Hearty Golumpki Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Polish comfort meets hearty golumpki soup in a bowl that warms every corner of your soul.

Cabbage rolls have long been a treasured tradition in Eastern European kitchens.

Tender ground beef mingles with soft rice and robust seasonings.

Simmering broth embraces each ingredient with rich, deep flavors.

Generations have passed down this beloved recipe through whispered kitchen secrets.

Families gather around steaming bowls, sharing stories and memories.

You’ll fall in love with this rustic, satisfying soup that bridges culinary heritage and home-cooked warmth.

How To Serve Golumpki Soup Comfortably

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Pair this hearty golumpki soup with a slice of crusty rye bread, perfect for soaking up the rich, savory broth and adding a delightful crunch to each spoonful.
• Creamy Topping Twist: Enhance the soup's flavor by adding a generous dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, which creates a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, meaty soup.
• Herb Garden Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or dill on top to brighten the dish with a pop of color and a fresh, aromatic finish that elevates the overall taste experience.
• Side Dish Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and add a refreshing element to your meal.

Plan And Store Golumpki Soup Easily

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The soup's flavors actually improve overnight, making next-day meals even more delicious.
• Freezer-Friendly Batch: Perfectly freezable for 3 months. Separate into individual portions for quick grab-and-go meals during busy weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm gently on stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth to restore original consistency. Microwave works too, but stir frequently to prevent rice from becoming mushy.
• Meal Prep Magic: Chop vegetables and brown meat in advance. Keep ingredients separately refrigerated for up to 2 days, allowing quick assembly when ready to cook. Reduces kitchen time and simplifies weeknight dinner preparation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 7

All You Need For Golumpki Soup

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor, choose lean beef for less grease and better texture.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness, select firm onions with no soft spots for maximum flavor.

• Garlic: Intensifies overall taste, look for plump, firm cloves without sprouting.
• Beef Broth: Creates rich soup foundation, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
• Tomato Sauce: Enhances depth and provides smooth consistency, choose high-quality brands.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and brightness, select fire-roasted for extra complexity.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers umami and tangy undertones, pick authentic brands for best results.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Thyme: Balanced seasoning blend that elevates dish's overall flavor profile.
• Brown Sugar: Balances acidity and adds subtle sweetness, use pure cane sugar for best results.
• Vinegar: Introduces bright, tangy element, apple cider vinegar works wonderfully.

• Cabbage: Traditional Polish ingredient providing hearty texture, select fresh, crisp heads.
• Rice: Creates satisfying thickness, medium-grain works best for soup consistency.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish adding color and fresh herb notes.
• Sour Cream: Optional topping for creamy richness, full-fat version recommended.

Tools That Help With Golumpki Soup

• Dutch oven or large soup pot: Essential for cooking ground beef and preparing the entire soup.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping cabbage and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Used to dice onions, chop cabbage, and prepare vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving the hot soup into bowls.

Steps To Cook Golumpki Soup Right

• Brown the Beef

Fire up your pot and toss in ground beef with chopped onions. Sizzle and cook until the meat turns a rich golden brown. Drain away any extra fat, then sprinkle in minced garlic and let it dance around for a minute.

• Build the Flavor Base

Tumble in the cabbage, tomatoes, and broth with a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Shake in your seasonings – a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, a sprinkle of paprika. Stir everything together and crank up the heat until it starts bubbling.

• Let the Soup Simmer

Lower the flame, pop on a lid, and let the soup gently bubble for about 20 minutes. This is when the magic happens – cabbage softens, flavors mingle, and your kitchen starts smelling amazing.

• Add the Final Touch

Stir in uncooked rice and let everything bubble together for another 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it and give an occasional stir to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

• Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. If you’re feeling fancy, crown it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of creamy sour cream. Dive in and enjoy your hearty creation!

Tips And Tricks For Golumpki Soup

• Quick Rice Trick: Rinse uncooked rice before adding to prevent clumping and ensure a perfect texture in every spoonful.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a hearty meat-free version that's just as satisfying.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the soup's delicious flavor profile.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Store cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat gently to preserve its rich taste and texture.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different paprika varieties like smoked or hot paprika to add depth and personalize the soup's warmth and complexity.

Hearty Golumpki Soup Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Polish golumpki soup blends traditional cabbage rolls with hearty broth, creating a comforting dish that honors Eastern European culinary traditions. Generous meat, rice, and tomato notes mingle in each spoonful, offering home cooks a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor slowly.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (or ground pork)
• 4 cups (946 ml) green cabbage (chopped)
• 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz/425 g) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups (946 ml) beef broth
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup (118 ml) uncooked white rice (long grain)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for a tangy kick)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme

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Instructions

1. Caramelize Protein: Sear ground beef and onions in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until meat develops deep golden edges and onions become translucent.
2. Aromatic Layer: Drain excess fat, then quickly sauté minced garlic to release its fragrant notes, creating a foundational flavor profile.
3. Liquid Integration: Combine chopped cabbage, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth into the meat mixture, constructing a rich and hearty soup base.
4. Flavor Acceleration: Infuse the developing soup with Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, brown sugar, and vinegar, ensuring thorough flavor distribution through vigorous stirring.
5. Thermal Management: Escalate to a robust boil, then immediately transition to a gentle simmer, covering the pot to allow ingredients to harmonize and cabbage to tenderize.
6. Rice Immersion: After 20 minutes of simmering, introduce uncooked rice, completely submerging it within the liquid and stirring to prevent clustering.
7. Final Refinement: Continue cooking for 15-18 minutes until rice reaches perfect tenderness and liquid develops a slightly thickened consistency, stirring intermittently to prevent bottom scorching.
8. Presentation: Remove from heat and ladle into serving vessels, optionally embellishing with fresh parsley or a luxurious dollop of sour cream to enhance textural complexity.

Notes

• Meat Browning Technique: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly caramelized to develop deep, rich flavor. Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan for perfect browning.
• Rice Cooking Precision: Monitor rice carefully during final cooking stage. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and achieve ideal tender texture without becoming mushy.
• Flavor Balancing Act: Adjust seasoning gradually. Taste and fine-tune salt, pepper, and spices to create a harmonious flavor profile that complements the beef and cabbage.
• Dietary Modification Option: For a low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice or omit entirely. Vegetarians can substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or extra vegetables.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg