Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage
• 2 carrots, peeled, quartered, and sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 3 8-ounce cans tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons parsley

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until beef is browned, approximately 4-5 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the cabbage, carrots, beef broth, tomato sauce, rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove bay leaf and discard.
5. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Enjoy this hearty and flavorful cabbage roll soup! Perfect for a cozy evening meal.

FAQs:

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

• Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef in this recipe if you prefer a leaner option.

1. Can I freeze the soup?

• Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

1. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

• Absolutely! Feel free to customize this soup with your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, celery, or even diced tomatoes would be great additions.

1. How can I adjust the seasoning?

• Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.

1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

• Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this soup by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add extra vegetables or substitute the beef with plant-based ground meat.

Tips:

1. Use lean ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat in the soup.
2. Prep ahead: Chop the vegetables in advance to save time when cooking.
3. Add rice at the right time: Make sure to add the rice when the soup is simmering to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors.
4. Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet soup, reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit it altogether.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished soup. Feel free to sprinkle extra herbs on top before serving.

Enjoy making and serving this delicious cabbage roll soup!