Golumpki Soup: Comfort in Every Spoon
Golumpki soup is a hearty, comforting dish inspired by the traditional Polish stuffed cabbage rolls, known as “golumpki.” Instead of serving the rolls whole, this soup version transforms the classic flavors into a warm, nourishing broth filled with tender cabbage, savory ground meat, aromatic vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Its rich and tangy tomato base gives every spoonful a perfect balance of flavor, making it an ideal meal for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
What makes golumpki soup truly special is how it captures the essence of the beloved stuffed cabbage rolls in an easy-to-make, quick-to-serve format. The meat, rice, and cabbage blend together in a light tomato broth that feels both indulgent and wholesome. This soup not only warms the body but also evokes nostalgic memories of home-cooked meals, making it a favorite in households that love classic Eastern European flavors.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef or pork | 1 lb (450 g) | 960 kcal |
| White rice (uncooked) | ½ cup (100 g) | 360 kcal |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium (110 g) | 45 kcal |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | 10 kcal |
| Green cabbage, chopped | 1 small head (500 g) | 125 kcal |
| Carrots, diced | 2 medium (120 g) | 50 kcal |
| Celery, diced | 2 stalks (100 g) | 15 kcal |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp (33 g) | 30 kcal |
| Diced tomatoes (canned) | 1 can (400 g) | 80 kcal |
| Beef or vegetable broth | 6 cups (1.4 L) | 60 kcal |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp (15 ml) | 120 kcal |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | 3 kcal |
| Paprika | 1 tsp | 6 kcal |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp (8 g) | 2 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the meat and rice mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef or pork, uncooked rice, half of the chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until well incorporated. - Sauté vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add remaining onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and aromatic. - Add cabbage and tomatoes
Stir in chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Cook for 5 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften. - Add broth and simmer
Pour in the beef or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. - Add meat mixture
Carefully drop spoonfuls of the meat and rice mixture into the simmering soup, forming small “meatballs” that resemble mini golumpki. - Cook until tender
Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and the rice is tender. - Finish and garnish
Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Protein: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Rice alternatives: Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or cooked rice if preferred.
- Spice: Add crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a spicier version.
- Broth: Use low-sodium broth for a lighter, healthier soup.
- Cabbage: Savoy cabbage adds extra tenderness and a delicate flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving, 1.5 cups)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250–300 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | Moderate |
| Vitamin C | High |
| Iron | Moderate |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with crusty bread or dinner rolls.
- Pair with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added flavor and color.
- Ideal as a main course for lunch or dinner, especially during colder months.
Golumpki Soup: Comfort in Every Spoon
6–8
servings15
minutes35
minutes300
kcalIngredients
IngredienttQuantitytApprox. Calories
Ground beef or porkt1 lb (450 g)t960 kcal
White rice (uncooked)t½ cup (100 g)t360 kcal
Onion, choppedt1 medium (110 g)t45 kcal
Garlic, mincedt2 clovest10 kcal
Green cabbage, choppedt1 small head (500 g)t125 kcal
Carrots, dicedt2 medium (120 g)t50 kcal
Celery, dicedt2 stalks (100 g)t15 kcal
Tomato pastet2 tbsp (33 g)t30 kcal
Diced tomatoes (canned)t1 can (400 g)t80 kcal
Beef or vegetable brotht6 cups (1.4 L)t60 kcal
Olive oilt1 tbsp (15 ml)t120 kcal
Saltt1 tspt0 kcal
Black peppert½ tspt3 kcal
Paprikat1 tspt6 kcal
Fresh parsley, choppedt2 tbsp (8 g)t2 kcal
Directions
- Prepare meat mixture: In a bowl, combine ground beef or pork, half of the chopped onion, uncooked rice, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add remaining onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add cabbage and tomatoes: Stir in chopped cabbage, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes. Cook 5 minutes until cabbage softens.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the broth and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Add meat mixture: Drop spoonfuls of the meat and rice mixture into the simmering soup, forming small “meatballs.”
- Cook until tender: Simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meat is cooked and rice is tender.
- Finish and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Ground beef, pork, or a mix works best, but ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version.
Pre-cooked rice can save time; add it in the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Adjust the spice level with crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or extra black pepper.
FAQs
1. Can I make Golumpki Soup ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the soup and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
2. Can I freeze Golumpki Soup?
Absolutely. Freeze in individual portions for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove.
3. Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Replace the ground meat with plant-based meat or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
4. Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked rice?
Yes, but reduce the simmering time since pre-cooked rice will cook much faster. Add it towards the last 10 minutes of cooking.
5. Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Yes, green cabbage works well, but savoy cabbage gives extra tenderness and a slightly sweeter flavor.
Conclusion
Golumpki soup is a comforting, hearty dish that brings the flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls into a quick and easy-to-serve soup form. Perfectly balanced with savory meat, tender rice, cabbage, and a tangy tomato broth, it is a wholesome, satisfying meal for any occasion. With customizable ingredients and flavors, golumpki soup is sure to become a favorite in your home, offering warmth, nostalgia, and bold Eastern European taste in every spoonful.
