Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup

Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe - Traditional Polish Dish

Region / culture: Poland | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This soup is packed with flavor from the smoked kielbasa and the combination of cabbage and turnips. It is a simple and delicious recipe that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup is a traditional Polish dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a popular comfort food in Poland, especially during the winter months when cabbage and root vegetables are in season. The combination of kielbasa, cabbage, and turnips creates a rich and flavorful soup that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

2 tbsp oil
0.5 small onion, chopped
3 cups shredded green cabbage (about 0.5 small head)
2 small turnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 can (14.5 oz (411 g)) reduced sodium chicken broth plus 2 cans water
1 bay leaf
0.5 tsp caraway seeds
0.5 tsp salt
1 tsp granular sugar substitute
0.75 lb (340 g) fully cooked smoked sausage, such as kielbasa
1 tsp red wine vinegar
salt and freshly ground pepper

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large sauce pot over medium heat.
Cook the onion for 5 minutes until softened.
Add the cabbage, turnips, broth, water, bay leaf, caraway seeds, salt, and sugar substitute.
Bring the mixture to a boil; then reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Remove the bay leaf.
Cut the sausage into 0.5" slices.
Cook the sausage slices for 2 – 3 minutes, until lightly browned.
Stir the sausage slices and vinegar into the soup.
Add salt and pepper to taste.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or carrots for extra heartiness.
Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of kielbasa for a lighter option.
Stir in a can of diced tomatoes for a touch of acidity.
Add a splash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a kick of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the kielbasa slices before adding them to the soup to enhance their flavor.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste by adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed.

- For a thicker soup, you can puree some of the vegetables before adding the kielbasa slices.

- Serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. You can also garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering

- Browning

- Sauteing

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of sausage or smoked meat in place of kielbasa.

- Substitute green cabbage with red cabbage or kale.

- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup in individual bowls garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. You can also serve it in a bread bowl for a fun and creative presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup with a glass of crisp white wine or a cold beer for a delicious and satisfying meal. You can also serve it with a side of pickles or sauerkraut for a traditional Polish touch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 15g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 18g

- Saturated Fat: 6g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% DV

- Vitamin C: 60% DV

- Calcium: 8% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.

Summary

Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This hearty soup is packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal. Enjoy a bowl of this delicious soup with your favorite bread or salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup. It was a chilly autumn day, with the leaves falling gently to the ground and the smell of bonfires in the air. I had just finished a long day of work at the local bakery and was walking home, trying to think of something warm and comforting to make for dinner.

As I passed by the town square, I saw a small group of people gathered around a food cart, chatting and laughing as they enjoyed steaming bowls of soup. Intrigued, I made my way over to see what all the fuss was about.

The cart belonged to an elderly woman named Mrs. Kowalski, who was well known in the community for her delicious homemade soups. She had a kind smile and twinkling eyes, and she greeted me warmly as I approached.

"Would you like to try a bowl of my Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup?" she asked, ladling out a generous portion into a ceramic bowl. The rich aroma wafted up to my nose, making my mouth water.

I took a hesitant spoonful, and my taste buds exploded with flavor. The broth was savory and robust, the kielbasa tender and smoky, and the cabbage perfectly cooked. It was unlike any soup I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Mrs. Kowalski smiled at my expression of delight. "Would you like the recipe, dear?" she asked.

I nodded eagerly, and she scribbled down the ingredients and instructions on a scrap of paper. I thanked her profusely and hurried home, eager to recreate the magic in my own kitchen.

That evening, I gathered the ingredients and followed Mrs. Kowalski's recipe to the letter. As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the house with its tantalizing aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. When I finally sat down to eat, I closed my eyes and savored each spoonful, feeling grateful for Mrs. Kowalski's generosity in sharing her recipe with me.

As the years went by, I made Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. I shared it with friends and family, who all raved about its deliciousness. It became a staple in my cooking repertoire, a dish that never failed to bring warmth and comfort to those who tasted it.

I often think back to that fateful day in the town square, when I first discovered Mrs. Kowalski's Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup. It reminds me of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and forge bonds that last a lifetime.

Now, whenever I make a pot of Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup, I think of Mrs. Kowalski and the joy she brought into my life with her simple yet delicious recipe. And I am grateful for the opportunity to pass on that joy to others, just as she did for me.