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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Drain any excess fat from the meat, then introduce minced garlic and sauté for approximately 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Incorporate chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth into the meat mixture, creating a robust base for the soup.
- 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.
- 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.
- After 20 minutes of simmering, fold in uncooked rice, ensuring it’s completely submerged in the liquid.
- Continue cooking for an additional 15-18 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Once rice reaches a tender consistency and liquid has slightly thickened, remove from heat.
- 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