| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 1 hr 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 456 | 27g | 10g | 32g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 4g | 17g | 1.2g |
Ah, the simple comforts of soup. Sometimes, a bowlful of warmth is all we need to change the day for the better. That is exactly what this recipe, the Sour Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup, does for me. The vibrant symphony of vegetables, meat, and spices, tucked in a bowl, brings back memories of my mother’s cooking. Here’s an image that perfectly encapsulates this heartwarming dish:
A Blend of Cultures, A Burst of Flavors
Being an Atlanta native with Nigerian lineage, my cooking style is a beautiful marriage of the heartiness of southern cuisine and the complexity of West African dishes. This Sour Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup – very much like the Afro-Southern fusion that I champion – represents this fusion beautifully. Balancing hearty kielbasa with the tartness of sour cabbage, this soup is a culinary allegory for my life story.
If you’re familiar with West African cuisine, you know that the addition of fermented vegetables and spices in soups is a common practice, much like in this recipe. So, while the kielbasa transports you to southern America, the sour cabbage brings you right into the heart of Africa.
Fusion of Comfort and Health
Aside from being a delight to your taste buds, this soup is a powerhouse of nutrition too. The variety of vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery boats a high concentration of vitamins and anti-oxidants making it a healthy choice for a meal. The low sodium chicken broth adds a flavorful base while contributing nutritional value in the form of lean protein. Even the spices do their part – did you know that caraway seeds, for instance, have shown to promote digestive health? Find more about it here. On the days when I want to add a bit of creaminess, I top the soup with a dollop of sour cream – hello, probiotics!
Whether you’re aiming for a healthier lifestyle or simply looking for comfort in a bowl, this Sour Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup is just right. It’s comforting like the American South, exciting like West Africa, and wholesome that truly nourishes you. If you enjoy this dish, don’t forget to try traditional sauerkraut or homemade Kielbasa that also offer similar flavor tones.
In your personal pursuit of gourmet glory, try this recipe and let the warmth of this soup, just like the inclusive warmth of Afro-Southern fusion, embrace you.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb Kielbasa, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 Large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 head of Sour Cabbage, chopped
- 2 Large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks Celery, chopped
- 4 cups Low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup Water
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 tsp Caraway seeds
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 6 Medium red potatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup Sour cream (optional for garnish)
Method
Step One
In a large pot, heat the Olive oil over medium heat. Once heated, add the Kielbasa and cook until it’s lightly browned. This should take about 5 minutes. After that, remove the sausage from the pot, setting it aside for now.
Step Two
In the same pot, add your chopped Onion, minced Garlic, chopped Carrots, and chopped Celery. Sauté these until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes.
Step Three
Next, add the chopped sour Cabbage to the pot. Continue to cook for a few minutes until the cabbage softens.
Step Four
Put the Kielbasa back into the pot. Add the Low-sodium Chicken Broth, Water, Bay Leaves, Caraway seeds, and Black Pepper. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer.
Step Five
While the soup is simmering, add in the quartered Red Potatoes. Continue simmering the soup until the potatoes are fork-tender. This should take around 15 minutes.
Step Six
When the potatoes are ready, add in the chopped Fresh Parsley and give everything a good stir. Let the soup continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Step Seven
Just before serving, you can top each bowl of soup with a dollop of Sour Cream, if you choose. This is optional, but it adds a nice creaminess to the soup. Enjoy your Sour Cabbage and Kielbasa Soup!
