Hearty Cabbage, Sausage, and Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty Polish cabbage soup bursts with robust flavors that remind me of my grandmother’s kitchen.

Memories of winters in warsaw dance through each spoonful of this comforting dish.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a warming meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Chunky potatoes and savory sausage nestle among tender cabbage pieces, promising deep satisfaction.

Seasonal vegetables transform simple components into a spectacular culinary experience.

Nutritious and filling, this soup delivers remarkable comfort without complicated preparation.

She can craft this delightful recipe in under an hour, connecting tradition with modern cooking techniques.

Cabbage, Sausage, and Potato Soup Overview

• Prepare this soul-warming soup in under 45 minutes, delivering a satisfying one-pot meal that fills hungry bellies and provides maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Packed with protein from sausage, nutrients from cabbage, and filling potatoes, this soup appeals to both adults and kids, creating a versatile dinner option that pleases everyone at the table.
• Utilize affordable ingredients like cabbage and potatoes, transforming simple components into a robust, flavorful soup that stretches your grocery budget without compromising taste.

What Goes Into Cabbage, Sausage, and Potato Soup

• Sausage: Hearty meat that adds rich, smoky flavor and protein to the soup, choose smoked or spicy varieties for extra depth.
• Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid base for the soup, provides savory underlying flavor and helps tenderize ingredients.

• Cabbage: Adds texture and mild sweetness, fresh green cabbage works best for crisp and light feel.
• Potatoes: Provides hearty substance and helps thicken the soup, waxy varieties like Yukon Gold hold shape well.
• Onion: Builds foundational flavor profile, adds subtle sweetness and aromatic base.
• Garlic: Enhances overall taste with deep, pungent notes, fresh cloves recommended.

• Diced Tomatoes: Optional component that adds acidity and brightness to the soup.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial sautéing, helps develop flavors and prevent sticking.

• Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle smoky undertone and warm color.
• Thyme: Provides earthy herbal note, fresh or dried both work well.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for additional spiciness.
• Bay Leaf: Contributes subtle background complexity, removed before serving.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, bright finish to the soup.

Preparation Instructions for Cabbage and Sausage Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Sausage

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Add sliced sausage and cook until golden brown, creating delicious caramelized edges. Transfer sausage to a side plate.

Step 2: Saute Aromatics

In the same pot, toss in chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and let it sizzle, releasing its aromatic magic.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Chopped cabbage
• Diced potatoes
• Diced tomatoes
• Smoked paprika
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Bay leaf

Step 4: Pour and Boil

Pour chicken broth into the pot, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the soup gently simmer. Cook until potatoes become tender and vegetables are soft, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 6: Return the Sausage

Add the browned sausage back into the pot. Let it warm through for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7: Final Touches

Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Serve with a crusty slice of bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips for Flavorful Cabbage, Sausage, and Potato Soup

• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to make the soup milder or spicier based on your preference for heat.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Brown sausage thoroughly to develop rich, caramelized notes that enhance the overall soup's taste profile.
• Veggie Swap Technique: Replace cabbage with kale or spinach for different nutritional profiles and subtle flavor variations.
• Stretch Your Soup: Add extra chicken broth or water if you want a thinner consistency or need to feed more people.
• Prep-Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables and slice sausage in advance to reduce cooking time and simplify meal preparation.

Keeping Soup Fresh After Cooking

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Soup can be frozen up to 3 months without losing quality.
• Transfer soup to a pot, warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Dishes That Pair Well with This Hearty Soup

• Select a medium-bodied red like Syrah or Zinfandel that complements the hearty sausage and cuts through the rich soup's flavors.
• Choose a crusty, tangy sourdough bread that provides a perfect textural contrast and helps soak up the delicious broth.
• Create a light green salad with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and chives to balance the soup's warmth and add a crisp, refreshing element.
• Opt for a cold, light Czech-style pilsner that cleanses the palate and offers a refreshing counterpoint to the soup's robust profile.

Flavor Enhancements for Cabbage and Sausage Soup

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or extra firm tofu crumbles, maintaining protein content and adding smoky flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free chicken broth and swap regular sausage for gluten-free sausage varieties to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower chunks and use keto-friendly sausage to reduce carbohydrate intake while preserving soup's hearty texture.
• Dairy-Free Version: Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free and consider adding nutritional yeast for extra depth of flavor without using dairy products.

Questions Answered About This Comfort Soup

• Is this soup hearty and filling?

Absolutely! The combination of sausage, potatoes, and cabbage makes this soup incredibly satisfying and substantial, perfect for a complete meal that will keep you full and warm.

• Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can swap the sausage based on your preference. Smoked sausage, kielbasa, Italian sausage, or chorizo all work great and will add unique flavor profiles to the soup.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Choose lean sausage, add more vegetables like carrots or celery, use low-sodium chicken broth, and control the amount of oil when cooking. You can also use turkey sausage for a lighter protein option.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Definitely! This soup reheats wonderfully and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It’s an excellent option for preparing meals in advance and enjoying throughout the week.

Cabbage, Sausage, And Potato Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Polish-inspired cabbage, sausage, and potato soup warms winter evenings with rustic flavors from Eastern European kitchens. Comfortable comfort unfolds in each spoonful, inviting home cooks to savor rich, satisfying comfort perfect for chilly nights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Meat:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), sliced

Vegetables:

• 4 cups cabbage, chopped
• 3 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or red potatoes)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes (optional)

Herbs, Spices, and Liquid:

• 6 cups chicken broth (or beef broth for a richer flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel over moderate temperature, drizzling olive oil across the bottom.
2. Sear sausage slices until they develop a rich golden-brown exterior, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Introduce diced onions into the identical pot, allowing them to soften and become translucent.
4. Quickly incorporate minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence without burning.
5. Layer the pot with chopped cabbage, cubed potatoes, tomatoes, and a medley of seasonings including smoked paprika, thyme, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a solitary bay leaf.
6. Cascade chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, elevating heat until the liquid reaches a vigorous boil.
7. Reduce thermal intensity, secure the lid, and allow the concoction to gently simmer, transforming potatoes into tender morsels.
8. Reintroduce the previously seared sausage, permitting it to harmonize with the soup’s flavors for several additional minutes.
9. Extract the bay leaf, taste and calibrate seasonings as needed.
10. Embellish with freshly chopped parsley and present alongside crusty artisan bread for a robust, comforting meal.

Notes

• Swap sausage with plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version that maintains robust flavor profiles.
• Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring salt quantities during seasoning stages.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for additional nutritional benefits and a slightly different texture experience.
• Enhance soup’s richness by adding a splash of heavy cream or stirring in grated Parmesan cheese before serving for extra depth and creaminess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg