Cabbage Sausage Soup is a hearty dish that combines sausage with a mix of vegetables, typically including cabbage, carrots, celery, and onions. The broth ties everything together, creating a rich and savory base. With the addition of herbs like thyme and rosemary, this soup offers layers of flavor. It’s a perfect choice for a filling and nourishing meal.
The total cooking time for Cabbage Sausage Soup is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. The prep time is about 10-15 minutes, where you chop the vegetables and brown the sausage. After that, the soup needs around 30-45 minutes to simmer, allowing the flavors to blend and the vegetables to soften. It’s a quick and simple meal that doesn’t take much time but delivers great taste.
Making Cabbage Sausage Soup often leads to great results. The simplicity of the ingredients and cooking method makes it an easy dish to prepare. There’s a satisfying feeling when the sausage browns and the vegetables soften in the broth. The soup becomes a cozy and nourishing meal, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying alone.
Why You’ll Love It Cabbage Sausage Soup
- Simple and Hearty: Cabbage Sausage Soup is a comforting dish that’s easy to make. With just a few ingredients, you get a filling meal full of flavor and nutrients. It’s perfect for a cozy evening or a quick weeknight dinner.
- Nutrient-Packed: This recipe combines cabbage and sausage, giving you a healthy balance of vitamins, fiber, and protein. It’s a great way to nourish your body without compromising on taste.
- Versatile and Customizable: Whether you like your soup spicy or mild, you can adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences. It’s a flexible recipe that works with various vegetables and spices for endless flavor combinations.
Ingredient Notes for Cabbage Sausage Soup
- Sausage: Use your favorite sausage, such as Italian, smoked, or kielbasa. The sausage adds a rich, savory flavor to the soup. You can choose spicy or mild, depending on your preference.
- Onion: A classic addition to soups, onion brings a mild sweetness and depth of flavor. Yellow or white onions work best for this dish.
- Carrots: Carrots add natural sweetness and texture to the soup. They help balance out the savory flavors of the sausage and broth.
- Celery Stalks: Celery offers a fresh, slightly bitter taste that complements the other vegetables. It also adds crunch to the soup.
- Cabbage: Cabbage is the star of this soup. It cooks down to a tender texture while adding a slight earthy flavor. Choose green cabbage for the best results.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The broth is the base of the soup, providing a rich, flavorful liquid. You can choose chicken or vegetable broth depending on your dietary preferences.
- Garlic: Garlic adds a savory, aromatic note. It pairs perfectly with the sausage and herbs, bringing out the soup’s overall depth of flavor.
- Dried Thyme: Thyme is a fragrant herb that complements the vegetables and sausage. Its earthy taste brings warmth and balance to the soup.
- Dried Rosemary: Rosemary has a bold, pine-like flavor that enhances the savory profile of the soup. It pairs well with sausage and cabbage.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, salt and pepper help bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. Adjust to taste.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and sausage. It adds richness and helps bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Bay Leaf: The bay leaf is a subtle but important ingredient that infuses the soup with a slightly floral and herbal aroma.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a little heat, add red pepper flakes. They provide a mild spicy kick that enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch
Cabbage Sausage Soup is a delicious and hearty dish. To make it even better, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Opt for savory sausages like kielbasa or Italian sausage to add more flavor. Always taste and adjust seasonings to suit your preference for a personalized touch.
When making cabbage sausage soup, it’s important to cook the sausage first. This helps release its flavors into the broth. After browning the sausage, remove excess fat before adding the vegetables. This small step makes the soup lighter and healthier without compromising taste.
For added richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or milk to the soup. This creates a creamy base that complements the savory flavors of the sausage and cabbage. A touch of garlic or onion can also enhance the depth of flavor.
How to Serve Cabbage Sausage Soup
Cabbage Sausage Soup is best served hot and fresh. Here are a few tips on how to serve it:
- With Bread: This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread, toasted baguette, or some garlic bread. The bread helps to soak up the flavorful broth.
- As a Side Dish: Serve it as a side dish with other meals like roasted chicken or grilled vegetables.
- Topped with Cheese: For an extra indulgence, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving. This adds a nice cheesy flavor that complements the soup perfectly.
- In a Bread Bowl: For a fun and unique presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for a great dinner party or family meal option.
Storage Options
Cabbage Sausage Soup can be stored for later enjoyment. Here’s how you can keep it fresh:
- Refrigerating: Store the soup in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let it cool down before storing it to maintain its texture and flavor.
- Freezing: If you want to keep the soup for a longer time, you can freeze it. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Label them with the date and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick after being stored, you can add a little more broth to adjust the consistency.
FAQs About Cabbage Sausage Soup
Can I make Cabbage Sausage Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Cabbage Sausage Soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
What kind of sausage should I use for this soup?
You can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as Italian sausage, kielbasa, or even chicken sausage. The choice depends on your flavor preferences and dietary needs.
How long does Cabbage Sausage Soup last in the fridge?
Cabbage sausage soup can last up to 4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, freezing it is a good option.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Yes, you can customize the soup by adding other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions. Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices to suit your taste.
Healthy Italian Cabbage Sausage Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the sausage: In a large soup pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook them until browned. Break them up into smaller pieces as they cook. Once browned, remove the sausage and set it aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage and return the sausage to the pot. Let the soup simmer for another 15-20 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Final seasonings: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
