Sausage Potato Cabbage

The wind was howling against my apartment windows last November, the kind of weather that makes you want to wrap yourself in a blanket and never leave. I had a random assortment of ingredients in my fridge and zero motivation to go grocery shopping. That's when I threw together this soup for the first time, and now it's become my absolute go-to whenever the temperature drops below freezing. Something about the way the smoked sausage infuses the broth makes the whole house smell incredible.

Last winter my sister came over during a snowstorm, and I made a massive batch of this. We sat at the kitchen table for hours watching the snow pile up outside, refilling our bowls until the pot was empty. She texted me the next day begging for the recipe, which I consider the highest possible compliment.

Ingredients

• Smoked sausage or kielbasa: The smoky flavor is the backbone of this soup so dont skip the smoked variety
• Potatoes: They break down slightly to naturally thicken the broth while still holding their shape
• Green cabbage: Adds sweetness and texture that balances perfectly with the savory sausage
• Onion, carrots, and celery: This classic trio builds a flavorful foundation for the broth
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic makes all the difference in the depth of flavor
• Broth: Use whatever you have on hand but a good quality broth really shines here
• Smoked paprika: This is the secret ingredient that amplifies the smokiness from the sausage
• Dried thyme and bay leaf: These herbs add an earthy warmth that ties everything together

Instructions

Brown the sausage first:

Heat olive oil in your soup pot over medium heat and add sliced sausage, cooking until they develop a nice golden color on both sides, about 4 minutes. The browned bits left behind will add incredible depth to your broth.

Build the flavor base:

Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in the same pot until they start to soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes. Don't rush this step since these vegetables form the foundation of your soup.

Wake up the aromatics:

Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, and thyme, cooking for just 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. You want to bloom the spices in the hot oil to release their essential oils.

Bring it all together:

Add potatoes, cabbage, and the browned sausage back into the pot. Pour in your broth and drop in the bay leaf, then season with salt and pepper.

Let it simmer:

Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You'll know it's done when the potatoes are fork tender and the cabbage has turned sweet and silky.

Finish and serve:

Fish out the bay leaf and taste your soup, adjusting the seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley, maybe a dollop of sour cream if you're feeling fancy.

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This recipe got me through a particularly rough week when I was too overwhelmed to cook anything complicated. There's something deeply nourishing about a soup that comes together with minimal effort but tastes like it simmered all day.

Making It Your Own

I've experimented with different sausages depending on what's available at my grocery store. Sometimes spicy Italian sausage gives it a nice kick, while a milder kielbasa lets the vegetables shine. You can also swap in sweet potatoes for regular ones if you want a slightly sweeter soup.

Serving Suggestions

A hunk of crusty bread is absolutely mandatory for soaking up that flavorful broth. I've also served this alongside a simple green salad when I want to make it feel like a complete meal. Some friends swear by a squeeze of fresh lemon right before eating.

Storage and Meal Prep

This soup freezes beautifully and has saved me on countless busy weeknights. I portion it into glass containers and keep some in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week. Just know that the potatoes will absorb some broth as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

• Let the soup cool completely before storing to prevent condensation
• It keeps in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
• Frozen portions stay good for about 3 months

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There's honestly nothing better than coming home to a pot of this soup bubbling away on the stove. It's simple, hearty, and never fails to hit the spot.

Recipe Questions

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, this hearty meal stores exceptionally well and often develops even richer flavors if made a day ahead. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

→ What type of sausage is recommended?

For the best flavor, a smoked sausage or kielbasa is highly recommended. These varieties hold up well to simmering and impart a wonderful savory depth to the overall composition.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can opt for a spicy variety of smoked sausage. Alternatively, a pinch of red chili flakes added along with the other spices can provide a pleasant kick.

→ Can I use different types of potatoes?

Certainly! While regular potatoes provide a creamy texture, sweet potatoes can be substituted for a slightly different, sweeter flavor profile that complements the other ingredients beautifully.

→ Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes, this dish can be made gluten-free. The main ingredient to check is the sausage; ensure you select a brand explicitly labeled as gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally free from gluten.