Description
A rich and creamy Southern-style cabbage soup that combines tender vegetables and optional smoked sausage or bacon for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 250 g cooked smoked sausage or bacon, sliced, optional
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in the cabbage and potatoes. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Add smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, onion powder, and salt. Stir well.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the cabbage and potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and milk. Simmer uncovered for another 5–8 minutes. Do not let the soup boil vigorously after adding the dairy.
- If using smoked sausage or bacon, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
- For extra richness, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Taste and adjust the salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with cornbread or crusty bread.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg