Cabbage, Sausage And Soup
A hearty, flavorful soup combining cabbage, sausage, and apples, perfect for comforting meals with a balance of savory and sweet notes, suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add coleslaw mix, chopped onion, chopped celery, and caraway seed.
- Cook for 5 to 8 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Stir in chicken broth, smoked sausage, chopped apples, and salt.
- Cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated and flavors are blended, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes or carrots. If you don't have smoked sausage, Kielbasa or even turkey sausage can work well as substitutes. To enhance the flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you're not fond of caraway seed, fennel seeds are a great alternative. This recipe is quite forgiving, allowing for easy adjustments based on your pantry.
Serving Suggestions
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a side of pickled vegetables for added crunch and tang. If you're looking for more comforting options, check out Cabbage And Bacon Soup or Old Fashioned Cream Of Tomato Soup(4B'S Restaurant) for inspiration. A dollop of sour cream on top can add a creamy finish and balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also use a microwave, but it's best to cover the container to prevent splatters and ensure even heating. If the soup thickens too much, add a bit of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabbage, Sausage And Soup contains roughly 586 calories, with 29g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (168% of the Daily Value), iron (114% of the Daily Value), and calcium (67% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1361mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cabbage instead of coleslaw mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh cabbage, simply chop about 2 cups of green cabbage and add it to the soup in place of the coleslaw mix. Just be sure to sauté it long enough to become tender, about 8-10 minutes, before adding the broth.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this soup can be frozen! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or microwave until heated through.
What can I do if I want a vegetarian version?
For a vegetarian version, omit the smoked sausage and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add beans or lentils for protein and additional texture. Also, consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).