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Best One-Pot Kielbasa and Cabbage Soup Recipe

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This hearty, one-pot soup features smoky kielbasa and tender cabbage in a savory broth. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in under an hour and is perfect for changing minds about cabbage.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb smoked kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 3 ribs celery, sliced
  • 1 small head green cabbage, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Kielbasa: Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the sliced kielbasa in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until deeply browned, then flip and brown the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the browned kielbasa to a plate and set aside. Do not wipe out the pot.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the diced onion to the pot with the rendered fat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the Vegetables: Toss in the sliced carrots and celery. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
  4. Build the Broth: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes. Use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (deglazing). Then pour in the chicken broth. Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Add the Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot in handfuls, stirring each batch into the liquid until it wilts slightly. Once all cabbage is in, bring the pot to a boil over high heat.
  6. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight bite.
  7. Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves and discard. Stir the browned kielbasa back into the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the kielbasa—it’s key for deep flavor. Use low-sodium broth to control salt. For best results, let the soup rest overnight; flavors meld and deepen. Avoid pre-shredded coleslaw mix; it turns slimy. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar and caraway seeds for an Eastern European twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: kielbasa and cabbage soup, one-pot soup, cabbage soup, kielbasa soup, easy soup recipe, hearty soup, comfort food, gluten-free, dairy-free

Find it online: https://spoonmira.com/best-one-pot-kielbasa-and-cabbage-soup-recipe/