Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup

Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together the savory taste of kielbasa with the comforting warmth of tender cabbage and vegetables.

This soup is enriched with homemade turkey broth, a touch of cream, and a sprinkle of cheese, making it a satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly days. With a medley of fresh ingredients and simple seasonings, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a nourishing bowl of soup.

Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup

Ingredients:

1 lb kielbasa, sliced

1/2 head of cabbage, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and sliced

1 medium onion, diced

1 cup cauliflower rice

A few baby potatoes, quartered

4 cups homemade turkey broth (or store-bought)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)

3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

Salt, pepper, and seasonings to taste (e.g., thyme, paprika, bay leaf)

Instructions:

Cook the Kielbasa: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the sliced kielbasa. Cook until the kielbasa is browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the kielbasa from the pot and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the carrots and baby potatoes, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the Broth: Pour in the turkey broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

Add Cabbage and Cauliflower Rice: Stir in the chopped cabbage and cauliflower rice. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes until the cabbage is tender.

Finish with Cream and Cheese: Slowly stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese (if using), until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Add the browned kielbasa back to the pot.

Season: Add salt, pepper, and your choice of seasonings to taste. Continue to simmer for 5 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it hot. You can garnish with additional fresh herbs like parsley if desired.

Notes:

Versatility: This recipe is flexible, allowing you to substitute or add vegetables based on what’s available or in season. Consider adding ingredients like celery, bell peppers, or green beans for additional flavor and texture.

Broth Options: While homemade turkey broth adds a rich, deep flavor, you can also use chicken or vegetable broth if that’s more convenient. Store-bought broths work well in a pinch.

Creaminess: The addition of cream gives the soup a rich, velvety texture. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or omit the cream altogether.

Cheese Choices: A small amount of cheese is added to enhance the flavor. You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Parmesan, or even Gruyère, depending on your preference.

Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. A dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick to the soup.

Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It’s perfect for meal prep and reheats well for a quick lunch or dinner.

Serving Suggestions: Pair the soup with a slice of crusty bread or a simple salad to make it a complete meal.

Gluten-Free Option: Ensure that the kielbasa and broth are gluten-free if you’re serving this to someone with gluten sensitivities.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of sausage instead of kielbasa?

Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with other sausages like andouille, chorizo, or even a smoked turkey sausage.

Keep in mind that the flavor and spice level may vary.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can omit the cream and cheese or replace them with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or a non-dairy cheese substitute.

How can I make this soup lower in calories?

To reduce the calorie count, you can use a leaner sausage, skip the cream, and limit the amount of cheese.

You could also increase the proportion of vegetables to make the soup more filling without adding extra calories.

Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of cauliflower rice?

Yes, you can chop fresh cauliflower into small pieces or pulse it in a food processor to create cauliflower rice.

It will add a similar texture to the soup.

How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?

The soup should last 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months.

Keep in mind that the texture of the cabbage and potatoes might change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will remain delicious.

What seasonings work well in this soup?

Common seasonings include salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaves, and paprika.

Fresh garlic adds a great depth of flavor, and you can also add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Yes, you can customize the soup by adding vegetables like celery, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.

Just be mindful of cooking times so that the vegetables don’t become too soft.

How can I make this soup more filling?

To make the soup more filling, consider adding more potatoes, beans, or even cooked quinoa or barley.

This will increase the fiber and protein content, making the soup more satisfying.

Can I use a different type of broth?

Yes, while turkey broth adds a rich flavor, you can use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth as substitutes.

Each will impart a slightly different flavor to the soup, so choose based on your taste preference.