Cabbage and Sausage Soup
Experience the warmth and heartiness of Cabbage and Sausage Soup, a comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy evenings. This delightful soup combines the savory essence of Italian sausage with the wholesome goodness of fresh vegetables, including tender cabbage, sweet carrots, and aromatic garlic.
As the soup simmers, these ingredients meld together beautifully in a flavorful broth, creating a rich and satisfying meal that warms the soul. Whether served as a main course or alongside crusty bread, this soup is sure to please with its rustic charm and delicious, homestyle flavors.
Perfect for any occasion, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy a nourishing bowl of comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of savory Italian sausage and tender cabbage creates a filling meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for satisfying even the biggest appetites.
Rich and Flavorful Broth: The blend of browned sausage, aromatic vegetables, and Italian seasoning infuses the broth with deep, robust flavors, making every spoonful a delight.
Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with fresh vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and celery, this soup offers a nutritious boost, providing essential vitamins and minerals in a delicious package.
Easy and Accessible: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is ideal for cooks of all levels, allowing anyone to create a comforting homemade meal with ease.
Versatile and Perfect for Meal Prep: The soup stores well and often tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep. Enjoy it throughout the week or freeze for later convenience.
Key Ingredients:
Italian Sausage: This ingredient serves as the flavorful backbone of the soup, offering a savory, spiced richness that permeates the entire dish. Its robust flavor complements the vegetables and enhances the overall taste.
Green Cabbage: A hearty vegetable that becomes tender as it cooks, green cabbage absorbs the savory broth, adding both texture and nutritional value. Its subtle sweetness balances the saltiness of the sausage.
Chicken Stock/Broth: The liquid base of the soup, chicken stock or broth provides a savory depth that ties all the ingredients together. Using low-sodium broth allows for better control over the final seasoning.
Diced Tomatoes: These add a touch of acidity and sweetness, bringing a layer of complexity to the soup. Their juicy texture also contributes to the heartiness of the dish.
Aromatics (Onion, Carrots, Celery, and Garlic): This classic combination forms the aromatic base, providing sweetness, depth, and an inviting aroma that enhances the soup’s flavor profile.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, Italian seasoning infuses the soup with a fragrant, herbaceous note that complements the sausage and vegetables.
Cabbage and Sausage Soup
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 pound of crumbled bulk Italian sausage
½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
1 stalk of celery, diced
1 small head of green cabbage, core removed and chopped (approximately 1.5 to 2 pounds)
3 cloves of garlic, minced
6 cups of low-sodium chicken stock or broth
1 can (28 ounces) of diced tomatoes
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Brown the Sausage: In a Dutch oven set over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning during cooking.
Cook Vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft.
Add Cabbage and Garlic: Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken stock, add the diced tomatoes, and toss in the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
Finish and Serve: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Garnish with chopped parsley for added color, and serve hot alongside crusty bread.
Notes:
Sausage Selection: Feel free to choose between mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference. Each option will bring a slightly different flavor profile, so adjust according to your taste or for variety.
Cabbage Variations: While green cabbage is recommended for its sweetness and texture, you can experiment with other types like savoy or napa cabbage for a different twist.
Broth Options: For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock. Vegetable broth can also be used as a substitute if you prefer a vegetarian version, though you’ll need to replace the sausage with a plant-based alternative.
Texture Adjustments: If you prefer a thicker soup, consider adding a peeled and diced potato or a can of drained white beans to the mix. This will enhance the texture and make the soup even more filling.
Additional Vegetables: This recipe is versatile, allowing for the inclusion of extra vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini, which can be added alongside the carrots and celery for more flavor and nutrients.
Herb Garnishes: Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds color and a fresh note to the soup. You can also try fresh dill or basil for a different herbal accent.
Serving Suggestions: This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple side salad. Consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 250 | Protein: 15 grams | Carbohydrates: 15 grams | Sugars: 5 grams | Dietary Fiber: 4 grams | Fat: 15 grams | Saturated Fat: 5 grams | Cholesterol: 40 mg | Sodium: 600 mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it later?
Yes, this soup is an excellent make-ahead dish.
In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve after a day in the refrigerator.
Simply store it in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to enjoy it, gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat.
You may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin it out, as the soup can thicken as it sits.
Can I freeze this soup for future meals?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well, making it a perfect option for meal prep.
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags.
It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop.
What can I use as a substitute for Italian sausage?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Season these alternatives with additional Italian seasoning to mimic the flavors of traditional Italian sausage.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat to the soup, consider using spicy Italian sausage instead of mild.
You can also add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to taste while cooking or just before serving.
What can I serve with this soup to make it a complete meal?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, which is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced, hearty meal.
Adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top can also enhance the flavor and add a savory touch.
What type of cabbage should I use for this soup?
Green cabbage is the most common choice for this recipe due to its mild flavor and tender texture when cooked.
However, you can also experiment with other types like savoy or napa cabbage for a slightly different taste and texture.
Each variety offers a unique twist while maintaining the soup’s hearty quality.
How can I prevent the sausage from sticking to the pot?
To prevent sausage from sticking, ensure that your pot is preheated with olive oil before adding the sausage.
This helps create a non-stick surface.
Stir the sausage occasionally and use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it browns.
If sticking occurs, a splash of broth can deglaze the pot and incorporate those flavorful bits into the soup.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage instead of chopping a whole head?
Yes, pre-shredded cabbage can be a convenient alternative and save preparation time.
Just ensure that the pieces are not too fine, as larger pieces hold their shape better during cooking.
You may need to adjust the quantity to match the volume of a small head of cabbage.
How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a peeled and diced potato or a can of drained white beans.
These ingredients will absorb some of the liquid and thicken the soup as they cook.
Conversely, if the soup is too thick, simply add more chicken broth or water until the desired consistency is reached.
How do I know when the soup is ready to serve?
The soup is ready when the cabbage is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the broth and sausage.
This usually takes about 30 minutes of simmering after adding all the ingredients.
Taste the soup to ensure the seasoning is to your liking, and adjust if necessary before serving.
Discard the bay leaf, garnish with parsley, and enjoy your flavorful creation.