Hearty Cabbage Soup with Smoked Sausage

 

Hearty Cabbage Soup with Smoked Sausage: A Comforting Classic for Any Season

Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor—this Cabbage Soup with Smoked Sausage is a satisfying dish that brings rustic charm to your table. With tender cabbage, smoky Kielbasa, creamy potatoes, and sweet corn, this soup delivers a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or meal-prepping for the week, this one-pot wonder will become a favorite. Plus, it’s easy to customize and loaded with wholesome ingredients!

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Why You'll Love This Cabbage Soup Recipe:

One-Pot Wonder: Quick cleanup with fewer dishes.

Rich and Satisfying: Smoky sausage and creamy potatoes make it hearty.

Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients with big flavor.

Easy to Customize: Add more veggies or adjust the spices to your taste.

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🛒 Ingredients and Their Roles:

Proteins & Flavor Builders:

½ tablespoon olive or vegetable oil: Helps brown the sausage for rich, caramelized flavor.

1 (16-ounce) package smoked Kielbasa sausage, sliced ¼-inch thick: Adds a smoky, savory base.

1 tablespoon butter: Enhances the richness of the soup and helps sauté vegetables.

Vegetables for Texture and Sweetness:

2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced: Provide natural sweetness and a tender bite.

2 corn on the cob, cut into large chunks: Adds sweetness and texture, infusing the broth with corn flavor.

1 medium sweet onion, chopped: Adds aromatic depth to the broth.

2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, earthy flavor that complements the sausage and cabbage.

1 small head green cabbage, chopped: The star of the dish—cabbage becomes tender and soaks up the smoky broth.

Broth & Seasonings for Depth:

1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base.

1½ cups water: Balances the broth without overpowering the other flavors.

1 chicken bouillon cube: Intensifies the chicken flavor.

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the smoky and savory notes.

½ teaspoon black pepper: Brings mild heat and depth.

¼ teaspoon caraway seeds (optional): Adds a classic cabbage soup flavor with a mild, licorice-like note.

¼ teaspoon dried thyme: Adds earthy, herbaceous flavor that pairs well with cabbage.

Creamy & Hearty Additions:

2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes: Provide heartiness and make the soup filling.

⅓ cup heavy cream: Gives the soup a creamy, velvety texture.

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🥣 Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add Kielbasa slices and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).

Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Add butter to the rendered sausage fat in the pot.

Stir in carrots, onion, and corn chunks, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).

Add garlic, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Build the Broth

Pour in chicken broth and water, then stir in the chicken bouillon cube until dissolved.

Add cabbage, allowing it to cook down slightly (about 5 minutes).

Sprinkle in brown sugar, black pepper, caraway seeds (if using), and thyme, stirring to combine.

4. Add Potatoes and Simmer

Stir in potato cubes and return the browned sausage to the pot.

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.

5. Finish with Cream

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, letting it warm through for 2–3 minutes. Avoid boiling after adding the cream.

6. Taste and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. For a little more warmth, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Serve hot, with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color.

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💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Cabbage Soup:

Brown the Sausage Well: The caramelized bits from the sausage add depth to the broth.

Use Fresh Cabbage: It becomes tender and sweet when simmered.

Don’t Rush the Simmer: Slow cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Add Cream Last: Prevents curdling by adding the cream over low heat.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

With Bread: A crusty baguette or cornbread makes a perfect pairing.

With a Side Salad: Try a simple cucumber and tomato salad for freshness.

With Crackers: Butter crackers or oyster crackers add a delightful crunch.

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📝 Why This Recipe Stands Out:

Rich, Layered Flavors: The smoky sausage, sweet carrots, and creamy potatoes create a balanced, heartwarming bowl.

Family Favorite: Simple ingredients come together in a comforting, old-fashioned style soup.

Great for Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making the soup even more delicious the next day.

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⭐ Final Thoughts:

This Cabbage Soup with Smoked Sausage is a must-try for soup lovers. It’s easy, hearty, and loaded with flavor—perfect for weeknights or meal prepping. With simple ingredients and one-pot cooking, it’s a comfort food classi

c you'll crave all year long. Try it once, and it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Enjoy this cozy bowl of goodness, and let us know how you loved it!