Cook the sausage until it is brown. In a big pot or a large cooking pot, cook the sliced sausage over medium heat until it turns brown. Take out and put 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).
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!
Frequently Asked Questions about Sausage and Cabbage Soup
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. Simply wait until it is completely cool 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 to make a vegetarian version?
Yes, also adding a vegetarian sausage made from plants to make a completely vegetarian soup.
How long does it stay fresh 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?
Great! 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 at a low temperature, and add more broth if it becomes 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, around 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes is suitable.
Is kielbasa already cooked before being sold?
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 tasty flavor.
How thick should I cut the vegetables?
Around 1/4 of an inch to ensure that the food cooks evenly, but you can adjust it according to your liking.
Is this soup tastier the day after?
Yes, tastes improve as time goes by, making it even tastier.
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 without using smoked paprika?
Use smoked sausage or add a small amount of liquid smoke.
How should I cut the cabbage for this soup?
Thin, small slices are good and cook evenly.
Can I include leafy greens such as spinach?
Yes, put spinach or kale in the pot during the final minutes of cooking.
Here are some helpful tips to make your Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup even tastier!
Useful Tips for Making Sausage and Cabbage Soup
Cook the sausage until browned first. Cooking the kielbasa in a pan before putting it in the soup brings out its smoky taste and enhances the flavor of the broth.
Try using fresh cabbage. Fresh green cabbage works well in this soup; it becomes soft and sweet when cooked.
Include a couple of potatoes: Potatoes make the soup more filling. Cut them into small pieces and put them in the pot to cook with the cabbage.
Change the seasoning. If you want some spiciness, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño.
Give smoked paprika a try. A bit of smoked paprika enhances the flavor of the kielbasa sausage.
Use broth or stock. Using a high-quality chicken or vegetable broth will give your soup more flavor than simply using water.
Include caraway seeds. These small seeds enhance the taste of cabbage and give it a traditional Eastern European flavor.
Balancing Acidity: Adding a bit of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to the soup can enhance its taste and create a nice balance of flavors.
Add some fresh herbs on top. Adding fresh dill or parsley to the soup gives it a nice touch of freshness.
Enjoy with crunchy bread. A big piece of bread on the side is great for absorbing the tasty soup.
Include beans to increase the protein content. Canned white beans, also known as cannellini beans, are a good way to add protein and creaminess to your meals.
Cook slowly over low heat. Let the soup simmer gently so the flavors can mix well.
Try and modify. After letting it cook for a while, try the soup and add more salt, pepper, or a bit of vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
Use kielbasa or any type of smoked sausage. If you don't have kielbasa, you can use smoked sausage or chorizo instead. They will work well and provide a similar flavor.
Prepare in advance. This soup tastes even better if you make it the day before, so go ahead and prepare it in advance!
Save uneaten food: This soup can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days, and the taste gets better over time.
Put a bay leaf. Adding a bay leaf while cooking improves the smell and flavor of the broth.
Cut the Kielbasa at an angle. Cutting the food at an angle creates more surface area, which helps release more flavor while cooking.
Avoid cooking the cabbage for too long. Cook the cabbage until it is soft, but not too soft—around 20-25 minutes should be enough.
Rich Taste: Begin by cooking onions and garlic in a pan before adding the rest of the ingredients. This creates a tasty foundation for the soup.
Enjoy preparing and eating your sausage and cabbage soup! It's a warm and comforting dish that is great all year round. Smiling face with a bowl of soup.
Suggestions to Improve Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup
Use smoked sausage for more taste.
Cook the sausage until it is browned to bring out its flavor.
Sprinkle some fresh dill right before serving for a vibrant taste.
Put a little apple cider vinegar in the soup to make it taste fresher.
Use smoked paprika for a touch of smoky flavor.
Choose Yukon Gold potatoes for a smoother consistency.
Sprinkle some hot sauce to add a spicy flavor.
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 to add 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 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 leafy 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 a fire for a smoky taste.
Put in any extra ham you have.
Cook slowly to enhance the taste.
Cook onions in butter for flavor.
Include new thyme or rosemary.
Add white beans to increase the protein content.
Substitute Brussels sprouts for cabbage.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top before serving.
Tips for Making Delicious Sausage and Cabbage Soup
Use new cabbage for the most delicious taste.
Cook the soup over low heat 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 so they cook evenly.
Add cabbage halfway through cooking if you like it to be crispy.
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 different seasonings little by little, trying them as you add them.
Add a bay leaf for a gentle touch of flavor.
Add a little white wine to the pan to deglaze it.
Select potatoes high in starch to naturally thicken.
Include the tomatoes with their liquid 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 crushed red pepper.
Put kale in last to keep its color.
Add chopped celery for a crispy texture.
If you can, use broth made at home.
Let the potatoes cook until they are soft and creamy.
Add fresh herbs on top for a fresh touch.
Add a bit of 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.