If you’re a fan of cabbage rolls but find yourself short on time or energy to prepare them from scratch, we have the perfect solution for you: Lazy Cabbage Roll Soup. Say goodbye to the hours spent meticulously rolling cabbage leaves and instead indulge in a comforting bowl of this hearty soup, crafted to satisfy your craving for traditional flavors with a fraction of the effort.
Cabbage rolls have long been a beloved dish, cherished for their rich flavors and warm, comforting nature. However, their time-consuming preparation can be a deterrent on busy work nights or hectic weekends. Who wants to spend hours futzing around with cabbage when there are other pressing matters at hand?
In addition to the time factor, there is often controversy surrounding the stuffing of cabbage rolls. Family members may have strong opinions on whether ground beef or a combination of ground beef and pork should be the filling. These debates can create tension and differing expectations when it comes to enjoying this classic dish.
Lazy Cabbage Roll Soup
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium-size onion medium dice
- 1 tablespoon bacon fat
- 1/2 a medium-sized head of standard green cabbage chopped into uniform pieces that will fit nicely in your mouth
- 4 cloves of fresh minced garlic or to taste
- 10 fresh Roma tomatoes medium dice
- 1 pound can of crushed tomatoes
- Approximately 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
- 2 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Smoked paprika to taste
- Hungarian paprika to taste
- Dried mint to taste
Instructions
- Saute the diced onion in the fat in the bottom of a large heavy pot.
- When the onion is translucent, add the meat. Brown the meat.
- When the meat is cooked, add the chopped cabbage and minced garlic.
- Cook until the cabbage is starting to soften (but is not yet fully cooked).
- Add the diced tomatoes, the crushed tomatoes, and the water, stirring well. If you think it needs more water, add some.
- Sprinkle in the cooked rice.
- Cover and bring to a rapid boil. Turn down the heat to a simmer, and gradually add the various seasonings.
- Taste as you go to make sure you didn’t screw anything up.
- Once you are satisfied with the seasoning, let the soup simmer for at least 20 minutes (can simmer for longer if you wish).
