If you’re seeking the ultimate comfort dish for a chilly night, the Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe is your ticket to a soul-warming meal. This hearty classic combines smoky kielbasa sausage with tender cabbage, potatoes, and vibrant chunks of vegetables in a deeply flavorful broth. Every ladleful wraps you in nostalgia, whether you grew up with Eastern European flavors or you’re just discovering them. Get ready to fall in love, because this soup is every bit as cozy, satisfying, and delicious as it sounds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe is its reliance on a handful of wholesome, no-fuss ingredients—each bringing its own layer of flavor and texture. Every component matters, from the smoky kielbasa to the fresh green cabbage, and together they create a bright and savory bowl you’ll crave all winter.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky base for browning the sausage and sautéing veggies, unlocking their flavors.
- Kielbasa sausage: Brings a savory, smoky essence that’s both hearty and comforting.
- Onion: Provides sweetness and depth; it forms the aromatic backbone of the soup.
- Garlic: Lends pungent, irresistible notes that infuse every spoonful.
- Carrots: Add gentle sweetness and a pop of color.
- Celery: Offers a mild herbal crunch and rounds out the veggie base.
- Chicken broth: Builds a savory foundation and keeps everything gorgeously hydrated.
- Diced tomatoes: Brighten the broth with acidity and richness.
- Green cabbage: The star of the show! Cabbage brings hearty body and a delicate sweetness as it softens.
- Potatoes: Make the soup extra filling and add a creamy texture as they simmer.
- Smoked paprika: A hint of smoky spice that echoes the kielbasa’s flavor.
- Dried thyme: Brings earthy, herby notes that work magic with the other vegetables.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth, perfect for cozying up the broth.
- Salt: Pulls all the flavors together; taste and adjust!
- Fresh parsley: A vibrant, fresh garnish that lifts the final bowl.
How to Make Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa
Start by heating the olive oil in your largest soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add your sliced kielbasa rounds. Let them sizzle and develop a gorgeous golden crust—this not only locks in their juiciness but also brings a delicious smoky flavor to your soup. After 4–5 minutes, when the edges are caramelized, scoop the sausage onto a plate and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same pot, toss in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Stir everything around, scraping up any tasty bits the kielbasa left behind. This is where your kitchen will start to smell amazing! Cook the veggies for five minutes, just until they’re softened and the onions begin to turn translucent.
Step 3: Build the Base
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, then sprinkle in your diced potatoes, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Everything simmers together, allowing the potatoes to begin softening while the spices bloom. Bring to a lively boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer for about 15 minutes—just enough to tenderize the potatoes and add depth to your base.
Step 4: Add Cabbage and Kielbasa
Next comes the cabbage and the seared kielbasa. Stir them in, letting the cabbage wilt and mingle with the other ingredients. Continue simmering for another 20–25 minutes. The cabbage becomes meltingly tender, the potatoes get creamy, and the sausage infuses everything with smoky savoriness.
Step 5: Taste, Adjust, and Garnish
Before serving, taste your Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe and adjust the seasonings if needed—a pinch more salt or pepper can work wonders! Ladle the soup into bowls and finish each serving with a handful of chopped fresh parsley, which adds an irresistibly bright and fresh finish.
How to Serve Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe
Garnishes
This soup practically begs for a sprinkle of vibrant green parsley, but you can also try a dollop of sour cream or crunchy rye bread croutons for an added burst of flavor and texture. A fresh grind of black pepper on top makes every spoonful even more inviting.
Side Dishes
While this Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe is perfectly satisfying on its own, it’s utterly fantastic with a slice of crusty, buttered bread or a light salad of fresh greens and crisp apples. For a more substantial meal, pair with pierogi or a rustic potato pancake for a true Eastern European feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle the soup into oversized soup mugs or small Dutch ovens for a charming, rustic touch. You can also serve in bread bowls at a dinner party—your guests will absolutely adore tearing off bits of bread as they eat. Swirl in a spoonful of Dijon for a tangy kick or top with shredded cheddar for a modern twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, transfer any leftover soup to an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavor of this Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe deepens overnight, making leftovers truly irresistible. Enjoy within four days for best taste and texture.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or single-serve bags. It keeps for up to three months—just be sure to leave a little space in the container, as the liquid will expand as it freezes. When you crave soup, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat until it’s piping hot, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s become too thick. If you’re using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in one-minute intervals, stirring in between. The cabbage and potatoes may soften further, but the flavor will be just as comforting and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use turkey kielbasa instead of regular kielbasa?
Absolutely! Turkey kielbasa is a lighter alternative that still delivers plenty of smoky, savory flavor. It’s a great swap if you’re watching your fat intake, and the results in the Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe will be just as satisfying.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes—none of the main ingredients in this recipe contain gluten. Just double-check your kielbasa and broth labels if you’re very sensitive, and you can serve this hearty soup worry-free.
Can I add beans for extra protein and fiber?
Definitely! White beans like cannellini or navy beans are a fantastic addition. Simply drain and rinse a can, then stir them in when you add the cabbage and kielbasa for a heartier, protein-packed soup.
What’s the best way to chop the cabbage for soup?
For this Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe, slice the cabbage into bite-sized, even strips or chunks. This ensures they cook uniformly and are easy to eat with a spoon—no unwieldy pieces in your bowl!
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can replace the kielbasa with plant-based smoked sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Toss in some extra potatoes and beans for bulk, and the soup will still be hearty and flavorful for everyone at the table.
Final Thoughts
This Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe is truly a bowl of pure, homestyle comfort—the kind of meal that brings everyone back for seconds. There’s something magical about the way these simple ingredients come together to create something so hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Grab your soup pot, invite some friends or family, and treat yourself to a steaming bowl soon!
Print
Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for cold winter days. Loaded with sausage, vegetables, and fragrant spices, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
Main Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add kielbasa and cook until lightly browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, potatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
- Incorporate cabbage and kielbasa: Stir in cabbage and browned kielbasa, then continue to simmer for 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a heartier soup, add a can of white beans or serve with crusty bread.
- This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
