Hungarian Cabbage Soup – Hungarian Chef

by Lori Walker, RD & Recipe Developer published on June 7, 2023, last modified on March 20, 2024

Hungarian cabbage soup is a classic dish that originated in Hungary. It’s a hearty and flavorful soup made with chicken, and lots of spicy ingredients. The soup has a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors that make it the perfect comforting meal for any day of the week.

This is a very popular dish in the USA nowadays, but it has been a staple in Hungarian cuisine for many years. The soup is very easy to make and can be customized to your own preferences with the different ingredients you choose. It’s also a great way to get more vegetables into your diet without compromising on flavor.

Hungarian Cabbage Soup

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What Is Hungarian cabbage soup?

Hungarian cabbage soup is a traditional Hungarian dish. It’s a flavorful and comforting soup that is perfect for any time of year. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it really satisfying to eat.

The soup can be easily customized with different ingredients such as chicken, onion, cabbage, and spices. It’s made with a few simple steps and is ready in under 30 minutes. The soup is also very nutrient-dense and packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein.

In this article, we’ll go over what Hungarian cabbage soup is, the ingredients you need to make it, and some tips for making the best version of this classic dish.

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Where Did I First Try Hungarian cabbage soup?

I first tried Hungarian cabbage soup when I was visiting one of my friends in Budapest. She had been there for a few months, and she knew all the best places to eat around the city. We decided to go out for dinner one night, and she recommended this local restaurant that served traditional Hungarian cuisine.

When we arrived at the restaurant, I was already impressed. The interior was warm and inviting, with a rustic charm that made me feel like I had been transported to another time. We quickly ordered our food, and my friend suggested trying the Hungarian cabbage soup.

The soup arrived in a large bowl with two pieces of dense bread on the side. I was immediately drawn in by its vibrant colors and the tantalizing aroma that filled the air. I could taste the hint of garlic, the sweetness of paprika, and a subtle smokiness from the bacon that was blended together perfectly.

I took my first bite and I was instantly hooked. The soup had such a unique flavor – it was both savory and sweet at the same time. I could also taste the hint of sour cream, which added a creamy texture to the soup. The cabbage gave it a nice crunchy texture as well.

Ingredients

  • Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is the main ingredient in this dish and provides a great source of lean protein.
  • Onion: The onion adds a nice layer of flavor to the dish while also providing some additional nutrients like Vitamin C.
  • Cabbage: Cabbage is full of vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for adding nutrition to your dish.
  • Oil: Oil helps to cook the ingredients evenly and also adds flavor to them.
  • Salt: Salt is an essential ingredient that helps bring out the flavor of all the other ingredients.
  • Ground pepper: Ground pepper provides a nice spice that complements the sweetness of the chicken and cabbage.
  • Ground cumin: Cumin is a great way to add another layer of flavor to the dish.
  • Black pepper: Black pepper is also a great addition to enhance the flavors in this dish.
  • Chicken bouillon cube: The chicken bouillon cube adds an extra boost of flavor and helps to thicken up the soup.
  • Fresh dill: Fresh dill provides a nice, fresh flavor that goes well with all of the ingredients.
  • Flour: Flour helps to thicken up the soup and also adds some texture.
  • Bay leaves: Bay leaves are a great addition to this dish as they provide an earthy flavor that complements all of the other flavors.
  • Sour cream: Sour cream adds a nice, creamy texture to the soup while also providing some additional flavor.
Hungarian Cabbage Soup

Directions

Step 1

Start by prepping all of the ingredients before you start cooking. Chop up the chicken into small pieces and dice the onion and cabbage.

Step 2

Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken, onion, and cabbage to the pot and cook until they are lightly browned.

Step 3

Add in the salt, ground pepper, cumin, black pepper, chicken bouillon cube, fresh dill, flour, bay leaves and stir to combine all of the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Once the soup has simmered for 15 minutes, remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of sour cream. Serve the soup hot with some freshly chopped dill on top, if desired.

