Golumpki Soup

“A hearty and comforting soup inspired by traditional Polish stuffed cabbage rolls (Golumpki), featuring tender cabbage, ground meat, and a flavorful tomato broth.”

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/pork mix)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice (or cooked for quicker preparation)
  • 6 cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the browned beef.
  2. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 3: Build the Broth

  1. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
  2. Add the smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Add the Cabbage and Broth

  1. Add the chopped cabbage and beef broth to the pot.
  2. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5: Add the Rice

  1. Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the uncooked rice. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the rice is tender. (If using cooked rice, add it in the last 5–10 minutes.)

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

  1. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings with more salt or pepper if needed.
  2. If the soup is too thick, add a bit more broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve

  1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
  2. Serve with a side of crusty bread or rolls for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Comforting and Hearty: All the flavors of traditional Golumpki in an easy, one-pot soup.
  • Versatile: Works well with different types of ground meat or even a vegetarian substitute.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Pro Tips

  1. Short on Time? Use pre-cooked rice or instant rice to speed up cooking.
  2. Freezer Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stove.
  3. Add a Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.

This Golumpki Soup is a warm and satisfying dish that brings the taste of Polish tradition to your table in a simpler, soupier form. It’s perfect for chilly nights or whenever you’re craving hearty comfort food! 🥣✨