Kapusta(Hot Cabbage Soup)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Eastern European

Kapusta is a hearty hot cabbage soup with tender beef, potatoes, and tomato flavor, perfect for warming up and satisfying hearty appetites with rich, comforting flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. head cabbage, shredded
  • 2 Tbsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. white pepper
  • 1 c. chopped onion
  • 1 1/2 lb. beef chuck
  • 1 large soup bone
  • 2 (1 lb.) cans tomato puree
  • 8 peeled small white potatoes
  • 1 tsp. sour salt (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp. sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic

Instructions

  1. In a 6-quart kettle, combine cabbage, salt, white pepper, chopped onion, and 1 1/2 quarts of water. Bring to boiling, covered.
  2. Add beef chuck, soup bone, and tomato puree. Bring to boiling again.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 1 hour.
  4. Add peeled small white potatoes and simmer, covered, for an additional hour.

Tips & Substitutions

For a heartier soup, consider adding diced carrots or celery alongside the onions. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the beef chuck and soup bone with a mix of beans and vegetable broth. To enhance flavor, add a splash of vinegar or a few dashes of hot sauce for some heat. This dish can be made in advance to deepen the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Kapusta hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Consider serving alongside a dish like Giant Epanadas for a comforting family dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the soup has thickened. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, until heated through, stirring occasionally for even warming.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Kapusta(Hot Cabbage Soup) contains roughly 350 calories, with 8g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 815mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).

350 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.9g 16% DV
Total Fat 13.3g 17% DV
Carbs 54.4g 20% DV
Fiber 8.5g 30% DV
Sugar 9.3g 19% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 815.4mg 35% DV
Potassium 653.1mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 2.6mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 26.1mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 26mg 29% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 85.8mg 7% DV
Iron 4.9mg 27% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal

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 a different type of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the beef chuck with pork or turkey for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as leaner meats may require less simmering.

Is it possible to freeze Kapusta?

Absolutely! You can freeze Kapusta for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

What can I serve with Kapusta?

Kapusta pairs well with various sides, such as buttery cornbread or a light coleslaw. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with Beefy Mushroom Rice or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the soup.

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).

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