There are so many reasons why this Cabbage Roll Soup may just be my favourite soup we have made to date. Filled with traditional cabbage roll ingredients minus all the rolling, this soup comes together in a breeze and is so nutritious and wholesome. I think my Ukrainian granny would have been proud.
Health Benefits of Cabbage
Cabbage belongs to a family of veg called cruciferous vegetables, which contain plant compounds that are known for their cancer and inflammation fighting properties. They also make you toot, but it’s a side effect that’s worth putting up with in my humble opinion. Cabbage is rich in fibre, vitamin K and vitamin C. It is a nutrient powerhouse and a tasty and typically inexpensive addition to recipes!
They’re great in tacos (like these Fish Taco with Apple Slaw), or used in salads!
Easy Soup Recipes
‘Tis the season for soup recipes! Warming up with a hearty bowl of soup for lunch or dinner is my favourite winter meal. Plus, it is a great opportunity to get lots of veggies in! Some of my favourites are:
Cabbage Roll Soup
Cabbage Roll Soup
There are so many reasons why this Cabbage Roll Soup may just be my favourite soup we have made to date. Filled with traditional cabbage roll ingredients minus all the rolling, this soup comes together in a breeze and is so nutritious and wholesome. I think my Ukrainian granny would have been proud.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground (chicken, beef or veggie)
- 2 cups diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups diced celery (4-5 ribs)
- 8 cups chopped green cabbage (2 lb, 1 medium cabbage)
- 2 cups sliced carrots (3-4 carrots)
- 1 946ml can diced tomatoes
- 1 156ml can tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 8 cups stock (chicken, beef or vegetable)
- 1 cup long grain rice* (uncooked)
- salt and pepper to taste
- sour cream (for serving, optional)
Instructions
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In a large heavy bottomed pot, cook the ground on medium heat until just browned (add a drizzle of oil if needed). Add the onion and cook until the onion is soft and transparent, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the garlic and celery and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the cabbage (it is a lot but will cook down) and cook for 6-8 minutes, until the cabbage cooks down to about 1/2 of the volume. Add the carrots, cook for 2-3 minutes, and add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar and stock. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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While the soup simmers, cook the rice according to the package directions. Season the soup with salt and pepper and serve each bowl of soup with a spoonful of rice and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Recipe Notes
*I used jasmine rice
I can’t wait to try this soup Tori & you’re right, Grandma T. would be proud 🙂
My mom and Baba taught me the art of rolling cabbage leaves to make “holobchi”. I also make crock pot cabbage rolls and cabbage roll casserole so I am excited to add this recipe to my repertoire. Thanks for posting!
I make this soup very often. The only difference is that I make it with thinly chopped chicken (skinless, bonless thighs). Delicious! My 11 years old daughter (finicky eater) loves it – it is her favourite dish these days! Further, I make a moussaka in very similar way – just using ground pork (or beef) and sour cabbage. It does have a distinct aroma, but the health benefits of sour cabbage are amazing! Bonnie appetite 👩🍳
Do you think you can do this soup without the onion? And have it still be everything it should be?
I think you would be fine without it!
Very delicious soup! Great way to get the cabbage roll fix with a lot less work! Will definitely make again!
Thanks so much Karinn! That is amazing to hear.
Made the soup tonight, perfect for a cold Ontario day ! It was absolutely delicious and both my husband & I loved it. A keeper for sure – well done Tori !!
Can the rice be added and then batches frozen after?
Hi Kate I don’t recommend freezing rice! Sorry for the delay in responding I just saw this!
We had this soup the other day and it was easy to make and absolutely delicious! Definitely add the sour cream – yummm!! Maddy’s boyfriend is Ukrainian so I look forward to making this for him one day soon. Thanks Tori ❤️
How would this be without using any ground???
Hey Jennifer! Still great! Consider adding more veggies in replacement.
Made this tonight and my 4yo and 2yo LOVED it! I used stewed tomato’s instead as that was all I had. Added zucchini and a bit of Tabasco 🤤 so good! Made a lot though, going to try freeze the left over!
This is a delicious and tasty recipe! I made it with veggie ground as its what I had on hand and it was wonderful. This makes a HUGE batch! Thanks for the great recipe Tori.
Great recipe. I add cinnamon to mine.
This soup was delicious and it got better with age. We made it with Beyond ground and we added half the quantity of rice directly to the soup at the final cooking step. It was a great way to use up some of our CSA produce.
Thank you Michelle so happy you liked it!