We’ve always loved the comforting embrace of a good soup, and our Cabbage Patch Soup from Snohomish stands out as a true gem. Hailing from the verdant farmlands of Washington State, this hearty recipe blends fresh cabbage with savory flavors that evoke family gatherings and cozy evenings.
It’s simple to whip up yet delivers a nutritious punch that keeps us coming back for more. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or a wholesome meal, this Snohomish favorite promises to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
In our Cabbage Patch Soup Snohomish Recipe, we select high-quality, nutritious ingredients that capture the hearty essence of Snohomish’s comforting traditions. Below, we’ve listed them in the order we use them during preparation, with specific prep notes for clarity and ease.
- 1 medium onion, chopped (start with this aromatic base for building flavors)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (add after the onion for a fragrant punch)
- 1 pound ground beef (brown this next for a protein-rich foundation)
- 2 medium carrots, sliced (incorporate for added crunch and vitamins)
- 1 small head cabbage, shredded (the star ingredient, use fresh for optimal texture)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained (include for tangy depth and lycopene boost)
- 4 cups beef broth (pour in to create a savory liquid base)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (season for an herbal note that enhances the soup’s warmth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (adjust at the end for personalized flavor balance)
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our Cabbage Patch Soup Snohomish Recipe efficiently, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure smooth chopping, cooking, and simmering. These items help us handle the ingredients like chopped onion, minced garlic, and ground beef with precision and ease.
Here’s a breakdown of the key tools and equipment we recommend:
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven (at least 6 quarts): Perfect for browning ground beef and simmering the soup with beef broth and vegetables to achieve that hearty, comforting texture.
- Chef’s Knife: Essential for finely chopping onions, mincing garlic, and slicing carrots and cabbage quickly and safely.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy, non-slip surface to handle all the prep work, such as dicing tomatoes and shredding cabbage, keeping our workspace organized.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate for measuring ingredients like seasonings (e.g., thyme, salt, and pepper) to balance flavors without guesswork.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring the soup as it cooks, preventing sticking and ensuring even distribution of ingredients like diced tomatoes and beef broth.
- Can Opener: Necessary for opening cans of diced tomatoes, making the process seamless.
In our experience, having these tools ready streamlines the recipe, allowing us to focus on the rich, nourishing flavors of this Snohomish classic.
Instructions
We guide you through preparing and cooking our hearty Cabbage Patch Soup Snohomish Recipe with simple, step-by-step directions that highlight its comforting flavors and nourishing ingredients.
Prep
Before we dive into cooking, let’s prepare our fresh ingredients to ensure everything comes together smoothly for this wholesome soup.
- Chop 1 medium onion into fine pieces to release its sweet aroma.
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic for a pungent boost that enhances the soup’s savory base.
- Slice 2 large carrots into 1/4-inch rounds, aiming for even pieces that cook uniformly and add a satisfying crunch.
- Shred 1 small head of cabbage—about 4 cups worth—to create tender layers that absorb the broth’s flavors.
- Measure out 1 pound of ground beef, ensuring it’s lean for a lighter soup, and gather 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes, 4 cups of beef broth, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and salt and pepper to taste for balanced seasoning.
Cook
Now that our ingredients are prepped, we move to the stovetop where the magic happens—simmering everything to build rich, hearty flavors that evoke Snohomish’s cozy traditions.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef for 5-7 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon until it’s no longer pink and releases its savory juices—be sure to drain any excess fat for a cleaner broth.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they soften and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that signals the soup’s flavorful foundation.
- Stir in the sliced carrots, shredded cabbage, 1 can of diced tomatoes (undrained), and 4 cups of beef broth, then sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme along with salt and pepper to taste—this combination creates a vibrant mix of textures and tastes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, allowing the cabbage to wilt and the flavors to meld into a comforting, nutrient-rich broth that warms from the inside out. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Cabbage Patch Soup even more convenient for busy schedules, we recommend these practical steps for preparing it ahead of time. This approach allows the flavors to develop further, enhancing the hearty, comforting essence of this Snohomish favorite.
Prepping Ingredients in Advance
We can streamline the cooking process by prepping ingredients up to 24 hours before. Here’s how:
- Chop and store vegetables: Dice the onion and slice the carrots, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps their fresh crunch intact for when we add them to the pot.
- Mince garlic and shred cabbage: Prepare the garlic by mincing it and store it in a small sealed bag. For the cabbage, shred it and keep it in a separate container to prevent wilting—sprinkle with a bit of lemon juice if needed to maintain its vibrant color.
- Measure seasonings and broth: Combine dry seasonings like thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Measure out the beef broth and diced tomatoes, storing them in the fridge to ensure everything is ready for a quick assembly.
Assembling and Storing the Soup
If we want to go further, assemble the entire soup base ahead of time:
- Follow the initial cooking steps up to browning the ground beef and adding the vegetables, but stop before the full simmer.
- Let the mixture cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bags.
- Storage options:
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days, where the soup’s rich flavors will meld even more.
- Freeze for up to 3 months—portion into individual servings for easy thawing.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 3 days | Cool soup to room temperature before storing to prevent bacterial growth. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Use freezer-safe containers and leave headspace for expansion to avoid leaks. |
Reheating for Optimal Flavor
- Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator if needed.
- Heat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches a gentle simmer—about 10-15 minutes.
- Add a splash of beef broth if the soup thickens, ensuring it remains that cozy, soul-warming consistency perfect for Snohomish-inspired meals.
Conclusion
We’ve explored the charm of Cabbage Patch Soup from Snohomish and its role in creating memorable meals.
It’s a versatile dish that brings warmth and nutrition to our tables, perfect for any occasion.
We encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own—it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cabbage Patch Soup?
Cabbage Patch Soup is a hearty, comforting dish from Snohomish, Washington, featuring nutritious ingredients like cabbage, ground beef, carrots, and tomatoes. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings, evoking a sense of tradition with its rich flavors and wholesome broth.
What ingredients are needed for Cabbage Patch Soup?
The key ingredients include chopped onion, minced garlic, ground beef, sliced carrots, shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings like thyme, salt, and pepper. These high-quality items create a nutritious, flavorful soup that captures Snohomish’s comforting essence.
How do I make Cabbage Patch Soup?
Start by prepping ingredients: chop onion, mince garlic, slice carrots, and shred cabbage. Brown the ground beef in a large pot, add aromatics, then combine all ingredients and simmer until flavors meld. The process takes about 30-45 minutes, resulting in a hearty, nutrient-rich meal.
What tools are required to prepare Cabbage Patch Soup?
You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven for simmering, a chef’s knife for chopping, a cutting board for prep, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring, and a can opener for tomatoes. These tools make the process efficient and straightforward.
Can I make Cabbage Patch Soup ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients up to 24 hours in advance or assemble the soup base and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain flavors and consistency, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Is Cabbage Patch Soup healthy?
Yes, it’s packed with nutritious veggies like cabbage and carrots, lean ground beef, and herbs, providing vitamins, fiber, and protein. It’s a wholesome option for quick dinners, supporting a balanced diet while offering comforting satisfaction. Always adjust seasonings to fit dietary needs.