Heartwarming Golumpki Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Memories of my polish grandmother’s kitchen dance through this hearty golumpki soup that blends comfort and tradition.

Cabbage rolls reimagined in a warm, inviting broth capture the essence of home-cooked meals.

Tender ground beef mingles with rice and seasonings, creating a soul-warming experience.

Rich tomato base adds depth and complexity to each spoonful.

Generations of culinary wisdom simmer in this one-pot wonder that feels like a loving embrace.

Hearty ingredients promise to satisfy your hunger and warm your spirit.

You’ll want to ladle this delicious soup into bowls and savor every comforting bite.

Ingredients Breakdown For Golumpki Soup

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty meat that provides the main flavor foundation for the soup, choose lean beef for less grease.
• Onion: Aromatic base that adds depth and sweetness to the soup, yellow onions work best for traditional flavor.

• Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Creates a tangy and robust soup base, canned varieties offer consistent flavor.
• Beef Broth: Adds rich liquid and enhances meaty flavor, low-sodium options allow better seasoning control.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides complex umami and depth, traditional ingredient in many comfort food recipes.
• Vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy brightness to balance the rich soup.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Thyme: Classic seasonings that build layers of traditional Eastern European flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Offers slight sweetness and helps balance acidity.

• Cabbage: Classic golumpki ingredient that adds texture and authentic flavor, green cabbage recommended.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that deepens overall soup flavor.
• Uncooked Rice: Provides hearty substance and helps thicken the soup.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh green color and light herbaceous note.
• Sour Cream: Creamy topping that adds richness and tanginess.

Steps To Make Golumpki Soup Easily

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Heat up a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high flame. Toss in ground beef and diced onions, breaking the meat into crumbly bits as it cooks. Let the meat sizzle and turn a delicious golden brown. Drain off any extra fat, then add minced garlic and let it dance around for a minute, releasing its aromatic magic.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

• Chopped cabbage
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dried thyme
• Brown sugar
• Vinegar

Stir everything together with enthusiasm, letting the ingredients get to know each other. Bring the mixture to a robust boil, watching the colors and aromas blend.

Step 3: Let the Soup Simmer and Develop

Turn down the heat to a gentle whisper. Cover the pot and let everything mingle for about 20 minutes. The cabbage will soften and the flavors will start to tell their delicious story.

Step 4: Introduce the Rice

Sprinkle uncooked rice into the soup and let it cook for another 15 minutes. Give the pot an occasional stir to prevent any rice from getting too friendly with the bottom of the pot. Wait until the rice becomes tender and perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Serve with Love

• Sprinkling fresh parsley on top
• Adding a dollop of creamy sour cream
• Serving with crusty bread on the side

Enjoy your soul-warming Golumpki Soup!

Tips To Nail Golumpki Soup Flavor

• Trim Fat Smartly: Use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce grease while maintaining rich flavor without compromising soup's heartiness.
• Rice Rescue Technique: Rinse rice before adding to prevent excess starchiness and ensure each grain remains separate and perfectly cooked.
• Veggie Versatility: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a delicious vegetarian version that keeps the soup's traditional comfort.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust paprika and black pepper quantities based on personal heat preference, creating a customized taste experience.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Store cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep easier and preserving delicious flavors for later enjoyment.

How To Store Golumpki Soup Without Fuss

• Refrigerate leftover Golumpki Soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for maximum 3 months, leaving a small space at the top for expansion.
• When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore consistency.
• Add a splash of beef broth if the soup seems too thick after refrigeration.
• Avoid microwaving for best texture, as rice can become mushy and lose its pleasant chewiness.
• Always check for any unusual odors or discoloration before consuming stored soup, and discard if anything seems off.

Great Pairings For Golumpki Soup

• Pair with Hearty Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the Golumpki soup. These wines cut through the soup's richness and enhance its savory profile.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Grab a thick slice of tangy sourdough to soak up the delicious broth. The bread's slightly sour taste balances the soup's robust meat and tomato base perfectly.
• Add a Fresh Cucumber Salad: Create a light, crisp side dish with thinly sliced cucumbers, dill, and a light vinaigrette. This refreshing accompaniment provides a cool contrast to the warm, hearty soup.
• Finish with Polish Fruit Kompot: Prepare a traditional Polish fruit drink made with seasonal berries or apples. This sweet, light beverage cleanses the palate and offers a delightful end to the meal.

