Sausage and Cabbage Ciorba

Warm up your kitchen with the comforting flavors of Sausage and Cabbage Ciorba, a traditional Eastern European-inspired sour soup that’s hearty, tangy, and perfect for any season. This vibrant ciorba features smoky sausage, tender green cabbage, and a medley of fresh vegetables, all simmered in a savory vegetable broth infused with thyme and a hint of bay leaf. The addition of lemon juice provides a signature tangy kick that sets this dish apart, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to every bowl. Ready in just about an hour, this satisfying soup is a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or make-ahead meals. Serve it with crusty bread for a wholesome, nourishing experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 300 g smoked sausage
• 500 g green cabbage
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1.5 liters vegetable broth
• 500 ml water
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the onion and garlic. Peel and dice the carrots, and chop the celery stalks. Shred the cabbage into thin strips.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to release its flavor.

Step 5

Add the shredded cabbage to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the cabbage starts to wilt.

Step 6

Pour in the vegetable broth and water. Add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 7

Return the browned sausage to the pot and season with salt and black pepper. Let the soup simmer for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are well combined.

Step 8

Stir in the lemon juice to give the soup its signature tanginess. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf before serving and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3243.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2012.2

Total Fat 120.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 34.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.3g
Cholesterol 210mg	0%
Sodium 9497.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 166.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.0g	0%
Total Sugars 58.7g
Protein 80.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 651.9mg	0%
Iron 17.2mg	0%
Potassium 5421.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.3%

Protein: 15.5%

Carbs: 32.2%