There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty soup—especially when it combines the flavors of smoky sausage with the earthiness of cabbage. This Smoky Sausage and Cabbage Comfort Soup is the ultimate cozy meal for chilly days. It’s rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and packed with healthy ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
The key to this soup’s delicious depth of flavor lies in the smoky sausage, which imparts a rich, savory base to the broth. When paired with the mild, sweet cabbage, the flavors meld together beautifully. Adding in vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery provides a balance of sweetness and texture, while herbs like thyme and bay leaves elevate the broth and give the soup a comforting, homestyle feel.
Not only is this soup comforting and flavor-packed, but it’s also nutritious. It’s low in carbs, making it a great option for those on a low-carb or keto diet, and the cabbage offers a dose of fiber and vitamins. The sausage adds a great source of protein, while the broth keeps it light and nourishing. This is the kind of soup you’ll want to make a big batch of and enjoy throughout the week!
Smoky Sausage and Cabbage Comfort Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb smoked sausage (or kielbasa), sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 4 cups)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
- 1 cup water (or more as needed)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra smokiness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until it begins to brown and release its oils. The sausage should get crispy on the edges—this will add a lot of flavor to the soup.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the Cabbage and Broth:
- Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and stir to combine with the sausage and vegetables. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cabbage starts to wilt.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the bay leaf, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally and add more water if the soup gets too thick.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika if desired.
- Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired for a touch of color and freshness.
- Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Variations and Tips:
- Vegetarian Version: To make this soup vegetarian or plant-based, you can substitute the smoked sausage with vegetarian sausage or tofu for a similar texture. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
- Add Potatoes: For an even heartier soup, add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes when adding the broth. They’ll cook down and thicken the soup, making it more filling.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños along with the garlic.
- Additional Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like parsnips, leeks, or zucchini to customize the soup to your taste.
- Slow Cooker Option: To make this soup in a slow cooker, sauté the sausage and vegetables as directed, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well developed.
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 6 servings):
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 19g
- Protein: 18g
- Total Carbs: 13g
- Fiber: 4g
- Net Carbs: 9g
- Sugar: 7g
- WW SmartPoints: 6 (per serving)
Why You’ll Love Smoky Sausage and Cabbage Comfort Soup:
- Hearty and Flavorful: The smoked sausage provides an irresistible savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the cabbage and vegetables. The smoky paprika adds an extra layer of warmth and depth.
- Simple and Quick: This soup comes together in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or when you want something comforting without a lot of fuss.
- Low-Carb and Nutritious: Packed with cabbage, carrots, and celery, this soup is low in carbs and full of vitamins and fiber. It’s filling without being too heavy.
- Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors deepen and become even better the next day, making it a great soup to prepare in advance or for meal prep.
This Smoky Sausage and Cabbage Comfort Soup is everything you want in a winter meal—hearty, flavorful, and nourishing. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy while curled up on the couch or when you need a quick and satisfying dinner after a long day. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and simple to make, so it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. 🍲😊