New Variations Of Golumpki Soup To Try

• Spicy Polish Comfort Bowl: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking. Enhance the flavor with a splash of hot sauce for an extra zesty experience.
• Mediterranean Golumpki Fusion: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired variation. Replace beef with ground lamb for an authentic Mediterranean touch.
• Quick Weeknight Skillet Version: Transform the soup into a one-pan meal by reducing the liquid and cooking everything in a large skillet. Skip the simmering time and create a faster, more compact dish that's perfect for busy evenings.
• Vegetarian Cabbage Delight: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Add mushrooms for extra texture and umami flavor, keeping the traditional Polish soup's essence while creating a meat-free alternative.

FAQs For Golumpki Soup Lovers

• What are golumpki, and how does this soup relate to traditional golumpki?

Golumpki is a Polish stuffed cabbage roll typically filled with meat and rice. This soup captures the classic flavors of traditional golumpki in an easier, one-pot meal that’s quicker to prepare.

• Is this soup suitable for people who want a hearty meal?

Absolutely! This soup is packed with protein from ground beef, fiber from cabbage, and carbohydrates from rice, making it a complete and filling meal that’s perfect for cold days or when you want something substantial.

• Can I make this soup healthier?

You can use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey for a lower-fat version. Adding extra vegetables like carrots or celery can boost the nutritional value and provide more depth to the soup.

• Why does the recipe include brown sugar and vinegar?

Brown sugar and vinegar add a subtle sweet and tangy balance to the soup, mimicking the complex flavor profile of traditional golumpki and creating a more rounded taste experience.

Why Golumpki Soup Is A Cozy Favorite

• Whip Up Comfort Quickly: This golumpki soup delivers hearty, comforting flavors in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something warm and satisfying.
• Transform Traditional Cabbage Rolls: By converting classic golumpki into a soup format, this recipe offers an easier, more convenient way to enjoy beloved Polish-inspired flavors without complex rolling techniques.
• Customize with Simple Ingredients: Using basic pantry staples like ground beef, cabbage, rice, and common spices, this recipe allows flexible cooking with ingredients most home cooks already have on hand.
• One-Pot Wonder Meal: The entire dish comes together in a single pot, minimizing kitchen cleanup and providing a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and grains in one delicious bowl.

Golumpki Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting Polish golumpki soup blends hearty cabbage rolls with rich, savory broth, creating a soulful tribute to traditional Eastern European cuisine. This warming bowl invites hungry diners to savor generations of culinary warmth in each satisfying spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or ground pork)

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) green cabbage (chopped)
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef broth
• ½ cup (118 milliliters) uncooked white rice (long grain)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a tangy kick)

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Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven, brown ground beef with diced onions over medium-high heat until the meat is completely caramelized and onions turn translucent.
2. Drain any excess fat from the meat, then introduce minced garlic and sauté for approximately 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
3. Incorporate chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth into the meat mixture, creating a robust base for the soup.
4. Season the developing soup with Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, brown sugar, and a splash of vinegar, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer, covering the pot to allow ingredients to meld and cabbage to soften.
6. After 20 minutes of simmering, fold in uncooked rice, ensuring it’s completely submerged in the liquid.
7. Continue cooking for an additional 15-18 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
8. Once rice reaches a tender consistency and liquid has slightly thickened, remove from heat.
9. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or a dollop of cool sour cream for added complexity.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier protein option that still delivers incredible flavor.
• Use brown rice or cauliflower rice to increase nutritional value and create a lower-carb alternative for those watching their grain intake.
• Enhance the soup’s depth by adding a splash of red wine during beef browning, which introduces a rich, complex undertone to the entire dish.
• For gluten-sensitive individuals, ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari sauce to maintain the umami profile without compromising dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg