Get ready to transport your taste buds to the heart of Ukraine with this soul-warming Cabbage Roll Soup that promises to revolutionize your comfort food game! Imagine a rich, savory broth packed with tender ground pork, perfectly cooked rice, and melt-in-your-mouth cabbage that tells a story of traditional Ukrainian home cooking. This isn't just a soup; it's a culinary journey that will make you fall in love with Eastern European cuisine in just one spoonful!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup rice
- 1 head cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups tomato juice
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp dill
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage by carefully removing the core and chopping the leaves into medium-sized pieces. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, uncooked rice, finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork and rice mixture, breaking it up and browning it slightly for about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and tomato juice, stirring to combine and scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the pot, stirring gently to distribute evenly throughout the liquid.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped dill over the top of the soup for added flavor and traditional Ukrainian presentation.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, preferably with a side of crusty bread.
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp cabbage for the best texture and flavor. Remove the core carefully to keep the leaves intact.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider using a mix of ground meats like pork and beef to add depth to the soup.
- Don't rush the simmering process - low and slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Fresh dill is key to authentic Ukrainian flavor. If possible, use fresh dill instead of dried for a more vibrant taste.
- Make sure to break up the meat mixture thoroughly while browning to ensure even cooking and distribution.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance and let the flavors develop overnight.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a slice of crusty bread to complete the traditional Ukrainian experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 65mg
