German Cabbage Soup

When it comes to warm, comforting meals that are rich in flavor but light on the stomach, German Cabbage Soup (or “Kohlsuppe”) is a winner. This traditional German soup is packed with tender cabbage, vegetables, and either sausage or ham, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out—perfect for those chilly autumn or winter days. Plus, it’s healthy, budget-friendly, and surprisingly easy to make.

The simplicity of this soup is what makes it so special. You start with a base of fresh vegetables—onions, carrots, potatoes, and cabbage—then simmer them together with either broth or water to create a light but satisfying soup. The cabbage becomes tender, almost sweet, and soaks up all the savory flavors from the broth and seasonings. If you add sausage or ham, it adds a smoky richness that takes the soup to another level. German cabbage soup is one of those dishes that I grew up eating, especially during the colder months. It was one of my grandmother’s go-to recipes, and she’d always make a big pot of it whenever we came to visit. The kitchen would fill with the comforting scent of simmering cabbage and herbs, and by the time we sat down to eat, we were all ready for big, hearty bowls. Now, I make it for my own family, and it always brings back those warm, cozy memories of my childhood.

Whether you’re looking for a nourishing weeknight meal or something to serve at a family gathering, German cabbage soup is a must-try. It’s versatile, too—you can make it vegetarian, add meat, or adjust the spices to suit your taste. Let’s dive into this simple, satisfying recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Nourishing: This soup is packed with nutritious vegetables, especially fiber-rich cabbage, which is great for digestion and overall health.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, inexpensive ingredients like cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, this soup is easy on the wallet but full of flavor.
• Hearty and Filling: The combination of tender vegetables and protein (if you add sausage or ham) makes this soup hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own.
• Comforting and Warming: The mild, savory flavors of the soup make it perfect for those cold, winter days when you need something to warm you up.
• Easy to Make: This is a one-pot meal that’s simple to prepare, even if you’re new to cooking. It requires minimal prep work and can be left to simmer while you go about your day.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8 people
Calories per serving: 250 calories (without meat)

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 medium green cabbage, roughly chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth (or water)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional, for authentic flavor)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Additions:

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced (or ham, diced)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for a touch of acidity)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Crusty bread (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Start by prepping your vegetables. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Peel and slice the carrots into rounds, and peel and dice the potatoes. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Having all your vegetables ready before you start cooking will make the process much smoother.

2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.

3. Add the Carrots, Potatoes, and Cabbage

Once the onions and garlic are fragrant, add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir everything together, allowing the vegetables to cook for a few minutes. This helps them begin to soften and absorb some of the flavors from the onions and garlic.

4. Season the Soup

Next, season the vegetables with paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. If you’re using caraway seeds (which add a slightly anise-like flavor that’s common in traditional German dishes), sprinkle them in now. The paprika adds warmth and color to the soup, while the thyme and caraway give it that classic, comforting flavor.

5. Add the Broth and Bay Leaf

Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, making sure the vegetables are fully submerged. Add the bay leaf to the pot, which will infuse the soup with a subtle herbal note as it simmers. If you don’t have broth on hand, you can use water, but broth will add more depth of flavor.

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the potatoes and carrots are cooked through.

6. Add the Sausage (Optional)

If you’re adding sausage or ham, now is the time to do it. Slice the smoked sausage into rounds or dice the ham, and stir it into the soup. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the meat to heat through and the flavors to meld. The sausage or ham adds a smoky, savory richness to the soup that balances the sweetness of the vegetables.

7. Adjust the Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or paprika to suit your taste. If you prefer a slightly tangier flavor, stir in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar at this point. The vinegar brightens up the soup and adds a touch of acidity that pairs beautifully with the cabbage.

8. Serve

Once the soup is fully cooked, remove the bay leaf and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve with crusty bread on the side for dipping, which is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.

How to Serve

Here are a few ways to serve your German cabbage soup for maximum enjoyment:

As a Main Course: This soup is hearty enough to be served as a main course, especially if you add sausage or ham. Pair it with crusty rye or sourdough bread to complete the meal.

With a Salad: Serve the soup alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup and add a refreshing element.

Topped with Sour Cream: For extra creaminess, top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt. The creaminess pairs beautifully with the savory, slightly tangy flavors of the soup.

With a Side of Mustard: If you’re serving the soup with sausage, offer a side of spicy German mustard. It adds a sharp, tangy contrast to the rich, smoky flavors of the meat.

As Part of a German Feast: Serve the soup as the first course of a larger German meal, alongside dishes like bratwurst, potato pancakes, or a hearty roast.

Additional Tips for Perfect German Cabbage Soup

1. Use Fresh Cabbage: Fresh green cabbage is the star of this soup. Be sure to use a fresh, crisp head of cabbage for the best texture and flavor. If you prefer a milder cabbage flavor, you can also use Savoy cabbage, which is more delicate.
2. Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: While cabbage should be tender in this soup, you don’t want it to turn to mush. Simmer it gently until it’s soft but still holds its shape.
3. Customize the Meat: While smoked sausage and ham are traditional, feel free to use any kind of meat you like. Kielbasa, bacon, or even shredded rotisserie chicken would all work well in this soup.
4. Make It Vegetarian: To make the soup vegetarian, simply leave out the sausage or ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add beans, like white beans or chickpeas, for added protein and heartiness.
5. Adjust the Spices: The caraway seeds add a traditional German flavor, but they’re optional. If you’re not a fan of caraway, feel free to leave them out or substitute with fennel seeds or cumin for a different twist.

Recipe Variations

Creamy Cabbage Soup: For a creamier version of this soup, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking. This adds richness and a velvety texture to the broth.

Spicy German Cabbage Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the soup for a spicy kick. This variation adds warmth and heat, which is especially nice during the colder months.

Sauerkraut Cabbage Soup: For a tangier soup, stir in 1 cup of sauerkraut along with the fresh cabbage. The sauerkraut adds a

briny, slightly sour flavor that contrasts beautifully with the smoky sausage and sweet vegetables.

Potato and Cabbage Soup: Add extra potatoes to the soup to make it even heartier. You can also mash some of the potatoes into the broth for a thicker, more substantial texture.

Keto or Low-Carb Cabbage Soup: Skip the potatoes and carrots to make this soup lower in carbs. You can add extra cabbage, mushrooms, or zucchini to bulk it up without the extra carbs.

Storing and Freezing German Cabbage Soup

Storing Leftovers: Store leftover cabbage soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day or two, so this soup is perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Special Equipment

Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven to accommodate all the vegetables and broth. A heavy-bottomed pot helps evenly distribute heat for consistent cooking.

Sharp Knife: A sharp chef’s knife is essential for chopping the cabbage and vegetables quickly and efficiently.

Wooden Spoon: A wooden spoon is great for stirring the soup as it simmers, ensuring that nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.

FAQ

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, you can substitute red cabbage for green cabbage in this recipe. Keep in mind that red cabbage will turn the broth a purplish color, but it will taste just as delicious.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. To make this soup in a slow cooker, simply sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes! This soup is very versatile, so feel free to add other vegetables like celery, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also add a can of diced tomatoes for a slightly different flavor.

What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment, but you can also serve it with a side salad, pretzels, or potato pancakes for a complete meal.

Conclusion

German cabbage soup is the ultimate comfort food—a simple, hearty, and flavorful dish that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a part of a larger German feast, this soup is sure to satisfy. With its tender cabbage, smoky sausage (if you choose to add it), and rich broth, it’s the kind of meal that feels nourishing and indulgent at the same time. I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your home, just as it has in mine. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share it with me—I’d love to see your cozy bowls of cabbage soup! Enjoy!

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