Golumpki Soup

Here’s a comforting Golumpki Soup—a deconstructed take on the classic Polish stuffed cabbage rolls (golumpki), but in soup form. It’s hearty, tangy, and perfect for cozy meals. 🥣

Golumpki Soup (Stuffed Cabbage Roll Soup)

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45–50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork

• 1 cup cooked rice

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

• 6 cups beef or chicken broth

• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richness)

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Optional: 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce or 1 tsp vinegar for tang

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook meat
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
   Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add rice and seasonings
   Stir in cooked rice, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and optional Worcestershire or vinegar. Mix well.

3. Add cabbage and tomatoes
   Stir in chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (with juice), and tomato paste if using. Mix until combined.

4. Simmer soup
   Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30–35 minutes, until cabbage is tender.

5. Adjust flavor
   Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar for extra tang.

6. Serve
   Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
   Serve with crusty bread for a hearty meal.

Tips

• For extra flavor, sauté the cabbage with the onion before adding broth.

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld.

Variations

• 🍅 Creamy version: Stir in ½ cup sour cream before serving

• 🌶 Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes

• 🥣 Vegetarian: Replace meat with lentils or extra beans

This soup captures all the flavors of traditional golumpki without rolling individual cabbage leaves—much faster and easier!

I can also give you a slow cooker version that’s hands-off and perfect for busy days.