This Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that captures all the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls in an easy-to-make soup format. Here’s how to make it step by step:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Ingredients:
- Dice the onion, mince the garlic, peel and dice the carrots, and dice the celery.
- Thinly shred the cabbage (about 8 cups).
- If using dry beans, ensure they are pre-cooked or use canned beans for convenience.
2. Cook the Meat (or Lentils):
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- For Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and use 1 cup cooked lentils instead.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
- Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the paprika, dried dill, bay leaf, salt, black pepper, and optional caraway seeds or red pepper flakes.
5. Build the Soup:
- Add the shredded cabbage to the pot and stir to combine. Let it cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), cooked or canned beans, and uncooked rice or barley.
- Add 6 cups of broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable) and stir well.
6. Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice or barley is tender and the cabbage is soft.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley.
- Serve with crusty bread or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or vegan cheese (optional).
Tips for Success:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free grains like quinoa or brown rice instead of barley.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to add diced potatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This Cabbage Roll Soup is a cozy, nutrient-packed meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. Enjoy the comforting flavors of cabbage rolls without the fuss!