Description
This hearty and flavorful cabbage soup features tender kielbasa sausage, crisp vegetables, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices simmered to perfection. A satisfying meal perfect for cooler days or whenever you crave a comforting, nutritious homemade soup.
Ingredients
Scale
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Fats
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Meat
- 14 oz. kielbasa, diced
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- ½ cup celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups green cabbage, finely chopped
- 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained
Other Liquids and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 8 oz. V8 juice (or substitute tomato sauce)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables and Kielbasa: Heat butter and olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add the diced kielbasa, onions, carrots, and celery. Cook and stir occasionally, sautéing for about 8 minutes until the vegetables soften and the kielbasa starts to brown.
- Add Garlic and Flavorings: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and the dried herbs and spices. Continue to sauté while stirring continuously for 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Add Cabbage, Tomatoes, and Juice: Incorporate the finely chopped cabbage, undrained diced tomatoes, and V8 juice into the pot. Stir everything well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, leaving the lid partially cracked to allow some steam to escape. Let it simmer for 25 minutes to develop flavors.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, hearty cabbage soup!
Notes
- You can substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage or any preferred sausage for a different twist.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the kielbasa and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, increase the amount of hot sauce or add red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and also freeze nicely for up to 3 months.
- Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the soup’s flavors.
