Alright, let’s talk about cabbage soup-but not just any cabbage soup. We’re diving into the world of unrolled cabbage soup, a cozy, hearty dish that manages to feel both comforting and light at the same time. Unlike the traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, this version saves you the rolling and wrapping fuss, letting all the flavors mingle freely in a rich, simmering broth. Think of it as all the love of a cabbage roll but in a warm, inviting bowl that practically hugs you from the inside.
Cabbage soup is not only a staple in many cuisines, from Eastern European to classic American, but it’s also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for meal prep, warming up after a chilly day, or even serving at a family dinner where everyone wants seconds (or thirds, we won’t judge). This recipe will guide you step by step, while also offering tips, variations, and insights to elevate your soup game.
Unrolled Cabbage Soup Recipe
Imagine tender cabbage leaves, sweet tomatoes, earthy vegetables, and savory meat simmered to perfection in a fragrant broth-all mingling without the fuss of individual rolls. That’s the beauty of unrolled cabbage soup.
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 40-50 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need for a bowl that’s bursting with flavor:
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Vegetables
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced or shredded
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
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Protein (optional, But Recommended)
- 1 lb ground beef, pork, turkey, or a plant-based substitute
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for browning
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Liquids
- 6 cups chicken, beef, or vegetable broth
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
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Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or dill
- Optional: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little kick
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Extras (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- A splash of lemon juice for brightness before serving
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s get down to business. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a bubbling pot of goodness in no time:
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Prep The Vegetables
- Chop your cabbage, slice carrots, dice celery and bell pepper, and mince garlic. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
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Cook The Protein
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper at this stage.
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Sauté The Aromatics
- Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper to the meat.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Add Cabbage And Liquids
- Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook until it starts to wilt.
- Pour in the broth and crushed tomatoes.
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Season And Simmer
- Add paprika, thyme or dill, bay leaf (if using), and adjust salt and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. The cabbage should be tender, and the flavors well blended.
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Finish And Serve
- Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Optional: add a splash of lemon juice for brightness and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a side of rice for a full meal.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding your ingredients can elevate your soup from good to unforgettable:
- Cabbage: Offers a subtle sweetness and soft texture when simmered. Green cabbage is classic, but savoy or napa cabbage add delicate flavor and extra tenderness.
- Carrots & Celery: These aromatics build a natural base of sweetness and depth.
- Ground Meat: Adds richness and protein, but beans or lentils can substitute for a vegetarian twist.
- Tomatoes: Provide acidity to balance the earthiness of the cabbage and meat. Crushed tomatoes give body, while tomato paste intensifies flavor.
- Herbs & Spices: Dill or thyme complement cabbage perfectly, while paprika adds warmth. Don’t underestimate a pinch of red pepper flakes-they add subtle heat that wakes up the soup.
Expert Tips
- Layer flavors: Always sauté your vegetables before adding liquids; it unlocks sweetness and depth.
- Cut uniformly: Evenly chopped vegetables cook evenly, giving consistent texture.
- Simmer gently: Boiling vigorously can turn cabbage mushy and cloud the broth.
- Make ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Freeze-friendly: Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Recipe Variations
Here’s where your creativity can shine:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Skip meat and use beans, lentils, or tofu for protein. Use vegetable broth.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a fiery version.
- Hearty Additions: Include potatoes, parsnips, or barley for extra substance.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end for richness.
- International Flair: Add soy sauce and ginger for an Asian-inspired cabbage soup.
Final Words
Unrolled cabbage soup is one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s forgiving, versatile, and deeply satisfying. The beauty lies in its simplicity-the ingredients complement each other naturally, creating a dish that’s hearty yet light, nutritious yet indulgent.
Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with variations, this soup is a reliable crowd-pleaser, a weeknight dinner savior, and a cozy comfort food champion.
FAQs
What Is Unrolled Cabbage Soup?
Unrolled cabbage soup is a simplified version of cabbage rolls, where the cabbage, meat, rice, and seasonings are cooked together in a soup form instead of being individually wrapped in cabbage leaves. This dish retains the same hearty, flavorful profile as traditional cabbage rolls but with less effort and preparation time.
What Are The Key Ingredients In Unrolled Cabbage Soup?
The key ingredients include cabbage, ground meat (typically beef, pork, or a mixture), rice, tomatoes, onions, garlic, broth (vegetable, chicken, or beef), and a variety of seasonings such as salt, pepper, paprika, and bay leaves.
Can I Use Frozen Cabbage For Unrolled Cabbage Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen cabbage for unrolled cabbage soup. However, it may release more water during cooking, so you may need to adjust the amount of broth or other liquids in the recipe.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Unrolled Cabbage Soup?
Unrolled cabbage soup typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to cook. This includes time for simmering the soup to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to become tender.
Can I Make Unrolled Cabbage Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, unrolled cabbage soup can be made in a slow cooker. Simply add all ingredients to the slow cooker, set it on low, and cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are well combined.
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead Of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice as a substitute for white rice. However, since brown rice takes longer to cook, you may need to adjust the cooking time or partially cook the brown rice before adding it to the soup.
Is Unrolled Cabbage Soup A Healthy Dish?
Unrolled cabbage soup can be a healthy dish, especially if made with lean ground meat, low-sodium broth, and plenty of vegetables. Cabbage is high in fiber and vitamins, and the soup can be low in calories depending on the ingredients used.
Can I Make Unrolled Cabbage Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, unrolled cabbage soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator for a day or two. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I Make Unrolled Cabbage Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of unrolled cabbage soup by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth. You can also add plant-based protein such as lentils, tofu, or meat substitutes like tempeh or soy crumbles to mimic the texture and heartiness of the original dish.
What Are Some Variations I Can Try With Unrolled Cabbage Soup?
You can vary the recipe by adding different vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as adding a bit of lemon juice, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs like thyme or dill. Some versions may include sauerkraut or bacon for additional flavor.