Delicious & Easy Cabbage Salami Soup: A Flavorful Weeknight Meal

Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly flavorful Cabbage Salami Soup, a hearty and satisfying dish that promises to become a new favorite in your kitchen. What makes this soup truly special is its ingenious use of a quick cabbage blend salad as its foundation. This means much of the flavor building is already done for you, leaving you with minimal effort for maximum taste!

This recipe is a brilliant adaptation from my wonderfully creative mother-in-law, who discovered that a simple marinated cabbage salad could transform into an outstanding soup with just a few additional ingredients. The result is a comforting, robust soup where the vibrant flavors of the cured salami perfectly complement the tangy cabbage and sweet bell peppers. It’s a match made in culinary heaven, offering a unique twist on traditional borscht that will surprise and delight your taste buds. Despite its origins, this “borscht” will not taste like a salad; all the distinct flavors mellow out beautifully during the cooking process, creating an incredibly delicious and cohesive soup experience.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cabbage Salami Soup

There are countless reasons to adore this Cabbage Salami Soup, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation:

Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of savory cured salami, tender potatoes, and the pre-marinated cabbage blend creates a depth of flavor that is both complex and incredibly satisfying. The marination process of the cabbage tenderizes it and infuses it with a delightful tang that mellows beautifully during cooking, resulting in a rich, savory broth that’s truly unique.
Surprisingly Quick & Easy: Thanks to the head start provided by the marinated cabbage salad, this soup comes together much faster than you might expect. It’s an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. From start to finish, you’re looking at under an hour of active time.
Hearty and Filling: Packed with nutritious vegetables and rich protein from the salami, this soup is a complete meal on its own. It’s wonderfully warming and incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for chilly evenings, a cozy weekend lunch, or whenever you need a substantial and nourishing dish.
Versatile Ingredient Use: Having the marinated cabbage blend salad on hand is a game-changer. Not only does it shine as a fantastic side dish for any meal, but it effortlessly transitions into the star ingredient for this delicious soup, proving its incredible versatility and value in your culinary arsenal.
Unique Flavor Profile: While sharing some characteristics with traditional borscht due to its cabbage base, this soup offers a distinct and more approachable flavor. The cured salami adds a smoky, umami-rich dimension that elevates the classic cabbage soup experience to an entirely new level, offering a delightful twist on familiar comfort food.

The Secret Ingredient: Marinated Cabbage Blend Salad

The true magic behind this exceptionally flavorful soup lies in the marinated cabbage blend salad. If you haven’t had the pleasure of making it yet, now is absolutely the perfect time to give it a try! This salad is far more than just a simple side dish; it’s a foundational component that brings incredible depth of flavor, tender texture, and unparalleled convenience to this Cabbage Salami Soup.

The process of marinating the cabbage and bell peppers beforehand is what sets this recipe apart. The vegetables soak up a vibrant, zesty, and savory dressing, which not only tenderizes them but also infuses them with a complex flavor profile. When these pre-marinated ingredients are added to the soup, they release these concentrated flavors, creating a broth that is rich, well-balanced, and incredibly delicious – a far cry from the fresh, crisp taste of a salad. The flavors mellow and deepen, contributing to the soup’s overall harmony without overpowering it.

Preparing the marinated cabbage blend salad in advance offers a brilliant meal-prep hack. You can enjoy it as a standalone side dish for a few days, and then, with minimal effort, transform it into the star ingredient for this fantastic soup. This forward-thinking approach ensures you can whip up a homemade, comforting meal whenever the craving strikes, dramatically cutting down on your active cooking time. It’s the ultimate culinary shortcut that doesn’t compromise on taste!

Ingredients for Your Flavorful Cabbage Salami Soup:

Gathering your ingredients is the essential first step towards creating this fantastic meal. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need to bring this hearty Cabbage Salami Soup to life:

Cabbage Salami Soup Specifics:

10 cups water: This forms the essential liquid base for our flavorful broth. For an even richer soup, you could use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
5 oz Cured Dry Salami: The undisputed star protein of this soup, providing a rich, savory, slightly smoky, and wonderfully umami flavor. Opt for a good quality salami; I personally love the one from Costco that includes whole peppercorns for an extra layer of subtle spice and texture. Any similar high-quality brand will do.
1 large onion: When finely diced and caramelized, the onion adds a crucial layer of sweetness and aromatic depth that enhances the overall complexity of the soup.
1 tsp oil: Any neutral cooking oil, such as vegetable, canola, or olive oil, will work perfectly for sautéing the salami and onion to golden perfection.
5 medium potatoes: Peeled and uniformly cubed, these potatoes contribute heartiness, substance, and a wonderful starchy creaminess as they cook down slightly in the broth.
1 bay leaf: A classic aromatic herb, the bay leaf infuses the broth with a subtle, earthy, and slightly floral note, adding complexity without being overwhelming. Remember to remove it before serving!
2 chicken bouillon cubes: These concentrated cubes are essential for boosting the savory chicken flavor of the broth. You can substitute with 2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon powder or even use prepared chicken broth in place of water for a deeper flavor.
2 1/2 cups cabbage blend salad: This is the crucial, pre-marinated component! This salad brings a zesty, tender, and incredibly flavorful vegetable base to the soup. If you haven’t made it yet, please refer to my blog for the marinated cabbage bell pepper salad recipe for best results.
1 tbsp Vegeta all-purpose seasoning: A popular and beloved European seasoning blend, Vegeta adds a fantastic umami boost and a perfectly balanced mix of savory flavors that really ties the soup together.
1/2 tsp salt: This is a starting point. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving, as the saltiness can vary depending on your choice of bullion and salami.
1/4 tsp ground black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is always recommended for maximum aroma and a subtle, piquant warmth that complements the other flavors beautifully.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cabbage Salami Soup

Follow these straightforward steps to create a comforting and incredibly delicious pot of Cabbage Salami Soup. Precision and timing will lead to the best results!