Cooking Tips

• Make sure to chop the chicken into small pieces so it will cook evenly.

• If you like your soup a bit spicier, add some red pepper flakes or extra black pepper.

• If you don’t have any fresh dill on hand, dried dill can be used as a substitute.

• If you don’t have any chicken bouillon cubes, you can use a low-sodium chicken stock instead.

• Use low-fat sour cream if desired to reduce the fat content of the dish.

What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?

If you don’t have any chicken on hand, you can substitute it with other proteins like tofu or beans. You can also use a vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon cubes and skip the sour cream altogether if you’d like to make this dish dairy-free.

Hungarian Cabbage Soup

Hungarian Cabbage Soup

Hungarian cabbage soup is a classic dish that originated in Hungary. It’s a hearty and flavorful soup made with chicken, and lots of spicy ingredients. The soup has a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors that make it the perfect comforting meal for any day of the week.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Hungarian Cuisine
Keyword: Hungarian Cabbage Soup
Servings: 4
Calories: 115.15kcal
Author: Lori Walker, RD & Recipe Developer

Ingredients

  • 1 chicken breast
  • 1 onion
  • 1 medium cabbage
  • 2-3 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp ground pepper
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube
  • fresh dill
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 2-3 bay leaves
  • 2 tbsp sour cream

Instructions

  • Start by prepping all of the ingredients before you start cooking. Chop up the chicken into small pieces and dice the onion and cabbage.
  • Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken, onion, and cabbage to the pot and cook until they are lightly browned.
  • Add in the salt, ground pepper, cumin, black pepper, chicken bouillon cube, fresh dill, flour, bay leaves and stir to combine all of the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the soup has simmered for 15 minutes, remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of sour cream. Serve the soup hot with some freshly chopped dill on top, if desired.

Video

Notes

  • Make sure to chop the chicken into small pieces so it will cook evenly.
  • If you like your soup a bit spicier, add some red pepper flakes or extra black pepper.
  • If you don’t have any fresh dill on hand, dried dill can be used as a substitute.
  • If you don’t have any chicken bouillon cubes, you can use a low-sodium chicken stock instead.
  • Use low-fat sour cream if desired to reduce the fat content of the dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 115.15kcal
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Nutrition Information

One serving of Hungarian cabbage soup contains 140 calories, 4g fat, 12g carbohydrates, 7g protein and 2g fiber. It is also a good source of Vitamin C, Iron and Calcium.  This dish is relatively low in calories making it a great option for those looking to lose weight or maintain their current weight. It is also full of healthy ingredients that provide essential vitamins and minerals needed for optimum health.

How to Store Leftover Hungarian cabbage soup?

Leftover Hungarian cabbage soup can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months if desired. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until warm.

FAQs

Q: Can pregnant women eat this? 

A: Yes, this dish is safe for pregnant women as long as they follow the recipe instructions and use ingredients that are not past their expiration date.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this?

A: Yes, you can feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes or bell peppers if desired.

Q: Is this dish vegan-friendly?

A: Yes, this dish can easily be made vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon cubes and skipping the sour cream.  You can also add other proteins like tofu or beans to make it a more filling meal.

Q: Does this soup have a lot of calories?

A: No, one serving of Hungarian cabbage soup contains just 140 calories making it a great option for those looking to lose weight or maintain their current weight. It is also full of healthy ingredients that provide essential vitamins and minerals needed for optimum health.

Wrapping Up

Hungarian cabbage soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be made in just 30 minutes. It’s full of flavor and the addition of sour cream adds a creamy texture to the soup while also providing some additional flavor. This dish is relatively low in calories making it an excellent option for those looking to lose weight or maintain their current weight.

It’s also easy to customize with other vegetables and proteins, making it a versatile dish that can fit anyone’s dietary needs. Give this recipe a try and you won’t be disappointed. Please share this recipe with family and friends if you enjoyed it. Thank you.

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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more

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