Print

Golumpki Soup: A Hearty & Delicious Polish Comfort Food Recipe

Print Recipe

Hearty and flavorful Golumpki soup, a deconstructed cabbage roll soup with ground beef, pork, cabbage, rice, and a rich tomato broth. A comforting and satisfying meal!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 large head of cabbage, cored and shredded
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup cooked rice (long grain or medium grain works best)
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried savory (optional, but adds a nice depth)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a touch of tang)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sour cream or plain yogurt (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Mix well with your hands. Add the cooked rice, marjoram, thyme, savory (if using), black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to combine. Set aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Add the shredded cabbage and sauté, stirring frequently, until it begins to soften and wilt, about 10-15 minutes.
  3. Combine and Simmer the Soup: Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine. Pour in the beef broth. Gently add the meat mixture to the pot, distributing it evenly.
  4. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours. Stir occasionally during simmering.
  5. After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If using apple cider vinegar, stir it in during the last 15 minutes of simmering.
  6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt, if desired.

Notes

  • Meat Options: You can use all ground beef or all ground pork if you prefer. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Rice Options: While long grain or medium grain rice is traditionally used, you can experiment with other types of rice, such as brown rice or wild rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, or potatoes. Just dice them into small pieces and add them to the pot along with the cabbage.
  • Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup.
  • Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with lentils or beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Slow Cooker Option: This soup can also be made in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
  • Freezing: Golumpki soup freezes very well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Serving Suggestions: Golumpki soup is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it can also be served with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad.
  • Storage Instructions: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Find it online: https://mmmflavors.com/golumpki-soup/