Golumpki Soup

Introducing Golumpki Soup, a hearty and comforting dish that brings together the beloved flavors of traditional Polish cabbage rolls in a delicious and easy-to-make soup form. This recipe combines tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and aromatic onions, simmered in a rich tomato broth infused with Worcestershire sauce and seasoned to perfection.

With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can let this soup simmer to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re craving a satisfying meal, Golumpki Soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the recipe and enjoy a bowlful of warmth and flavor!

Golumpki Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Hearty and Comforting:

Golumpki Soup is a hearty dish that combines the familiar flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls—known as golumpki or golabki in Polish cuisine—into a warming soup. The combination of beef, cabbage, and rice in a rich tomato-based broth creates a comforting meal perfect for cold days or when craving something soothing and filling.

Simplified Preparation:

This recipe offers all the deliciousness of classic stuffed cabbage rolls without the time-consuming process of rolling each cabbage leaf. By turning it into a soup, the preparation becomes straightforward and convenient, allowing you to enjoy the same flavors with less effort.

Rich and Savory Flavors:

The soup is infused with savory notes from browned ground beef, sweet onions, and Worcestershire sauce, complemented by the acidity of tomato puree and soup. The beef bouillon adds depth, while the cabbage and rice contribute texture and substance, resulting in a robust and flavorful dish.

Slow Cooker Convenience:

Utilizing a slow cooker makes this recipe especially appealing, as it allows the ingredients to slowly meld together over several hours, enhancing their flavors. This set-it-and-forget-it method is perfect for busy individuals, offering the convenience of preparing a delicious meal with minimal active cooking time.

Nutritionally Balanced:

With protein from lean ground beef, fiber and vitamins from cabbage, and whole grains from brown rice, this soup provides a balanced meal in one bowl. It’s nourishing and satisfying, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a wholesome and complete dish.

Key Ingredients:

Lean Ground Beef:

This provides the primary source of protein and a savory, meaty flavor that forms the backbone of the soup. Browning the beef with onions enhances its depth and richness.

Cabbage:

A staple in traditional golumpki, cabbage adds texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It’s also packed with nutrients and complements the heartiness of the beef and rice.

Tomato Puree and Condensed Tomato Soup:

These create the rich, tomato-based broth that envelops the other ingredients. The tomato flavor is central to the dish, providing acidity and sweetness that balance the savory components.

Long-Grain Brown Rice:

Brown rice contributes a nutty flavor and chewy texture while also adding whole grains to the soup. It absorbs the flavors of the broth, making each bite satisfying and filling.

Beef Bouillon Cubes:

These enhance the savory depth of the soup, intensifying the beef flavor and enriching the overall broth. They help tie together the various elements into a cohesive and flavorful dish.

Worcestershire Sauce:

This ingredient adds a unique umami depth and tangy complexity, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the soup.

Golumpki Soup

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter

1 large sweet onion, diced

1 pounds lean ground beef

3 cups water

1 head cabbage, cut into bite-size pieces

1 (28 ounce) can tomato puree

3 (15.7 ounce) cans condensed tomato soup

1 cup long-grain brown rice

2 cubes beef bouillon

Worcestershire sauce

salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1:

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Add onion; cook and stir until translucent, 5 to 10 minutes.

Add ground beef; cook and stir until browned and crumbly, 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 2:

Transfer beef mixture to a slow cooker.

Stir in water, cabbage, tomato purée, condensed soup, rice, bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

Cover and cook on High for 8 hours.

Notes:

Meat Options: Ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef for a leaner version.

Rice Varieties: White rice can be used instead of long-grain brown rice, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and condensed soup for a gluten-free version.

Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP) and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Stovetop Cooking: If a slow cooker is unavailable, simmer the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat for 1 to 2 hours until rice and cabbage are tender.

Flavor Enhancement: Consider adding herbs like bay leaves, thyme, or smoked paprika for extra flavor. Adjust Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.

Deliciously Cheesy Ground Beef And Rice Casserole

Homemade Pizza Pockets

Crispy Air-Fried Ribs Recipe

Freezing: Golumpki Soup freezes well; cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Label with date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

ccompaniments:A Serve with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a side salad. Bread can be used to soak up the broth, while the salad provides a refreshing contrast.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 cup

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large skillet (for browning meat and onions)

Wooden spoon or spatula

Cutting board and knife

6–8 quart slow cooker / crockpot

Measuring cups and spoons

Ladle for serving

Recipe Swaps and Variations

Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils and vegetable bouillon.

Switch the protein: Ground turkey or pork works well in place of beef.

Low-carb version: Replace the rice with riced cauliflower or omit it completely.

Add more veggies: Bell peppers, carrots, or celery can be added for extra nutrients.

Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a kick.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens.

Food and Drink Pairings

Bread: Crusty rye bread, garlic toast, or buttered rolls.

Sides: Simple green salad with vinegar-based dressing or roasted root veggies.

Drinks: Pair with lager, amber ale, or a glass of light red wine like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Golumpki Soup, and what makes it unique?

Golumpki Soup is a hearty dish inspired by Polish stuffed cabbage rolls, known as “Golumpki” or “Golabki.”

This soup version combines the flavors of cabbage, ground beef, rice, and a rich tomato broth, offering a convenient and delicious alternative to the traditional stuffed cabbage rolls.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef in Golumpki Soup?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in Golumpki Soup to make a leaner version.

The choice of meat can impact the overall flavor, so consider your preferences when making this substitution.

How do I adjust the cooking time if I don’t have a slow cooker?

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can prepare Golumpki Soup on the stovetop.

Simmer the soup in a large pot over low to medium heat for approximately 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally and ensuring the rice and cabbage are tender.

Is there a vegetarian version of Golumpki Soup?

Yes, you can create a vegetarian version of Golumpki Soup by replacing the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP). Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for added flavor.

Can I freeze Golumpki Soup for later consumption?

Absolutely! Golumpki Soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How can I enhance the flavor of Golumpki Soup?

To enhance the flavor, consider adding additional herbs and spices such as bay leaves, thyme, or a touch of smoked paprika.

Adjust the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.

What side dishes pair well with Golumpki Soup?

Crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a side salad make excellent accompaniments to Golumpki Soup.

The bread can be used to soak up the delicious broth, and the salad adds a refreshing contrast.

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice in Golumpki Soup?

Yes, you can substitute white rice for brown rice in Golumpki Soup.

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.

White rice tends to cook faster than brown rice.

Is Golumpki Soup a gluten-free dish?

The recipe, as provided, may contain gluten due to the use of traditional Worcestershire sauce and certain condensed soups.

To make it gluten-free, opt for gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and gluten-free or homemade condensed tomato soup.

How long will Golumpki Soup stay fresh in the refrigerator?

Golumpki Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.