Cook the sausage until browned. In a big pot or a large cooking pot, cook the sliced sausage on medium heat until it turns brown. Take out and keep to the side.
Cook the vegetables in a pan with a little oil. In the same pot, put the onion and cook until it becomes soft, which should take around 5 minutes. Put the garlic in and cook for 1 minute until it smells good.
Include vegetables and broth. Put the sliced cabbage, carrots, potatoes, chopped tomatoes, bay leaf, and smoked paprika (if desired) into the mixture.
Cook the soup slowly. Add the broth and mix thoroughly. Heat the soup until it boils, then lower the heat and let it cook gently for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes and carrots are soft.
Include Kielbasa and Spices: Put the sausage back in the pot and add salt and pepper to your liking. Let it warm up for a couple of minutes.
Add decoration and present: Take out the bay leaf, add some fresh parsley on top, and savor your dish!
30 Common Questions and Answers
Can I use turkey sausage instead?
Yes, using turkey kielbasa is a good option and makes it a bit less heavy.
Can I put this soup in the freezer?
Yes, you can freeze it. Just wait until it cools down completely before putting it in containers that can be stored in the freezer.
Can I cook this soup in a crockpot?
Put all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Can I substitute red cabbage for green cabbage?
Of course! It will add a bit of a different taste and color, but it will be just as delicious.
What can I use if I don't have smoked paprika?
You can choose not to use it or add a bit of regular paprika for a less intense taste.
Can I use vegetable broth instead for a vegetarian option?
Yes, also adding a vegetarian sausage made from plants to make a completely vegetarian soup.
How long can it stay in the fridge?
This soup can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Can I include beans to get more protein?
Yes, white beans or kidney beans are a great option to add.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes?
Of course! They will add some sweetness and taste great in this soup.
Can I include more types of vegetables?
¡Sí! Zucchinis, bell peppers, and celery are excellent options to add.
Can I use a different kind of sausage?
Yes, using smoked sausage or chorizo gives a slightly different yet delicious taste.
Can I add more spice to this soup?
You can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or spicy sausage to make it spicy.
Which herbs can I use to make my food tastier?
Fresh thyme, dill, or rosemary go well with the flavors.
Can I include barley or rice?
You can make it more filling by adding barley or rice. Just add more broth if necessary.
Does this soup become thicker as it rests?
Yes, the potatoes release a substance that makes the soup thicker as it cools down.
Can I use potatoes from a can?
Canned potatoes can be used, but it's best to add them towards the end of cooking because they are already soft.
How should I warm it up?
Warm up on the stove using low heat, and add more broth if it is too thick.
Can I put cabbage in later while cooking to keep it crunchy?
If you prefer your cabbage to be more crispy, put it in the dish halfway through the cooking process.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?
Yes, using around 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes is a good amount.
Is kielbasa already cooked before being served?
Most kielbasa is already cooked, but make sure to check the package to confirm.
Can I not have potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute them with other vegetables like parsnips or turnips.
Can I use chicken sausage instead?
Yes, using chicken sausage gives a slightly different taste but it works nicely.
Can I include bacon to give it more taste?
Of course! Cooked bacon gives a smoky and delicious flavor.
How thick should I cut the vegetables?
Around 1/4 of an inch for consistent cooking, but you can adjust it according to your liking.
Is this soup more delicious when reheated the next day?
Yes, tastes get better as time goes by, making it even yummier.
Can I use vinegar to add a tangy flavor?
Adding a bit of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end enhances the taste.
Can I use broth with less salt?
Yes, and add salt according to your preference.
How can I give my food a smoky taste if I don't have smoked paprika?
Use smoked sausage or add a small amount of liquid smoke.
How should I cut the cabbage for this soup?
Small, thin slices are good for cooking evenly.
Can I include leafy vegetables such as spinach?
Yes, put spinach or kale in the pot during the final minutes of cooking.
30 Ideas to Make It Even Better
Use smoked sausage for more taste.
Cook the kielbasa until it is browned to bring out its flavor.
Sprinkle some fresh dill right before serving to give it a fresh taste.
Put a little apple cider vinegar in the soup to enhance its flavor.
Use smoked paprika to add a touch of smoky flavor.
Use Yukon Gold potatoes if you want a smoother texture.
Sprinkle some hot sauce for extra spiciness.
Add sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for a creamy touch.
Include a bay leaf while cooking to add a gentle flavor.
Add some chopped bell pepper for more color.
Include some leeks to add a gentle onion taste.
Add some fresh parsley or chives on top.
Cook the potatoes in the oven before anything else to enhance their taste.
Include cut mushrooms for a natural taste.
Put a little mustard for more flavor.
Use beer instead of some broth to add more flavor.
Add a little bit of cream at the end to make it richer.
Add Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Include kale or spinach to add more green vegetables.
Use vegetable broth instead to make it suitable for vegetarians.
Include some celery to add a touch of freshness.
Grate some nutmeg to add a cozy flavor.
Use tomatoes roasted over fire for a smoky taste.
If you have any extra ham, you can add it.
Cook slowly to enhance the taste.
Cook onions in butter for flavor.
Include some new thyme or rosemary.
Add white beans to increase the amount of protein.
Substitute Brussels sprouts for cabbage.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top before serving.
30 Tips for Making Delicious Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup
Use new cabbage for the most delicious taste.
Cook the soup gently for a tastier blend of flavors.
Use good quality sausage.
Allow the soup to rest overnight so the flavors can develop.
Cut the potatoes in the same size pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Add cabbage halfway through cooking if you like it to be crunchy.
Cook the kielbasa until it is browned to enhance its flavor.
Cook garlic slowly to prevent it from becoming bitter.
Sprinkle salt at the end to adjust the flavor.
Add spices one by one, tasting as you add each one.
Add a bay leaf for a gentle touch of flavor.
Add a little white wine to the pan.
Select potatoes with a high starch content to naturally thicken your dish.
Put the tomatoes with their juice to add sweetness.
Slice vegetables in a uniform way to achieve the desired texture.
Use fresh herbs whenever you can find them.
Add a little bit of red pepper flakes.
Put kale in last to keep its color.
Add chopped celery for a crispy texture.
If you can, use broth made at home.
Allow the potatoes to cook completely to make them creamy.
Add fresh herbs on top for a fresh touch.
Add a little cream at the end if you like.
Use a strong pot from the Netherlands for cooking food evenly.
Let the soup sit for a while to develop a richer taste.
**Add smoked sea salt on top.