If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty meal that’s simple to make and absolutely satisfying, you’re going to love this Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out, with smoky kielbasa, tender potatoes, and buttery cabbage all mingling in one pot of deliciousness. I love this because it’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for a casual weekend dinner. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to comfort food in your kitchen too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry favorites and fresh veggies, making it surprisingly easy to throw together.
- Rich, Comforting Flavors: Smoky kielbasa and tender cabbage create a cozy soup that hits the spot every time.
- Fast Weeknight Meal: Ready in about 40 minutes, perfect when you want homemade without the fuss.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this soup—it’s always on repeat during cooler months.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe balances smoky sausage with fresh veggies and savory broth. I recommend using fresh produce and a good quality kielbasa to really let the flavors shine through.
- Avocado Oil: Great for sautéing because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Kielbasa Sausage: Choosing a smoked kielbasa adds depth and richness to the soup.
- Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and body once sautéed; diced just right for even cooking.
- Ghee (or butter): Gives the soup a luscious, silky mouthfeel when cooking the veggies.
- Green Cabbage: Sliced thin for tenderness and subtly sweet flavor that complements the sausage.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs a punch; don’t skip it for that savory aroma.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: Their creamy texture holds up well in soup without falling apart.
- Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and color; sliced into rounds for easy eating.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential to season and bring out all the flavors.
- Dried Dill: A subtle herb note that pairs beautifully with cabbage and sausage.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky warmth to the broth.
- Chicken Broth: The flavorful base that ties all the ingredients together.
- Fresh Dill (optional): I love sprinkling this on top just before serving for a fresh, bright finish.
Variations
One of the great things about this Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on your mood or pantry. I often switch up veggies or spices to keep it fresh and exciting.
- Spice it up: I’ve added a pinch of red pepper flakes when I want some heat—it gives the broth a nice kick without overpowering.
- Vegetarian twist: Swap out kielbasa for smoked tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead, for a meatless but still hearty soup.
- Extra greens: Sometimes I throw in some kale or spinach near the end for added nutrition and color.
- Different potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the smokiness of the kielbasa.
How to Make Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa
Start by heating the avocado oil in your soup pot over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until it gets a nice, even brown on both sides. This step really builds flavor right from the start. When the kielbasa is browned, remove it from the pan and discard any excess fat left behind—this keeps the soup from getting greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Cabbage
In the same pot, melt the ghee (or butter) and add diced onions and sliced cabbage. Cook them together for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become fragrant. This step adds a lightly sweet, buttery base to the soup that balances the smoky sausage perfectly.
Step 3: Add Veggies and Seasonings
Toss in the minced garlic, cubed Yukon Gold potatoes, and sliced carrots. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, dried dill, and paprika. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This helps those flavors meld and gets your potatoes and carrots ready for simmering.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Kielbasa
Now, stir the browned kielbasa back into the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Let everything cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You’ll notice the broth has absorbed those rich flavors and the soup smells like heaven.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and if you like, top with fresh dill or a sprinkle of dried dill for a fragrant finish. Enjoy it hot and watch it disappear fast—my family never leaves leftovers!
Pro Tips for Making Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Don’t Skip Browning: Taking time to brown the kielbasa first adds a smoky depth that makes the whole soup sing.
- Manage Broth Saltiness: Since kielbasa and broth can be salty, start with less salt—you can always add more at the end.
- Cut Veggies Evenly: Cubing potatoes and slicing carrots uniformly ensures they cook evenly and you don’t get mushy bits.
- Fresh Dill Finish: Adding fresh dill just before serving lifts the flavors and adds brightness to the soup.
How to Serve Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I always love topping this soup with a handful of fresh dill because it brightens the smoky and savory flavors so nicely. If fresh dill isn’t on hand, a sprinkle of dried dill works in a pinch. For extra richness, a dollop of sour cream or a grating of sharp cheddar cheese on top can’t hurt either!
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this soup are crusty bread or warm garlic rolls—perfect for soaking up that flavorful broth. A simple green salad on the side adds a refreshing crunch and balances the heartiness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, I like to serve this soup in mini crock pots at the table to keep it warm and let guests ladle their own portions. You could also garnish with little sprigs of fresh dill and a twist of lemon zest for a pretty, aromatic touch that makes it feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, where the soup keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop even more after resting overnight—soup magic!
Freezing
This soup freezes well, which I’ve found super handy for meal prep. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid high heat to keep the potatoes tender and prevent the broth from reducing too much. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of sausage in this Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While kielbasa is traditional here, smoked Italian sausage or andouille can add great flavor as well. Just make sure to adjust cooking time if the sausage is raw (cook thoroughly before adding to soup).
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Is this Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free chicken broth and check that your kielbasa is free from gluten-containing fillers. It’s a great option if you’re avoiding gluten!
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Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
You can! Brown the kielbasa first, sauté the veggies if you like, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until veggies are tender.
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What’s the best way to store leftover soup?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze in portioned containers for longer storage. Reheat gently to keep the potatoes from becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe is one of those simple dishes that brings back comforting memories while satisfying hunger in the best way possible. It’s a dish I always recommend to friends looking for something hearty but easy to throw together. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes a staple in your meal rotation. Nothing beats a warm bowl of this soup on a chilly day, so don’t wait—get cooking and enjoy every spoonful!
Print
Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Description
This Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup is a hearty and flavorful meal featuring smoky kielbasa sausage, tender Yukon Gold potatoes, and buttery cabbage simmered in a savory chicken broth. Enhanced with garlic, carrots, and warming spices like paprika and dill, this comforting soup comes together quickly on the stovetop and is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Sausage and Oil
- 1 tsp Avocado Oil
- 1 lb Kielbasa Sausage, sliced into rounds
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 Yellow Onion, diced
- 1 Tbsp Ghee (or butter)
- 4 cups Green Cabbage, sliced or shredded
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2-3 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes, cubed
- 4 Carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Dried Dill
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
Liquids
- 5 cups Chicken Broth
Toppings (Optional)
- Fresh Dill
Instructions
- Brown the Kielbasa: Heat the avocado oil in a dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat. Add the sliced kielbasa and cook until evenly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the kielbasa from the pan and discard any excess fat left behind.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same pot, melt the ghee or butter. Add the diced yellow onion and sliced cabbage, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Then add the minced garlic, cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, salt, pepper, dried dill, and paprika. Stir and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes to release the flavors.
- Add Sausage and Broth: Return the browned kielbasa to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low to let it simmer gently.
- Simmer and Cook: Let the soup simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with fresh dill or an extra sprinkle of dried dill for added aroma and flavor.
Notes
- Smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and buttery cabbage combine to create a comforting soup loaded with delicious flavors your whole family will enjoy.
- Adjust the amount of potatoes based on desired soup thickness and heartiness.
- For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt to taste.
- Fresh dill adds a bright herbal note that complements the smoky sausage perfectly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 442 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1823 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 63 mg
