Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the Meat: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground meat (beef or turkey), breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown the meat for about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then set the meat aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
- Cook the Carrots and Cabbage: Add the sliced carrots and chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften slightly.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, and beef broth. Add Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, and basil. Drop in the bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Simmer: Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 40-45 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or paprika to suit your preference.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into bowls. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy touch.
Notes
To make this dish even more flavorful, you can experiment with different types of meat such as pork, or use a combination of beef and pork for a richer taste. You can also substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the soup.