Cabbage, Sausage, and Potato Soup
There’s something undeniably comforting about a hot, hearty bowl of soup, and this cabbage, sausage, and potato version is no exception. With its savory broth, tender vegetables, and satisfying protein, it’s a complete meal in a single bowl. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or looking for a make-ahead option to keep you nourished all week, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
The combination of cabbage, sausage, and potatoes creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. The cabbage lends a subtle sweetness and tender texture, while the sausage adds a delightful savory kick. The potatoes, in turn, provide a starchy base that helps to thicken the broth and make the soup extra satisfying.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this cabbage, sausage, and potato soup apart is its versatility. Not only is it easy to prepare with readily available ingredients, but it can also be easily adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option, a dairy-free version, or a way to boost the protein content, this recipe offers simple modifications to help you create the perfect meal.
Another reason to love this soup is its incredible texture contrast. The tender cabbage and potatoes are complemented by the slightly firm sausage, creating a delightful interplay of flavors and mouthfeel. And because the soup can be made in advance and reheated, it’s an excellent option for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Cabbage, Sausage, and Potato Soup ❓
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
The beauty of this cabbage, sausage, and potato soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of savory sausage, hearty potatoes, and nutrient-dense cabbage creates the classic comfort food flavor profile that has made these types of recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Cabbage, Sausage, and Potato Soup Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
• Step 3: Add the shredded cabbage, diced potatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
• Step 5: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with additional thyme or chopped parsley, if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
Compared to traditional cabbage and potato soups, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this cabbage, sausage, and potato soup saves you 20% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 860mg
These cabbage, sausage, and potato soups provide approximately 30% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute cauliflower florets for some of the potatoes to lower the carbohydrate count.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use a dairy-free broth, such as vegetable or bone broth, instead of chicken broth.
• Added protein: Stir in 1-2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken or sliced grilled chicken sausage for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add 1-2 cups of diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for additional nutritional value and texture.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the cabbage, sausage, and potato soup.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Complement the soup with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a crunchy coleslaw.
• For a heartier dinner, serve the soup alongside grilled or roasted chicken or pork chops.
• Create an inviting platter by garnishing the soup with shredded cheese, chopped scallions, and a sprinkle of paprika.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not adjusting the seasoning: The flavors of this soup can be impacted by the specific sausage and broth used. Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or herbs as needed to achieve the perfect balance.
• Skipping the sauté step: Taking the time to brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic adds a depth of flavor that can’t be replicated by simply throwing all the ingredients into the pot at once.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These cabbage, sausage, and potato soups retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the soup up to the simmering step, then let it cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and continuing the cooking process.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked soup to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Reheating: Warm the leftover soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This cabbage, sausage, and potato soup is an excellent make-ahead option. You can prepare the full recipe and refrigerate it for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I substitute the sausage with another protein?
Yes, you can use a variety of proteins in this soup. Ground Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken would all work well. Keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly depending on the protein you choose, but the overall dish will still be delicious.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
To make this recipe more low-carb friendly, you can substitute cauliflower florets for some of the potatoes. This will reduce the overall carbohydrate content while still providing a hearty, satisfying texture. You can also use a low-carb or no-sugar-added broth to further reduce the carb count.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
If your cabbage, sausage, and potato soup ends up being too thick, simply add a bit more broth to thin it out to your desired consistency. Start with 1/4 cup of additional broth and adjust as needed. You can also thin the soup by adding a splash of water or milk (dairy or non-dairy).
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This soup is very versatile and can accommodate a variety of additional vegetables. Try stirring in diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or even zucchini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the vegetables are tender. You can also use this soup as a way to use up any leftover veggies you have on hand.
Conclusion
These cabbage, sausage, and potato soups represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they’re sure to impress with their warm, comforting flavors and satisfying texture. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these hearty soups demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the kitchen. So why not give this cabbage, sausage, and potato soup a try and experience the joy of a homemade, nourishing meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
