Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

Introduction:

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that brings the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into a simple, one-pot meal. With a savory blend of ground meats, tender cabbage, and rice in a rich tomato broth, this soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or a satisfying lunch.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ yellow onion, chopped (about ½ cup)
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ pound ground beef
½ pound ground pork
2 carrots, diced
1 (14.5-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth
½ cup uncooked white rice
½ small head green cabbage, chopped (about 4 cups)
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Sauté Vegetables:
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a Dutch oven. Add chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Cook Meat:
Add ground beef and ground pork to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

Add Ingredients:
Stir in diced carrots, tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, uncooked rice, chopped cabbage, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika.

Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes, or until the rice and cabbage are tender.

Serve:
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef and pork with additional vegetables or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.
• Different Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or potatoes for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a bit of water or broth to reach the desired consistency.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and pork?
   Yes, ground turkey can be used as a lighter alternative to beef and pork.
2. Is it possible to freeze this soup?
   Yes, this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
3. Can I use instant rice?
   Instant rice can be used, but it will cook faster. Add it during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
4. What if I don’t have beef broth?
   You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth.
5. How can I make this soup gluten-free?
   Ensure that the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free and use gluten-free beef broth.
6. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
   Yes, you can combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
7. What can I serve with this soup?
   It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad.
8. How do I know when the cabbage and rice are done?
   The cabbage should be tender and the rice should be fully cooked.
9. Can I omit the bay leaf?
   Yes, you can omit the bay leaf, though it adds a subtle depth of flavor.
10. How can I make this soup spicier?
    Add additional spices such as cayenne pepper or chili powder to taste.

Conclusion

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup offers a flavorful, no-fuss alternative to traditional cabbage rolls. With its hearty mix of meats, vegetables, and spices, this soup is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. Enjoy a warm bowl of this comforting soup any time of the year!

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