Oh, golumpki soup! Just saying the name brings back a flood of cozy memories. This soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, combining the heartiness of ground meat and the freshness of cabbage in a way that just feels like home. It reminds me of chilly evenings spent in the kitchen with my family, where the savory aroma would waft through the air and make everyone gather around the table. Trust me, there’s something magical about this dish that warms not just your belly, but your soul. I can’t wait for you to try it—it’s comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients for Golumpki Soup
- 1 lb ground beef: This is the heart of the soup, providing a rich and savory flavor. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option!
- 1 cup cooked rice: I love using leftover rice for this recipe; it adds a lovely texture and bulk to the soup.
- 1 onion, chopped: This brings a sweet, aromatic base that enhances all the flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a burst of flavor that makes everything just pop!
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped: This is the star ingredient, giving that classic golumpki taste. It softens beautifully as it cooks.
- 4 cups beef broth: Choose a good quality broth for a deeper flavor, or homemade if you have it! It’s the soul of the soup.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes: These add a touch of acidity and sweetness, balancing out the richness of the beef.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: This intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the soup a lovely depth.
- 1 tsp paprika: Smoked or sweet, paprika adds a wonderful warmth and color.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors—always adjust to your taste!
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: A pinch of pepper adds a nice kick without being overwhelming.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This is for sautéing the onions and garlic, giving a nice richness to the base of your soup.
How to Prepare Golumpki Soup
Getting your golumpki soup ready is a breeze! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot full of warm, comforting goodness in no time.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onion is translucent, about 4-5 minutes. The smell will be amazing!
Step 2: Cook the Meat
Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spatula and cook it until it’s browned all over, about 6-8 minutes. You’ll want to see it sizzle and change color—that’s when you know it’s ready!
Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients
Now it’s time to stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want those flavors to meld beautifully!
Step 4: Add Cabbage and Broth
Next, add the chopped cabbage and pour in the beef broth. Stir everything together, making sure the cabbage is submerged in the broth. This is where the magic happens as the cabbage wilts and softens!
Step 5: Simmer and Serve
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld together and creates a deliciously hearty soup. Serve it hot, perhaps with some crusty bread on the side for dipping!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This golumpki soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience! You’ll fall in love with it for so many reasons:
- Quick prep: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can dive right into making this delightful soup!
- Hearty flavors: The combination of ground beef, rice, and tender cabbage creates a rich, comforting taste that warms you from the inside out.
- Comfort food appeal: Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a little pick-me-up, this soup feels like a cozy hug in a bowl.
- Easy to customize: Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a flexible recipe!
- Leftover friendly: The flavors only get better the next day, so it’s a great option for meal prep!
Tips for Success
To make your golumpki soup truly shine, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t skip on browning the meat well—that caramelization adds incredible depth to the flavor. If you have time, let the soup simmer a bit longer than 30 minutes; the longer it cooks, the more the flavors develop! Also, taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning to your liking. Want a little extra kick? A splash of hot sauce or a dash of cayenne can really amp it up! Lastly, don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information for this delicious golumpki soup. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so consider this a guideline!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 20g
Enjoying a bowl of this soup not only warms your heart but also provides a good balance of nutrients to keep you satisfied!
FAQ About Golumpki Soup
Can I make golumpki soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making golumpki soup in advance is a fantastic idea. The flavors deepen and meld beautifully as it sits. Just let the soup cool completely after cooking, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Just give it a good stir, and you’re all set for a cozy meal!
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you’re looking for alternatives to ground beef, you’ve got options! Ground turkey or chicken are great choices—they’re leaner but still pack a punch of flavor. If you’re aiming for a plant-based version, try using lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat or textured vegetable protein. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, especially with lentils, so they become tender and delicious!
Can I freeze golumpki soup?
Yes, you can definitely freeze golumpki soup! Once it’s cooled down, pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just stir occasionally until it’s hot, and you’ll have a comforting bowl ready in no time!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving golumpki soup, there are a few delightful pairings that can really elevate your meal! I love to enjoy it with some crusty bread or warm rolls, perfect for dipping into that rich broth. A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is also a great choice—it adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup. If you want to take it up a notch, consider serving it alongside some pickled vegetables for a zesty kick. Trust me, these sides make for a cozy and satisfying dining experience that you’ll want to repeat again and again!
For more information on the health benefits of cabbage, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in more comforting soup recipes, visit our soup section for a variety of delicious options!
For a delightful dessert to pair with your meal, consider trying our creamy chocolate pudding recipe!
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Golumpki Soup: 5 Cozy Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and comforting soup inspired by traditional golumpki, featuring ground meat and cabbage.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add chopped cabbage and beef broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: golumpki soup, cabbage soup, comfort food
