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- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped - 1 lb ground turkey or beef - 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown) - 1 large onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When making Cabbage Roll Soup, you need fresh ingredients. The cabbage gives it a sweet crunch. Ground turkey or beef adds protein and flavor. When I cook with rice, I like to use white or brown, depending on my mood. For the soup base, a large onion and garlic bring warmth. The broth, either vegetable or chicken, helps create a rich flavor. Diced tomatoes add a nice acidity to balance the dish. Now, let’s talk spices. Tomato paste adds depth. Smoked paprika gives a hint of warmth. Oregano brings a classic taste. Black pepper and salt finish the seasoning. I always suggest tasting as you go! The olive oil helps sauté the onion and garlic, bringing out their best flavors. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. The Full Recipe is a great guide for this comforting meal. - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until translucent. Start by warming the olive oil in your pot. The heat should be medium, not too high. Once the oil is hot, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir them often. You want the onion to become soft and clear. This usually takes about five minutes. This step adds great flavor to your soup. - Add ground turkey or beef, cooking until browned. Next, add the ground turkey or beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon. Cook it until it turns a nice brown color, which takes about six to eight minutes. Make sure to stir it well. This step adds protein and heartiness to your soup. - Stir in chopped cabbage, broth, tomatoes, rice, and seasonings. - Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer as instructed. Now, it’s time to add the chopped cabbage into the pot. Stir it in and let it cook for another five to seven minutes. You want the cabbage to start wilting. Then, pour in the broth and add the canned tomatoes with their juice. Next, throw in the uncooked rice, tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything well to combine. Bring your soup to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 to 35 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook and the flavors to blend perfectly. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. You can find the full recipe above for all the details on making this warm and tasty dish. Enjoy the process! To give your cabbage roll soup a richer taste, try these add-ins: - A splash of soy sauce for umami. - Fresh herbs like thyme or dill for brightness. - A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for depth. When you adjust seasonings, start small. Taste as you go. If you like it spicy, add red pepper flakes. If it needs more flavor, a pinch of salt can help. Remember, the flavors deepen as the soup cooks. Sauté your onion and garlic until they are soft. This builds a strong base for the soup. When you add the cabbage, let it soften before adding broth. This helps the cabbage keep its shape. To incorporate rice, rinse it first to remove extra starch. This keeps the rice from getting mushy. Add the rice with the broth, so it cooks evenly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You can prepare this soup a day in advance. Just let it cool, then store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld together. When you reheat, do it slowly on the stove. This keeps the texture nice. Add a bit of broth if it gets too thick. Enjoy it fresh and warm! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. {{image_2}} You can make Cabbage Roll Soup meat-free. Use lentils or quinoa as a meat substitute. Both options add protein and flavor. For broth, stick to vegetable broth. It gives a deep taste without meat. You can also use mushroom broth for a rich, umami flavor. To keep this soup gluten-free, switch white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice. Both work well in the soup. If you want more texture, try using wild rice. Just adjust cooking time since wild rice takes longer to cook. Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also toss in some bay leaves for depth. Fresh herbs like dill or thyme can change the taste too. Try adding carrots or bell peppers for a sweet crunch. Just chop them small so they cook evenly. Storing leftovers is easy. First, let the soup cool down. Then, pour it into an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Store it in the fridge. Make sure to eat it within 3 to 4 days for the best taste. If you want, you can also add a note with the date. This helps you keep track of freshness. You can freeze Cabbage Roll Soup for later. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Leave some space at the top for expansion. To thaw, move the soup to the fridge overnight. You can also use warm water for a quicker thaw. Just place the bag in a bowl of water. Once thawed, heat it gently on the stove. Stir it often to keep it smooth. In the fridge, the soup lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. After that, the taste may fade. Always check for changes in smell or color before eating. This way, you enjoy every bite of your Cabbage Roll Soup! Yes, you can. Ground chicken or pork works well too. Each type cooks at similar times. If you choose ground chicken, it may need about 6-8 minutes. For pork, aim for the same 6-8 minutes to brown it well. Quinoa is a great swap for rice. Use 1 cup of quinoa. It cooks faster, about 15 minutes. You can also try cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Just add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking. Yes, it is quite healthy! It is packed with veggies and lean meat. One serving can have around 250-300 calories. It also provides fiber, protein, and vitamins from the cabbage and tomatoes. The soup is mild as written. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Start with 1/4 teaspoon, and taste as you go. You can also use a pinch of cayenne for a bit more kick. Sure! Beans and lentils add great protein and texture. If using canned beans, rinse them and add them in the last 10 minutes. For lentils, add 1 cup and let them cook in the broth for about 20 minutes. Check for doneness before serving. For the full recipe, check out the section above. Cabbage Roll Soup combines simple ingredients for a hearty meal. You need cabbage, meat, and rice as your base. Flavor comes from onions, garlic, and spices. Follow easy steps to cook and store it. You can even customize it for special diets. In my opinion, this soup is not just good; it's versatile and nutritious. Enjoy it today or freeze it for later!

Cabbage Roll Soup

Warm up with a hearty bowl of Cabbage Roll Soup Delight! This easy recipe combines ground turkey or beef, fresh cabbage, and flavorful spices to create a comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion. In just 50 minutes, you can enjoy a nutritious meal that serves six. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Click through to explore the full recipe and savor every delicious spoonful!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped

1 lb ground turkey or beef

1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent (about 5 minutes).

    Add the ground turkey or beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 6-8 minutes).

      Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cabbage starts to wilt.

        Add the vegetable or chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), rice, tomato paste, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine.

          Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 30-35 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the cabbage is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

            Once cooked, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Remove from heat.

              Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley on top.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 6