If you’re craving a comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out, you’re going to adore this Savory Cabbage Soup with Kielbasa and Fresh Herbs Recipe. It’s a delightful medley of tender cabbage, smoky kielbasa, and fresh herbs that come together in a rich, flavorful broth. Every spoonful is packed with vibrant textures and layers of taste that make this soup a true standout. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or looking to impress family and friends, this recipe promises both simplicity and deep satisfaction in a single pot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the full-bodied flavor and hearty texture of this soup. The combination of aromatic herbs, fresh vegetables, and the smoky depth of kielbasa creates a harmony that brings this soup to life.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Adds a sweet, slightly peppery flavor that brightens the soup’s profile.
- Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Brings a fresh, mild herbal note that complements the cabbage perfectly.
- Oregano (1 teaspoon): Offers a warm, earthy undertone that enhances the overall complexity.
- Mustard powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle tangy kick that livens up the broth without overpowering.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Imparts a gentle smokiness that pairs beautifully with kielbasa.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Deepens the savory base, boosting the soup’s aromatic appeal.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Creates a luscious richness that softens and melds flavors smoothly.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sauté the ingredients with a subtle fruity note and an easy golden sear.
- Kielbasa, diced (14 oz.): The star protein, offering smoky, spicy, and juicy bites throughout the soup.
- Yellow onion, diced (1): Provides a sweet and savory base to build layers of flavor.
- Carrots, diced (1 cup): Add natural sweetness and a slight crunch that keeps the texture interesting.
- Celery, diced (½ cup): Brings a crisp, refreshing contrast that balances the richness.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Essential for that warm, garlicky depth that elevates every spoonful.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Concentrates the tomato flavor, adding body and a subtle tang.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Infuses umami richness that deepens the savory experience.
- Hot sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds without being overpowering.
- Green cabbage, finely chopped (3 cups): The hearty vegetable backbone that soaks up all those amazing flavors.
- Diced tomatoes, undrained (1 – 14.5 oz. can): Bring freshness and acidity that brighten the soup.
- V8 juice (8 oz.): Adds a subtle vegetable blend richness, but feel free to substitute with tomato sauce if you prefer.
- Chicken broth (6 cups): The comforting liquid base that ties everything together with warmth.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Savory Cabbage Soup with Kielbasa and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base Ingredients
Start by warming butter and olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced kielbasa along with the onions, carrots, and celery. Let these sizzle together for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step lets the flavors deepen as the kielbasa releases its smoky goodness and the vegetables soften, creating a fragrant foundation you’ll love.
Step 2: Build Flavor with Aromatics and Spices
Next, stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and all the dried herbs and spices. Cook this mixture for 2 minutes while continuously stirring, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and the spices to bloom. This burst of flavor is critical to making your soup taste rich and cohesive.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Juices
Now it’s time to fold in the finely chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juices, and the V8 juice. These ingredients bring a wonderful balance of texture and acidity, with the cabbage absorbing the broth’s savory notes beautifully while the tomatoes add a fresh brightness.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the whole pot to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25 minutes, keeping the lid partially cracked. This slow simmer softens the cabbage just right and allows all the flavors to meld into a harmonious, soul-satisfying bowl. Taste near the end and season with salt and pepper as you like.
How to Serve Savory Cabbage Soup with Kielbasa and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnish can turn a great soup into something spectacular. Try topping your bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill for a fresh herbal kick. A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of Greek yogurt can add creaminess and cool contrast to the mild heat of the hot sauce. A few crunchy croutons or a shave of Parmesan can also add wonderful texture.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with rustic breads like crusty sourdough or a warm baguette to soak up every last drop of broth. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette is a fresh counterpoint to the richness of the soup. For heartier meals, roasted potatoes or a grain salad with quinoa or farro will round things out beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for an inviting, edible presentation. You can also ladle the soup over cooked rice or egg noodles to make it a one-pot meal. Another idea is to layer it in a clear glass jar for meal prepping or picnic-friendly portions, enhancing both portability and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Savory Cabbage Soup with Kielbasa and Fresh Herbs Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to reheat gently to preserve the fresh herb notes.
Freezing
This soup also freezes wonderfully, making it a perfect dish to make in advance. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy a homemade, hearty meal anytime. To thaw, move the soup to the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, reheat it slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to evenly warm and prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much after storage, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Freshen it up with a little extra chopped herbs before serving.
FAQs
Can I use another type of sausage instead of kielbasa?
Absolutely! While kielbasa gives this soup its characteristic smoky flavor, you can substitute with smoked andouille, chorizo, or your favorite flavorful sausage. Just make sure to slice it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Is this soup spicy?
This Savory Cabbage Soup with Kielbasa and Fresh Herbs Recipe has a gentle kick from the hot sauce and smoked paprika, but it’s generally mild and comforting. Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can! Replace the kielbasa with smoked tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll lose some of that smoky depth, but adding smoked paprika and liquid smoke can help mimic the flavor.
How thick is the soup?
The soup has a hearty broth that’s slightly thickened by the cabbage and tomato mixture but remains lighter than a stew. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can simmer it a bit longer uncovered or mash some of the cabbage pieces gently once cooked.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes! If you have fresh basil, parsley, and oregano, you can add about three times the amount to keep the flavor balanced. Add the fresh herbs towards the end of cooking or as a garnish to preserve their bright, fresh flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Cabbage Soup with Kielbasa and Fresh Herbs Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on any chilly day. It’s full of bold flavors, nourishing ingredients, and that perfect balance of heartiness and freshness. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine!
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Savory Cabbage Soup with Kielbasa and Fresh Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 cups (serves approximately 6 people)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty cabbage soup features a flavorful blend of kielbasa, fresh vegetables, and a rich combination of spices simmered to perfection in a savory broth. Ideal for a comforting meal, it balances smoky, spicy, and tangy notes with wholesome ingredients for a satisfying experience.
Ingredients
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 and Oils
- 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
Additional Ingredients
- 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
- Prepare the base: Heat butter and olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add the diced kielbasa, onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften the vegetables and develop flavors.
- Add aromatics and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and all dried herbs and spices. Continue sautéing for 2 minutes while stirring continuously to bloom the spices and create a fragrant base.
- Add vegetables and combine: Mix in the chopped green cabbage, undrained diced tomatoes, and V8 juice. Stir well to evenly distribute all the ingredients throughout the pot.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and leave the lid partially cracked. Let it simmer for 25 minutes to blend the flavors and tenderize the cabbage.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper according to your preference. Serve hot for a hearty and comforting meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute kielbasa with smoked tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity to control the spice level.
- Soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors if desired.
