onepot cabbage and sausage soup with garlic for cold winter nights

2 min prep 5 min cook 4 servings
onepot cabbage and sausage soup with garlic for cold winter nights
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As the winter months approach, there's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to soothe the soul. For me, the smell of simmering sausage and cabbage is a nostalgic reminder of cold winter nights spent cozied up by the fire with loved ones. It was on one such night that I first created this recipe for one-pot cabbage and sausage soup with garlic, and it's been a staple in our household ever since. What makes this recipe so special is the way the flavors meld together in perfect harmony. The sweetness of the cabbage pairs beautifully with the savory flavor of the sausage, while the garlic adds a depth and richness that elevates the entire dish. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make - just toss all the ingredients into one pot and let the magic happen! I've made this soup countless times over the years, and it never fails to impress. Whether I'm serving it to a crowd or just enjoying a quiet night in, the warm, comforting flavors always hit the spot. And the best part? It's incredibly versatile - feel free to customize it to your taste with your favorite spices and ingredients.

Why You'll Love This onepot cabbage and sausage soup with garlic for cold winter nights

  • Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and can be prepared in under an hour.
  • Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite spices and ingredients to make the recipe your own.
  • Comforting: The warm, soothing flavors are perfect for cold winter nights.
  • One-Pot Wonder: This recipe is made in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Flavorful: The combination of sausage, cabbage, and garlic creates a rich and savory flavor profile.
  • Perfect for Crowds: This recipe makes a large batch, making it perfect for serving to a crowd.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: The soup can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
  • Nutritious: This recipe is packed with vitamins and minerals from the cabbage and other vegetables.

Ingredient Breakdown

Ingredients for onepot cabbage and sausage soup with garlic for cold winter nights
The key ingredients in this recipe are the sausage, cabbage, garlic, and chicken broth. The sausage provides a savory flavor and a bit of spice, while the cabbage adds natural sweetness and texture. The garlic is essential for adding depth and richness to the soup, and the chicken broth helps to tie everything together. When selecting ingredients, be sure to choose a high-quality sausage that is flavorful and spicy, and opt for fresh cabbage that is crisp and firm. You can also use other types of broth, such as beef or vegetable broth, if you prefer.

How to Make onepot cabbage and sausage soup with garlic for cold winter nights

1
Brown the Sausage

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

2
Soften the Onions and Garlic

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

3
Add the Cabbage and Broth

Add the shredded cabbage, chicken broth, and diced potatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until the cabbage is tender, about 20-25 minutes.

4
Season and Serve

Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.

5
Optional: Add Other Vegetables

Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced carrots or sliced bell peppers, to the pot along with the cabbage and potatoes.

6
Optional: Use Different Types of Sausage

You can use different types of sausage, such as chorizo or Italian sausage, to give the soup a unique flavor.

Tips for Perfect Results

Use High-Quality Sausage

Choose a sausage that is flavorful and spicy, as it will add depth and richness to the soup.

Don't Overcook the Cabbage

Cook the cabbage until it is tender, but still crisp. Overcooking can make it mushy and unappetizing.

Add Aromatics for Depth

Add aromatics, such as onions and garlic, to the pot to add depth and richness to the soup.

Experiment with Spices

Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to give the soup a unique flavor.

Use Fresh Herbs for Garnish

Use fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to garnish the soup and add a pop of color and freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking the Cabbage

    Fix: Cook the cabbage until it is tender, but still crisp. Check the cabbage frequently to avoid overcooking.

  • Using Low-Quality Sausage

    Fix: Choose a high-quality sausage that is flavorful and spicy. This will add depth and richness to the soup.

  • Not Adding Enough Broth

    Fix: Add enough broth to cover the ingredients and allow for a rich and flavorful soup. You can always add more broth, but it's harder to remove excess broth.

  • Not Seasoning Enough

    Fix: Season the soup generously with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors. You can also add other seasonings, such as herbs and spices, to give the soup a unique flavor.

Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian Version

Replace the sausage with a vegetarian alternative, such as tofu or tempeh, and add more vegetables, such as carrots and bell peppers, to the pot.

Spicy Version

Add more spices, such as red pepper flakes or hot sauce, to the pot to give the soup a spicy kick.

Low-Sodium Version

Use low-sodium broth and reduce the amount of salt added to the pot to create a lower-sodium version of the soup.

Gluten-Free Version

Replace the sausage with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free broth to create a gluten-free version of the soup.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Room Temp:

The soup can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, it's best to refrigerate or freeze the soup to prevent bacterial growth.

Refrigerator:

The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat the soup gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Freezer:

The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat the soup gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.

Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes! You can use different types of sausage, such as chorizo or Italian sausage, to give the soup a unique flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount of spices and seasonings accordingly.

Can I add other vegetables to the pot?

Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced carrots or sliced bell peppers, to the pot along with the cabbage and potatoes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is this soup gluten-free?

No, this soup is not gluten-free as it contains sausage, which typically contains gluten. However, you can make a gluten-free version of the soup by using gluten-free sausage and broth.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes! The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat the soup gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

How do I reheat this soup?

To reheat the soup, simply warm it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat the soup in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the soup to become too hot and potentially burn your mouth.

onepot cabbage and sausage soup with garlic for cold winter nights
soups

onepot cabbage and sausage soup with garlic for cold winter nights

4.8 from 247 reviews
Pin Recipe
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings
4-6

Ingredients

  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook the Sausage. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the sliced sausage over medium-high heat, browning on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage from the pot and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Soften the Onion and Garlic. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Broth. Add the shredded cabbage to the pot, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the cabbage starts to wilt. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  4. Step 4: Simmer the Soup. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.
  5. Step 5: Add the Sausage and Seasonings. Add the cooked sausage back to the pot, along with the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Serve and Garnish. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

  • To make this recipe ahead, cook the sausage and onion mixture, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to finish the soup.
  • For a spicy kick, add a diced jalapeño pepper to the pot with the onion and garlic.
  • To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the sausage with sliced mushrooms or bell peppers.
  • Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition (per serving)

285
Calories
35g
Carbs
12g
Protein
10g
Fat
4g
Fiber

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