Polish Stuffed Cabbage Soup: Hearty and Comforting One-Pot Meal

This Polish Stuffed Cabbage Soup brings the rich, savory flavors of traditional Polish stuffed cabbage rolls into a delicious, easy-to-make soup. With tender cabbage, ground meat, and rice simmered in a savory broth, this soup is the perfect comfort food, especially on cold days. It’s simple to prepare, hearty, and full of robust flavors that will warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter – for sautéing the aromatics and adding richness to the soup.
• 1 medium onion, diced – onions create a flavorful base and aroma.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced – for an extra depth of savory flavor.
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or pork (or a mix) – for the meat component, creating a filling, hearty soup. You can choose between ground beef, pork, or even a mix of both for extra flavor.
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice – this provides the classic filling ingredient of stuffed cabbage rolls and adds bulk and heartiness to the soup.
• 4 cups (1 liter) beef or chicken broth – the liquid that will simmer all the ingredients together, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
• 4 cups green cabbage, chopped – the key vegetable in this dish, contributing texture and flavor. Cabbage is a staple in Polish cooking.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice – for a bit of tang and to add acidity to balance the richness of the meat.
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste – enhances the depth of the tomato flavor and helps thicken the soup.
• 1 teaspoon dried dill (optional, for authentic flavor) – dill is a traditional seasoning in Polish cuisine and adds a wonderful herbal note to the soup.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – for a subtle smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the cabbage.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – thyme adds an earthy, savory note to the soup.
• Salt and black pepper to taste – to season the soup and bring all the flavors together.

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped – for a fresh, vibrant garnish.
• A dollop of sour cream – to add a creamy, tangy finish to the soup.

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef or pork (or both) to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance the meat’s flavor. Once browned, stir to combine the meat with the onions and garlic.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Tomatoes

Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with juice, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to coat the cabbage in the tomato mixture. The cabbage will begin to wilt and soften as it simmers, creating a delicious, flavorful base.

Step 4: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the beef or chicken broth and add the uncooked rice, smoked paprika, dried dill, and thyme. Stir everything together to combine, ensuring that the rice and cabbage are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice and cabbage are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The soup should be thick and comforting, with the rice fully cooked and the flavors well melded together.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Feel free to add a pinch more dill or paprika to enhance the flavors to your liking.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream, if desired. The sour cream will add a creamy richness to the soup, and the parsley will give it a fresh, vibrant finish.

Tips for Best Results

• Make It Ahead: This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It’s a great option for meal prep or for making in advance for a family dinner.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers to boost the flavor and nutrition of the soup.
• Use Leftover Rice: If you have leftover rice, you can skip adding uncooked rice at the beginning. Just add the cooked rice in the last 5-10 minutes of simmering to prevent overcooking.
• Adjust the Seasonings: Polish cuisine often features bold flavors, so feel free to adjust the seasoning amounts to suit your taste. Adding a little more dill or smoked paprika can elevate the flavors to your preference.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavors: This soup captures all the comforting flavors of Polish stuffed cabbage rolls but in an easier, one-pot meal. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy traditional Polish food without the fuss of rolling cabbage leaves.
• One-Pot Meal: With just one pot, this recipe simplifies cleanup, making it perfect for busy nights or when you want an easy, satisfying meal.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with cabbage, rice, and ground meat, this soup is filling and nourishing, perfect for cold weather or when you need a hearty meal to warm you up.

Enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of this Polish classic that’s like a hug in soup form! 🍲 It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.