Unstuffed Cabbage Soup (Middle Eastern Style)
All the flavors of stuffed cabbage in one easy pot. Ready in 40 minutes, ground beef, short-grain rice, and cabbage are simmered in a spiced tomato broth with turmeric, cinnamon, dried mint, and lemon.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp dried mint
- 1 tsp kosher salt more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz.
- 1/2 cup short-grain rice Egyptian rice or Arborio
- 1/4 large cabbage roughly chopped
- 6 cups water or broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Saute the onion and garlic until softened, about 4 minutes.
- Add in 4 cloves of garlic (minced) and cook for a minute.
- Add 1/2 lb ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in the 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 2 tsp dried mint, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring well.
- Add 1 can of diced tomatoes (15 oz), 1/2 cup short grain rice, 1/4 cabbage (chopped), and 6 cups water or broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the cabbage is fully cooked.
- Stir in the lemon juice and parsley. Taste and adjust salt before serving.
If the soup is too thick, add 1/2 cup more water or broth.
Video
Notes
- Use short-grain rice only. Egyptian rice or Arborio work best. Medium or long-grain rice will give you a thinner, less satisfying result.
- Do not skip the dried mint. It is what gives this soup its character.
- The soup thickens as it sits. Add water or broth when reheating leftovers.
- Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Add a little bit of water or broth when reheating.
Nutrition
Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 1408mg | Potassium: 419mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1282IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 4mg