Quick Weeknight Cabbage Roll Soup
A nourishing, veggie packed soup with ground beef, cabbage, and sauerkraut for big flavor.
When the holidays started, my husband, my sons and I were quickly conquered by a virus that was going around. That’s when you know you have to slow down and take things easy, even though we had planned so many things, visits and walks. Instead, we often stayed at home, wrapped in blankets, watching films and eating this soup, which is full of goodness and quick to make – a double bonus when you’re unwell.
Flu is never pleasant, but there is a silver lining to days filled with coughs, a runny nose and a slight fever – sometimes we just have to allow ourselves to do very little in order to recharge for the next season. Rather than following the calendar, I like to think of the changing seasons thematically, like in Stranger Things: first, nature falls asleep in autumn; then, we prepare for the return of the light with the winter solstice, Christmas and the New Year. Now, a countdown to spring is about to start – something new is already here, but we still don’t know what it will be. May it be something beautiful and filled with joy! Wishing you all a very happy New Year!
Ingredients:
(4-6 people)
1 tablespoon butter
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion
3 garlic cloves
2 carrots
1 potato
1 small green cabbage
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ bottle (350 ml) passata (or crushed tomatoes)
5 cups (1.2 L) beef stock
½ cup sauerkraut with brine (the secret ingredient)
½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 bay leaf
1–2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, to taste
Fresh dill or parsley, for finishing
Kitchen utensils: a large skillet with tall sides or a large saucepan, a lid, a box grater, a chopping board, a knife, a wooden spoon or spatula.
Method:
Start by warming up a large skillet or saucepan on a medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
Finely dice 1 small onion. Cook in the skillet for about one or two minutes until fragrant. Meanwhile, grate 2 peeled carrots. Add them to the onions and cook for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally.