Cabbage Potato Soup is a warm and cozy dish that’s perfect for chilly days. With tender potatoes and crunchy cabbage, it’s both hearty and healthy!
I love how easy it is to make this soup. Just toss the ingredients in a pot, let them simmer, and enjoy a bowl of comfort. It’s like getting a hug from inside! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: Bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor to the soup. If you’re vegetarian or want to skip the meat, you can use olive oil or butter instead and add some smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
Broth: Chicken broth is great, but vegetable broth works well too for a lighter, vegetarian version. This keeps the soup full of flavor.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is the star here, but savoy or purple cabbage could add a unique twist. If you want it crunchier, consider adding it closer to the end of cooking.
Potatoes: I prefer using starchy potatoes like Russets that break down nicely, adding thickness to the soup. You can also substitute with Yukon Golds for a creamier texture.
Fresh Dill: Fresh dill brightens up the dish! If it’s unavailable, you can use a bit of dried dill, but use less since dried herbs are more potent.
How Do I Get My Onions and Carrots Perfectly Softened?
Getting your onions and carrots tender is crucial for a delicious soup. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat carefully: Start with medium heat. If it’s too high, you may burn them before they soften.
- Add in stages: Cook onions first, as they take longer to soften. Once they start sweating, add the carrots.
- Cover the pot: A lid helps trap steam and speeds up the cooking process.
Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This will create a lovely base for your soup!
Delicious Cabbage Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (substitute vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for creaminess)
- Butter or oil for cooking (if skipping bacon, use butter or oil)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-40 minutes to cook, making it a great dish to whip up any day of the week. In total, you can have this hearty soup ready to enjoy in about 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked bacon and set it aside on a paper towel. Leave the bacon fat in the pot for extra flavor!
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Next, add the chopped onion and sliced carrots into the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, until they become softened and translucent. This adds a wonderful base flavor to your soup.
3. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You’ll want to let that garlic get nice and fragrant, which makes the kitchen smell amazing!
4. Pour in the Broth:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. The broth acts as the foundation for your soup and gives it that comforting depth of flavor.
5. Add Potatoes:
Once boiling, add the potato chunks. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes start to soften. This will help them cook evenly with the other ingredients.
6. Stir in the Cabbage and Seasonings:
Add the chopped cabbage along with salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Then, reduce the heat and let it all simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the cabbage and potatoes are tender.
7. Final Touches:
Now stir in the cooked bacon and the chopped fresh dill. If you want your soup to be creamier, you can add the heavy cream or half-and-half now and heat it through without boiling.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Make sure to taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little more salt or pepper can make a big difference!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra fresh dill and perhaps some toasted bread on the side for scooping up every delicious drop!
Cuddle up with your comforting bowl of cabbage potato soup and enjoy the warmth it brings. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring all by yourself! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen vegetables! Just add them during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to allow them to warm through. Keep in mind that frozen vegetables may release some additional water, so adjust the seasoning if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave. If it looks too thick after sitting, add a splash of broth or water to thin it out before reheating.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
Absolutely! To make the soup vegetarian or vegan, just skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can sauté the veggies in olive oil or vegan butter for added flavor!
What Other Ingredients Can I Add?
Feel free to customize your soup! You can add other vegetables like celery, peas, or bell peppers. For added protein, consider including beans or lentils. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly for firmer or softer veggies!
