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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef (or beef and pork mix) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove any excess grease and set the browned meat aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the Cabbage and Rice
- Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes until it starts to soften.
- Add the uncooked rice to the pot and stir to combine with the cabbage and onions.
4. Build the Soup Base
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to the pot, stirring to combine.
- Stir in the dried thyme, dried basil, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer the Soup
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.
- Let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the cabbage is tender. Stir occasionally to ensure the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom.
6. Taste and Adjust
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or paprika for extra flavor.
- If the soup is too thick, add a bit more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
- Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve hot.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired, to add a little extra richness.
Tips for Success
- Use Ground Pork: For a more traditional flavor, try using ground pork in addition to the ground beef. This adds extra flavor and richness to the soup.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to throw in extra vegetables, such as carrots or celery, for added nutrition and flavor. Just chop them finely and sauté them with the onions and garlic.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when cooking the onions and garlic.
- Rice Alternatives: You can use quinoa, barley, or wild rice as an alternative to white rice for a heartier or more nutritious version of this soup.
- Make Ahead: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days and even improves in flavor over time. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop, adding a bit more broth if needed.
Why This Recipe Works
Golumpki Soup takes all the delicious flavors of the classic stuffed cabbage dish and turns it into a convenient, easy-to-make soup. The ground beef and pork blend provides a rich base, while the cabbage adds a nice texture and flavor. The rice thickens the soup and gives it that comforting “stuffed cabbage” feel. The seasoning blend—made with thyme, basil, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce—enhances the soup’s depth, making every spoonful warm and comforting.
This soup also allows for flexibility in ingredients and cooking methods, making it a versatile option for anyone. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or preparing a batch to freeze for later, Golumpki Soup is a delicious, satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
Conclusion
Golumpki Soup is a perfect way to enjoy the comforting, rich flavors of a traditional Polish dish in a much easier form. With its combination of ground meat, tender cabbage, rice, and seasonings, this soup is hearty, filling, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for those cold nights when you’re craving something warm and satisfying or when you want to impress guests with a delicious, homemade meal. Try this easy and comforting recipe today, and let the flavors of golumpki bring warmth and joy to your home.
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