Golumpki Soup: A Hearty Comfort Food
Golumpki Soup is a delicious twist on the classic Golumpki (stuffed cabbage rolls), combining all the rich flavors of the traditional dish into a hearty, warming soup. With hamburger, rice, and cabbage as the base, this comforting soup is perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something filling and flavorful. While the traditional Golumpki involves rolling the filling into cabbage leaves, this soup simplifies the process, making it easier to prepare without compromising on taste.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy to make yet comforting, Golumpki Soup is an excellent choice. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and reasons why this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
Ingredients for Golumpki Soup
This simple yet flavorful soup requires only a few ingredients, many of which you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to make Golumpki Soup:
- 1 lb hamburger – Ground beef serves as the main protein in the soup, offering a rich, savory flavor.
- 1 onion – Adds an aromatic depth to the dish, blending perfectly with the beef.
- 2 cups cooked rice – Rice is the perfect binder that helps create a filling and satisfying soup.
- 1 head of cabbage – The cabbage provides a soft, tender texture that mimics the traditional stuffed cabbage leaves.
- 3 cans tomato soup (10.5 oz each) – The tomato soup is the base of the broth, offering a rich, tomatoey flavor that ties the entire dish together.
- 1 cup beef broth – Adds a savory richness to the soup, intensifying the flavor profile.
- Worcestershire sauce – This sauce adds a tangy, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
- Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings that bring out the best in the ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Golumpki Soup
Making Golumpki Soup is a breeze! Here’s how to prepare this satisfying and delicious dish.
1. Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 lb of hamburger and 1 chopped onion. Cook the beef and onion together, breaking the beef into smaller pieces as it browns. Stir occasionally to ensure that the beef cooks evenly and that the onions become soft and fragrant. Once the beef is fully cooked and browned, drain any excess fat to ensure your soup is not too greasy.
2. Cook the Rice
While the beef and onion are cooking, prepare 2 cups of rice according to the package directions. You can use any variety of rice you prefer, but white or brown rice works best in this recipe. Once the rice is cooked, set it aside.
3. Sauté the Cabbage
Next, take a head of cabbage and remove the outer leaves. Cut the cabbage into quarters and then slice it into thin strips. In a large pan, heat a little oil over medium heat and add the cabbage. Sauté the cabbage until it softens, which should take about 5–7 minutes. The cabbage should turn tender and slightly translucent but still have a little bit of crunch. You want it to hold its shape while being soft enough to incorporate into the soup.
4. Combine All the Ingredients
In a large soup pot, combine the cooked ground beef, onion, cooked rice, and sautéed cabbage. Stir the ingredients to evenly distribute them throughout the pot. This mixture serves as the hearty base for the soup, creating the familiar flavors of Golumpki without all the rolling and stuffing.
5. Add the Tomato Soup and Broth
To create the rich, comforting broth for the soup, add 3 cans of tomato soup and 1 cup of beef broth to the pot. Stir the soup mixture well, ensuring the tomato soup is fully incorporated with the other ingredients. The tomato soup serves as a perfect foundation for the dish, providing a thick and flavorful broth that complements the beef, rice, and cabbage.
6. Season with Worcestershire Sauce, Salt, and Pepper
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an added layer of flavor. This sauce brings a tangy, savory undertone to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preferences. Stir everything together to ensure the soup is evenly seasoned.
7. Simmer the Soup
Now that all the ingredients are in the pot, bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives the flavors time to meld together and develop a deep, savory taste. The cabbage will soften further, and the rice will absorb the delicious tomato broth.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Once the soup is simmered to perfection, taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then, ladle the Golumpki Soup into bowls and serve it hot. You can garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for an extra burst of flavor, but it’s delicious even on its own.
Enjoy the comforting taste of this easy-to-make soup, which is perfect for cozy nights in or when you’re craving a warm, hearty meal.
Why You’ll Love Golumpki Soup
1. Hearty and Filling
The combination of ground beef, rice, and cabbage creates a rich, hearty soup that will leave you feeling satisfied. This soup is a meal in itself, full of protein and fiber to keep you full for hours.
2. Easy to Make
Unlike traditional Golumpki, which requires wrapping cabbage leaves around the filling, this soup simplifies the process, making it a quicker and easier dish to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a bowl of Golumpki Soup ready in no time.
3. Versatile
This soup is highly customizable. You can add your favorite vegetables, swap out the beef for turkey or chicken, or use a different type of broth. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted based on what you have available or your dietary preferences.
4. Comforting and Nutritious
Golumpki Soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, filling, and satisfying, making it a perfect choice for cold weather. Plus, with cabbage and tomatoes, it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a healthier alternative to other heavier soups.
5. Great for Leftovers
This soup stores well in the fridge, so you can enjoy it for a few days after making it. The flavors deepen and improve over time, making it even better on day two. It’s perfect for meal prep or making a large batch to feed a crowd.
Conclusion
Golumpki Soup is an easy-to-make, comforting dish that combines the flavors of the traditional stuffed cabbage rolls into a hearty soup. With a combination of ground beef, rice, and cabbage, this soup is flavorful, filling, and perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Enjoy the delicious, heartwarming flavors of Golumpki Soup – a dish that brings together all the best elements of comfort food in a simple and satisfying soup.