Creamy Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Creamy Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup on a chilly winter evening. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was one of those days when the snow fell softly outside, and the world seemed to slow down. I had a head of green cabbage sitting in my fridge, and I wanted to create something that would not only warm me up but also fill my home with a cozy aroma. As the ingredients melded together, the delightful scent of sautéed onions and garlic filled the air, making my kitchen feel like a warm haven. This soup quickly became a family favorite, perfect for those nights when you need something hearty and delightful.

Creamy Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup Ingredients

The ingredients for Creamy Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup come together to create a comforting and warming dish. Each element plays a unique role, bringing flavors and textures that enhance the overall experience. The key players here are the cabbage, which adds body, the kielbasa, providing a savory depth, and a few staples that tie it all together.

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor.
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped: A foundation for the soup, providing sweetness.
• 2 large carrots, diced: Adds a bit of sweetness and color.
• 2 large ribs celery, diced: Contributes crunch and flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth.
• 1 large head green cabbage, roughly chopped: The star of the dish, providing a hearty base.
• 14 ounces quality smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced in 1/8 thick rounds: Adds savory, smoky flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Enhances the soup’s aroma.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat.
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed caraway seeds: Offers a unique flavor that complements the cabbage.
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup.
• 1 bay leaf: Infuses flavor while cooking.
• 4 cups quality chicken broth: The base of the soup that adds depth.
• 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon base (e.g., Better Than Bouillon, or two bouillon cubes): Intensifies the broth flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Provides creaminess and richness.
• Chopped parsley for garnish: Adds freshness and color.

Putting Together Creamy Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup

Making Creamy Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup is a delightful process. It’s all about layering flavors and watching as the ingredients transform into a comforting bowl of goodness. Let’s dive into the steps to bring this warm, hearty soup to life.

1. Melt the butter in a heavy stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. As it melts, it will start to foam, releasing a nutty aroma. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until they become soft and translucent. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a lovely golden color.
2. Next, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. These vegetables will add a nice crunch and subtle sweetness. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften slightly.
3. Now it’s time to introduce the garlic. Add it to the pot and sauté for another minute. You’ll notice the wonderful aroma wafting through your kitchen, signaling that it’s time to add the cabbage.
4. Stir in the roughly chopped cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes, until it starts to wilt and soften. The vibrant green color will brighten your soup.
5. Add the sliced kielbasa, thyme, salt, pepper, and crushed caraway seeds. These spices will enhance the flavor profile, and the kielbasa will start to render its savory juices. Stir everything together and let it cook for about two minutes.
6. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well, cooking for an additional two minutes. This will help to create a thickened base for your soup.
7. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add in the chicken bouillon base and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for about 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
8. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream. Heat through but be careful not to let it boil. Here’s where the soup transforms into a creamy delight!
9. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. Discard the bay leaf and get ready to savor your creation. Serve hot, garnished with some chopped parsley for a fresh touch. You might find this soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen.

Making Adjustments

Sometimes, you might want to tweak a recipe to fit your preferences or circumstances. Here are some tips for making adjustments to the Creamy Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to three months. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• Pairing: This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. It can also be served alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the kielbasa with smoked tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or dill for a different twist on flavor.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables.

Perfect Matches for Creamy Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup

When serving Creamy Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup, there are several delightful pairings that can enhance the meal. Here’s how to make your dining experience even more enjoyable:

• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Fresh Salad: A light garden salad with a vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Roasted winter vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots complement the flavors of the soup.
• Comforting Dinner: This soup makes for a wonderful dinner option during winter gatherings or cozy family nights.
• Leftover Lunch: Pack the soup for lunch the next day; it’s even tastier after the flavors have melded.
• Seasonal Celebrations: Perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting meal during the colder months.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Creamy Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup is truly a comforting dish that warms both the body and soul. With its rich, hearty flavors and creamy texture, it’s the perfect choice for a chilly day. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and experience its deliciousness for yourself. Your family will love it, and it’s sure to become a staple in your home!

Creamy Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup

The ultimate comfort food, Creamy Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup is a hearty dish perfect for chilly evenings. With rich flavors and creamy textures, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that will satisfy your cravings. Enjoy a bowl tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• 1 medium Yellow Onion Chopped
• 2 large Carrots Diced
• 2 large Ribs Celery Diced
• 2 cloves Garlic Minced
• 1 large Green Cabbage Roughly Chopped
• 14 ounces Quality Smoked Kielbasa Sausage Sliced in 1/8 thick rounds
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Caraway Seeds
• 4 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 4 cups Quality Chicken Broth
• 1 tablespoon Chicken Bouillon Base (e.g., Better Than Bouillon, or two bouillon cubes)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• Chopped Parsley For garnish

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Oven
• Large Pot
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board

Method

 

1. Melt the butter in a heavy stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. As it melts, it will start to foam, releasing a nutty aroma. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until they become soft and translucent. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a lovely golden color.
2. Next, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. These vegetables will add a nice crunch and subtle sweetness. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften slightly.
3. Now it’s time to introduce the garlic. Add it to the pot and sauté for another minute. You’ll notice the wonderful aroma wafting through your kitchen, signaling that it’s time to add the cabbage.
4. Stir in the roughly chopped cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes, until it starts to wilt and soften. The vibrant green color will brighten your soup.
5. Add the sliced kielbasa, thyme, salt, pepper, and crushed caraway seeds. These spices will enhance the flavor profile, and the kielbasa will start to render its savory juices. Stir everything together and let it cook for about two minutes.
6. Sprinkle in the flour and stir well, cooking for an additional two minutes. This will help to create a thickened base for your soup.
7. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add in the chicken bouillon base and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for about 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
8. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream. Heat through but be careful not to let it boil. Here’s where the soup transforms into a creamy delight!
9. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. Discard the bay leaf and get ready to savor your creation. Serve hot, garnished with some chopped parsley for a fresh touch. You might find this soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen.

Notes

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to three months. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• Pairing: This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. It can also be served alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the kielbasa with smoked tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or dill for a different twist on flavor.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the vegetables.

Previous PostStuffed Sweet Potatoes

Next Post Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Meet Georgia Clark

I’m the one who obsesses over the details so you don't have to. I love the science of cooking and perfecting comfort classics. I’ve tested this recipe multiple times to guarantee it comes out foolproof and delicious every single time you make it.