To the pot, add the carrots and celery and sauté for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften. If you’re adding other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans, now would be the time to do so.
- Adding Cabbage and Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped cabbage and continue to sauté for another 5-7 minutes until it starts to wilt. Add the can of diced tomatoes with its juice.
- Seasoning: Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes.
- Finishing: Check the vegetables to ensure they are tender. Adjust seasoning if needed. If you find the soup too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serving: Discard the bay leaves. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
This soup is quite versatile, and you can adjust ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can also add protein like chicken or beans if you’d like a more filling soup. Enjoy your meal!