Polish cuisine is known for its hearty, comforting dishes, and cabbage rolls (or "gołąbki") are no exception. But if rolling individual cabbage leaves sounds like too much effort, fear not! Enter Polish Cabbage Roll Soup—a deconstructed take on this classic dish.
It captures all the rich, savory flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a convenient one-pot meal. Whether you're a soup lover, enjoy hearty dishes, or want a taste of Polish tradition, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
In this post, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step recipe for Polish Cabbage Roll Soup, provide tips for the best results, and share fun ways to customize it.
What is Polish Cabbage Roll Soup?
Polish Cabbage Roll Soup is, essentially, all the savory ingredients of cabbage rolls but simmered in a flavorful broth. Traditional cabbage rolls involve stuffing cabbage leaves with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings before baking or boiling. With this soup, you skip the delicate rolling and instead create a bowl of comfort with rich tomato-based broth, tender veggies, and seasoned meat.
It's the perfect meal for a chilly day or any time you're craving a wholesome, satisfying soup.
Why You'll Love This Soup
- Easy to Make – This simplified version saves time without compromising flavor.
- One-Pot Dish – Fewer dishes mean less cleanup.
- Hearty Comfort Food – Loaded with protein, vegetables, and rice for a filling and nourishing meal.
- Customizable – Add your twist to the recipe by swapping in different proteins or grains.
Key Ingredients
Before we get into the preparation steps, let's look at the ingredients you'll need for this recipe. These are pantry staples you likely already have or can easily find in stores.
- Cabbage: Green cabbage works best, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Ground Meat: Traditionally ground pork or beef is used, but chicken or turkey works great as well.
- Rice: White or brown rice is a great choice to add texture and make it a complete meal.
- Tomato Base: Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste are combined for a rich and tangy broth.
- Broth: Beef or chicken stock adds depth of flavor.
- Vegetables: Onion, carrots, and celery for aromatic goodness.
- Seasonings: Garlic, paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper for a well-rounded flavor.
Recipe for Polish Cabbage Roll Soup
Below is a simple step-by-step guide to making this savory soup.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
45 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour
Servings:
6-8 bowls
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork or beef
- 1 small head green cabbage, roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1 – Brown the Ground Meat
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground pork or beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set aside.
Step 2 – Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Using the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened and fragrant—about 5 minutes.
Step 3 – Add Tomato Base and Seasonings
Stir in the tomato paste and paprika, cooking for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add the crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.
Step 4 – Add Broth and Cabbage
Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the chopped cabbage, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, and cook for 15 minutes.
Step 5 – Add Rice and Cook
Stir in the uncooked white rice and cooked ground meat. Cover the pot and allow the soup to simmer for another 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
Step 6 – Taste and Adjust
Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
Step 7 – Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread on the side for the ultimate comfort meal.
Tips for Perfect Polish Cabbage Roll Soup
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Refrigerate overnight and reheat for a quick meal.
- Rice Options: If you want quicker prep, add cooked rice to the soup during the last 10 minutes instead of uncooked rice.
- Add Dairy: Some variations include a dollop of sour cream for a creamy twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Ensure your broth and seasonings are gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
Customization Ideas
- Swap ground pork or beef with ground turkey for a leaner version.
- Use quinoa instead of rice for a protein-packed twist.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Toss in some diced potatoes for an even heartier meal.
A Taste of Poland in Every Bowl
Polish Cabbage Roll Soup brings all the flavors and heartiness of traditional cabbage rolls without the extra effort. It’s the perfect dish to share with loved ones on cozy nights. Whether you’re indulging in it as part of your love for soup, exploring Polish cuisine, or trying something new, this recipe will hit the spot.
Give this recipe a try and experience a comforting taste of Poland in your own kitchen. If you're a soup aficionado or simply love hearty, home-style foods, this dish is a must-add to your repertoire!
And remember, great recipes deserve to be shared! Snap a picture of your creation, tag us, and use #PolishCabbageRollSoup to join our foodie community.
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