Creamy Sausage & Cabbage Soup

This Creamy Sausage & Cabbage Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines smoky sausage, fresh vegetables, and tender cabbage in a rich, creamy broth. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The combination of creamy broth and savory sausage makes this soup a satisfying, one-pot meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ⅔ cup diced onion
• 4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
• ¾ pound potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 to 3 medium)
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 3 to 4 cups chopped green cabbage
• 1 rib celery, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ⅓ cup butter
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

Instructions

• In a large pot, cook sausage, onion, and 2 tablespoons of butter until the onion is tender.
• Add celery, carrot, potato, cabbage, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
• Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt ⅓ cup butter over medium heat.
• Stir in flour and cook for about 2 minutes.
• Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
• Once vegetables are tender, stir the cream mixture into the soup.
• Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in fresh dill and parsley before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve hot with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple side salad.
• Garnish with extra parsley or dill for a fresh presentation.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.

Variations

1. Spicy Sausage & Cabbage Soup – Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a kick.
2. Cheesy Sausage Soup – Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
3. Low-Carb Version – Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets.
4. Smoky Paprika – Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for extra depth.
5. Italian Style – Use Italian sausage and add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
6. Creamy Garlic Twist – Add 2 minced garlic cloves while cooking onion.
7. Vegetable Boost – Add zucchini or green beans for more veggies.
8. Dairy-Free Version – Use coconut milk instead of cream and milk.
9. Keto-Friendly – Omit potatoes and use heavy cream only.
10. Herb Explosion – Add thyme and rosemary along with parsley and dill.
11. Bacon Addition – Cook 3 slices of chopped bacon with sausage for extra smokiness.
12. Potato Variety – Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes.
13. Cabbage Mix – Combine green and red cabbage for color.
14. Soup & Grain Combo – Add ½ cup cooked rice or barley for extra texture.
15. Slow Cooker Version – Cook sausage and vegetables in a slow cooker, add cream mixture at the end.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh sausage instead of smoked sausage?
   • Yes, fresh sausage works; just cook thoroughly before adding vegetables.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   • Absolutely, it tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
3. How can I thicken the soup more?
   • Add an extra tablespoon of flour to the butter mixture or reduce the broth slightly.
4. Can I use frozen vegetables?
   • Yes, frozen vegetables work; adjust cooking time accordingly.
5. Is this soup gluten-free?
   • Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
6. Can I make it spicier?
   • Add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño while cooking vegetables.
7. Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
   • Yes, it will still be creamy but slightly less rich.
8. How long can I store leftovers?
   • Up to 4 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.
9. Can I double the recipe?
   • Yes, this recipe scales easily for larger batches.
10. Can I substitute milk with plant-based milk?

• Yes, unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk works well.

This Creamy Sausage & Cabbage Soup is a perfect blend of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors that make it a comforting and filling meal. It’s easy to prepare, packed with vegetables, and ideal for chilly evenings or meal prep. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying dinner.

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