Golumpki Soup (Deconstructed Stuffed Cabbage Soup)

🥬 Golumpki Soup (Deconstructed Stuffed Cabbage Soup)

A cozy, flavor-packed twist on traditional Polish golumpki (stuffed cabbage rolls)—all the deliciousness without the fuss!

🍲 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or pork/turkey mix)

• 1 onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small cabbage, chopped (~6 cups)

• 1 cup (180g) uncooked white rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb)

• 1 (28oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 4 cups beef or chicken broth

• 1 (15oz) can tomato sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Olive oil for sautéing

• Optional: ½ tsp sugar (balances acidity)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the meat: In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high. Cook ground meat until browned. Drain excess fat.

2. Sauté veggies: Add onion and garlic, cook 3 mins until soft. Stir in paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Add cabbage: Toss in chopped cabbage, stir until slightly wilted (5 mins).

4. Simmer: Pour in broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.

5. Cook rice: Stir in uncooked rice, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20–25 mins (until rice is tender).

6. Adjust seasonings: Remove bay leaf, add sugar if needed, and thin with broth if too thick.

✨ Tips & Variations

• Slow cooker: Brown meat/veggies first, then cook on LOW 6–8 hrs (add rice last 30 mins).

• Vegetarian: Swap beef for lentils or mushrooms, use veggie broth.

• Extra tang: Add 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

• Toppings: Fresh parsley, sour cream, or crusty bread for dipping.

Why You’ll Love It

✅ Easier than rolling cabbage leaves
✅ Hearty, one-pot meal (great for meal prep!)
✅ Comfort food with a lighter twist

Serve with rye bread or pierogi for the ultimate Polish comfort meal! 🇵🇱 Let me know if you’d like a spicy or Instant Pot version. 😊