If you’re in the mood for a soul-warming meal that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying, the Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. Picture smoky sausage mingling with sweet cabbage, tender vegetables, and fragrant herbs, all tucked into a tomato-kissed, golden broth. This hearty one-pot wonder doesn’t just fill your kitchen with incredible aromas; it delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re chasing away a winter chill or feeding a hungry crowd, this soup celebrates simple ingredients in the most delicious way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe lies in its short list of wholesome ingredients, each bringing something special to the table. From the snap of savory kielbasa to the sweetness of gently cooked cabbage, every element is absolutely essential for the rich, layered flavors you’ll love.
- Olive Oil: Adds a silky base to saute the sausage and vegetables, giving them a lovely sheen and gentle richness.
- Kielbasa Sausage (14 ounces, sliced): The star of the show for its smoky, garlicky depth and satisfying bite.
- Yellow Onion (1 small, chopped): Brings sweet aroma and subtle flavor that forms the backbone of the soup.
- Garlic Cloves (2, minced): Provides an irresistible savory boost and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Carrots (3, peeled and sliced): Lend a touch of sweetness and their bright hue pops against the broth.
- Celery Stalks (3, sliced): Adds crunch, aroma, and another layer of savory goodness.
- Green Cabbage (½ head, chopped): Cabbage softens beautifully and soaks up the sausage-y flavors, bulking up the soup.
- Diced Tomatoes (14.5-ounce can, undrained): These bring acidity, color, and a gentle tangy sweetness.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (6 cups): Serves as the soup’s golden, flavorful foundation.
- Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds earthiness and a savory herbal aroma that pairs perfectly with sausage and cabbage.
- Bay Leaf (1): Infuses the pot with subtle depth and a hint of old-world flavor.
- Smoked Paprika (½ teaspoon): Gives a mild smokiness and a warm, ruddy glow.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for accentuating all those glorious flavors.
- Optional Chopped Parsley (for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh green is the finishing touch that brightens every bowl.
How to Make Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or sturdy Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the rounds of kielbasa. Sauté them for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are golden and caramelized. This simple step unlocks a ton of flavor and creates those irresistible crispy bites. Scoop the kielbasa out with a slotted spoon and set it aside while you build the rest of the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
With all those delicious brown bits left in the pot, toss in the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook this fragrant combo for five or six minutes, stirring regularly, until the veggies soften and the onions turn translucent. The aroma at this point will draw everyone into the kitchen!
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Stir in the chopped green cabbage and cook for another five minutes. Don’t worry if the pot looks full; cabbage wilts down quickly, becoming tender and gently sweet as it mingles with the other veggies.
Step 4: Build the Broth
Now pour in the diced tomatoes, including all their juices, followed by the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, toss in the bay leaf, and add smoked paprika, plus a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. These ingredients combine to create a broth that’s savory, slightly smoky, and full of vibrant color.
Step 5: Simmer Everything Together
Return the browned kielbasa to the pot and give everything a good stir. Bring the soup up to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes. During this time, the veggies soften, the flavors meld, and the soup becomes wonderfully hearty. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaf before serving!
How to Serve Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A shower of fresh chopped parsley is classic and adds a burst of color and freshness to every serving of the Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe. For a little kick, try a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a dollop of sour cream. Even shredded cheese or thinly sliced green onions can make for a fun twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This soup is fantastic all on its own, but you can easily turn it into a full meal. Serve it with warm, crusty bread (think rye, baguette, or a slice of sourdough) for dipping into the broth. Simple buttered new potatoes, a crisp green salad, or a scoop of fluffy rice are all delicious ways to round out your meal. Don’t be surprised if you catch yourself chasing every last drop with your bread!
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic touch, ladle the Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe into big mugs, perfect for chilly evenings or casual get-togethers. Hosting a dinner party? Serve the soup in mini bowls for an appetizer course. You can even pour it over cooked noodles or steamed white beans for a heartier, stew-like experience. This soup is endlessly adaptable and always welcoming.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup is the ultimate meal-prep hero, as it actually tastes even better the next day. Cool any leftovers completely, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches and busy weeknights.
Freezing
If you want to stock your freezer with cozy meals, the Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe is a dream. Simply portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to leave some space for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to label containers with the date for future soup success!
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if it needs loosening up. For single servings, the microwave works perfectly—just heat in one-minute bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this soup?
Absolutely! While traditional kielbasa brings a unique smoky-sweet bite, you can swap in smoked turkey sausage, Andouille, or even vegan sausage if you need a plant-based option. Just keep the slices bite-sized for the best texture.
Does this Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe freeze well?
Yes, it freezes like a dream. Because the ingredients are hearty and don’t break down easily, you can confidently make a double batch and freeze half for quick, nourishing meals down the road.
What if I want to add potatoes or beans?
Go for it! Add diced potatoes alongside the carrots and celery, or stir in a can of drained white beans with the broth. Both options make the soup extra filling and give it even more of that cozy stew vibe.
How can I make this Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe spicier?
If you love a little heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes when adding the garlic, or use a spicy kielbasa. For a bigger punch, try stirring a bit of hot sauce into your own bowl so everyone can control their spice level.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your kielbasa is gluten-free (most are, but it’s always good to double-check labels).
Final Thoughts
This Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe truly feels like sharing a warm hug with every bowl. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor—a go-to for cozy nights or family gatherings. Gather your ingredients and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European, American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy meal. Loaded with savory kielbasa, tender vegetables, and rich broth, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 ounces kielbasa sausage (sliced into rounds)
- 1 small yellow onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 3 celery stalks (sliced)
- ½ head green cabbage (chopped)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5–6 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Return the kielbasa to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For a heartier soup, add diced potatoes or white beans.
- This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
