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Cabbage soup is a healthy, budget-friendly recipe that combines fresh vegetables, flavorful spices, and savory sausage for a hearty meal. Perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or warming comfort food during cold seasons, this dish is a great way to add nutritious ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and celery to your diet. Learn how to make this easy cabbage soup with simple steps, customizable options, and tips to create a delicious bowl every time.

Ingredients

Seasonings

1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon mustard powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder

Soup

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
14 oz. kielbasa, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
½ cup celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
3 cups green cabbage, finely chopped
1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained
8 oz. V8 juice (or substitute with tomato sauce)
6 cups chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Heat butter and olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot or Dutch oven.
Add diced kielbasa, onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and all the seasonings. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring continuously to combine flavors.
Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juice, and V8 juice. Stir everything well.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered or with the lid partially cracked for 25 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Hearty: Packed with savory spices, kielbasa, and vibrant vegetables.
Nutritious: Loaded with fiber-rich cabbage and other wholesome ingredients.
Easy to Make: Simple steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
Customizable: Perfect for adapting to your taste or dietary preferences.

Tips

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Dice vegetables evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
Simmering with the lid slightly ajar helps thicken the soup while retaining its essence.
Adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein: Swap kielbasa with smoked sausage, turkey sausage, or omit for a vegetarian version.
Broth: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a plant-based option.
Seasonings: Experiment with spices like thyme or red pepper flakes.
Vegetables: Add potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors deepen over time, making it perfect for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What can I use instead of V8 juice?
Tomato sauce or a mix of tomato paste and water can be used as substitutes.

Serving

Serve this cabbage soup as a standalone meal or pair it with:

Crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping.
A fresh garden salad for a light side dish.
A dollop of sour cream or sprinkle of shredded cheese for added richness.

Suggestions

Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of color.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a hint of tangy brightness.
Serve with a glass of your favorite chilled white wine for an elegant touch.