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Looking for a soul-warming meal that’s easy to make and bursting with taste? Your search ends with this Hungarian Cabbage Soup Recipe. An exciting mix of cabbage, kielbasa, and bacon, flavored with Hungarian paprika. There’s nothing like a steamy bowl of this soup to warm your taste buds up.
What is Hungarian Cabbage Soup?
Hungarian Cabbage Soup is a cozy and tasty dish that comes from Eastern Europe. It’s a warm and filling soup made with simple ingredients like sliced cabbage, kielbasa, and bacon.
These ingredients cook together in a pot, creating a delicious mix of flavors. A pleasant sweetness comes from the cabbage, a smoky flavor from the bacon, and a hearty flavor from the kielbasa.
What makes this Hungarian Cabbage Soup Recipe special is the Hungarian paprika, which gives the broth a warm and pleasant smell. Served hot, each spoonful of this soup feels like a visit to a comfy kitchen in Hungary, bringing not just a yummy meal but a sense of tradition and homey goodness. This overview takes you on a journey to understand why Hungarian Cabbage Soup is a favorite in Hungarian homes.
Ingredients Used In Hungarian Cabbage Soup Recipe
- Red chopped onion= 1 large
- Beef broth= 8 cups
- Finely chopped onion= 1 large
- Caraway seeds= 2 tablespoons
- Bacon cut into small pieces= 1 pound
- Lemon juiced= 1
- Sliced kielbasa sausage= 1 pound
- Hungarian paprika powder= 3 tablespoons
- Cabbage thinly sliced= 1
- Minced and smashed garlic cloves= 4
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream For serving
Here are the steps to make Hungarian Cabbage Soup
Step 1
Cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until almost crispy.
Step 2
Sauté the onions (both types) over medium heat until they are soft and translucent.
Step 3
Then, turn the heat up to medium and stir constantly until the mixture becomes thin. Sprinkle the paprika powder over the mixture, and add half a cup of water.
Step 4
Bring to a boil the mixture with the smashed garlic cloves, sliced kielbasa sausage, and broth.
Step 5
In a pan, simmer the cabbage for one hour at a low temperature for a soft and completely broken-down texture.
Step 6
Salt, lemon juice, and pepper should be added thoroughly to taste and adjusted accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
1. Accompaniments:
- Freshly baked bread: A warm and crusty companion for dipping into the rich broth, absorbing the savory flavors.
- Sour cream: A cool and creamy addition, providing a delightful contrast to the hearty and robust notes of the soup.
2. Garnishing with Fresh Herbs:
- Parsley, dill, or chives: Sprinkle these fresh herbs for a burst of color and a subtle, earthy undertone.
- Enhances visual appeal: Vibrant green hues contribute to an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
- Adds fragrance: Finely chopped herbs create a fragrant finishing touch, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storing Leftovers:
- Refrigerate promptly: Place any leftover Hungarian Cabbage Soup in an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly to maintain freshness.
- Use within a few days: Consume the leftovers within 2-3 days to ensure optimal taste and quality.
- Reheat when ready: When reheating, add a splash of broth if needed to restore the original consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage in the Hungarian Cabbage Soup Recipe?
A: Absolutely! While kielbasa is traditional, feel free to experiment with your favorite sausages to suit your taste preferences.
Q: Is there a vegetarian version of the Hungarian Cabbage Soup Recipe?
A: Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives for a satisfying meat-free option.
Q: Can I freeze Hungarian Cabbage Soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze the soup for future meals. Make sure it has cooled completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. Label them with a date. In the freezer, they can be stored for three months.
Q: How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming mushy in the soup?
A: Add the cabbage later in the cooking process and simmer until just tender. This helps retain some of its texture and prevents it from becoming overly soft.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, Hungarian Cabbage Soup is a tasty and filling dish that brings the cozy flavors of Eastern European comfort food to your table. You can easily customize the Hungarian Cabbage Soup Recipe by choosing your favorite sausage or adjusting the spice level. Whether you enjoy it with some bread and sour cream or add fresh herbs for a nice touch, Hungarian Cabbage Soup offers a simple and flavorful way to experience a bit of tradition in every bite.
Here are some other recipes you might like:
- Happy Lemon Puff Cream Recipe
- Carlo Rossi Sangria Recipe
- Sea of Thieves Grog Recipe
- Bill Miller Green Bean Recipe

Hungarian Cabbage Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large Red chopped onion
- 8 cups Beef broth
- 1 large Finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons Caraway seeds
- 1 pound Bacon cut into small pieces
- 1 Lemon juiced
- 1 pound Sliced kielbasa sausage
- 3 tablespoons Hungarian paprika powder
- 1 Cabbage thinly sliced
- 4 Minced and smashed garlic cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream For serving
Instructions
- Cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until almost crispy.
- Sauté the onions (both types) over medium heat until they are soft and translucent.
- Then, turn the heat up to medium and stir constantly until the mixture becomes thin. Sprinkle the paprika powder over the mixture, and add half a cup of water.
- Bring to a boil the mixture with the smashed garlic cloves, sliced kielbasa sausage, and broth.
- In a pan, simmer the cabbage for one hour at a low temperature for a soft and completely broken-down texture.
- Salt, lemon juice, and pepper should be added thoroughly to taste and adjusted accordingly.