Initiate the Broth Base: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, bring 10 cups of water to a vigorous rolling boil over high heat. Using a large pot ensures ample space for all ingredients and prevents boil-overs.
Prepare the Potatoes: While your water is heating up, take this time to meticulously peel, thoroughly wash, and then evenly cube your potatoes. Aim for pieces roughly 1-inch in size. Uniformity in cubing is key for ensuring they cook evenly throughout the soup.
Dice Salami and Onion: Proceed to finely dice both your cured dry salami and your large onion. Keep these ingredients separate for now; they will be cooked in a distinct step to develop their unique flavors before joining the main pot. Set them aside.
Begin Potato & Broth Cook: Once the water in your pot reaches a full boil, carefully add the chicken bullion cubes (they will dissolve quickly), the aromatic bay leaf, and your cubed potatoes. Reduce the heat to medium-high and allow them to boil for approximately 10 minutes. At this point, the potatoes should be just beginning to soften, but still have some firmness.
Sauté Salami and Onion for Flavor: In a separate large, non-stick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced salami and onion. Sauté this mixture, stirring frequently, until the onions become beautifully translucent and achieve a golden-brown caramelization, and the salami has rendered some of its fat, becoming slightly crispy and fragrant. This crucial step develops deep, savory, and sweet notes that are fundamental to the soup’s flavor.
Combine All Ingredients: Once the salami and onion mixture has reached that perfect caramelized stage, carefully transfer it from the skillet directly into the pot with the simmering potatoes. Now, add the remaining essential ingredients: the 2 1/2 cups of your prepared and flavorful cabbage blend salad, 1 tablespoon of Vegeta all-purpose seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure all components are well combined and evenly distributed.
Final Simmer and Flavor Development: Continue to boil the soup over medium heat for an additional 15 minutes. This extended simmering time is vital; it allows all the newly combined flavors to meld together beautifully, further tenderizes the potatoes and cabbage, and creates a harmonious, deep, and satisfying broth.
Serve and Savor: Once the soup has simmered to perfection, turn off the heat. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Keep the pot covered to maintain warmth until you’re ready to serve. Ladle generous portions into individual serving bowls. For an extra touch of creamy richness and a delightful tangy contrast, add a dollop of sour cream to each bowl just before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Now, sit back and enjoy your homemade, incredibly flavorful Cabbage Salami Soup!

Tips and Variations for Your Cabbage Salami Soup

Enhance and customize your Cabbage Salami Soup experience with these helpful tips and creative variations, ensuring every bowl is perfect for your taste and needs:

Choosing the Right Salami: While any good quality cured dry salami will yield a delicious soup, I enthusiastically recommend looking for a salami that contains whole peppercorns. The subtle burst of spice and the slight textural contrast they provide truly elevate the soup’s overall flavor profile. Costco often carries an excellent option that fits this description, but feel free to experiment with your favorite high-quality brand to discover what you love most.
Adjusting Seasoning to Perfection: It’s always crucial to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving your soup. Both salami and chicken bouillon can vary significantly in their saltiness. Therefore, add additional salt and freshly ground black pepper gradually, tasting as you go, until the flavor is perfectly balanced and pleasing to your palate. A final pinch of fresh dill or parsley stirred in at the very end can also brighten the flavors and add a fresh aromatic touch.
Delightful Serving Suggestions: A generous dollop of cool, creamy sour cream is a classic and highly recommended accompaniment for this soup. Its tangy richness perfectly balances the savory, hearty notes of the soup. For a more substantial meal, serve with a side of warm, crusty bread or perhaps some homemade cornbread, ideal for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful broth. A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like parsley, dill, or even chives makes a wonderful and inviting garnish.
Making it Vegetarian-Friendly: To adapt this wonderful recipe for vegetarian diets, simply omit the cured salami entirely. You can introduce a smoky flavor by adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika during the onion sautéing step. For added protein and heartiness, stir in a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas towards the end of the cooking process. Ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken bullion to keep it fully vegetarian.
Adding More Vegetables: This soup is highly adaptable to additional vegetables. Feel free to customize it with other favorites! Sliced carrots, diced celery, or even a handful of fresh spinach or kale added in the last few minutes of cooking would be delicious additions and boost the nutritional content without compromising flavor.
Spice It Up a Notch: For those who appreciate a bit of heat in their soup, a pinch of red pepper flakes added along with the salami and onion during the sautéing step will infuse your soup with a delightful and warming kick. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spice.
Optimal Storage and Reheating: One of the best qualities of this soup is that it often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or conveniently in the microwave. This soup also freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months; simply allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headspace. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Salami Soup

Can I use fresh cabbage instead of the marinated cabbage blend salad?: While you *can* technically use fresh cabbage, the marinated cabbage blend salad is absolutely key to this recipe’s unique and deep flavor profile, as well as its quick preparation time. The pre-marinated cabbage brings a tender texture and a complex, zesty flavor that would take much longer to achieve with fresh cabbage. If you must use fresh cabbage, you would need to add extra vinegar, sugar, and various seasonings to mimic the salad’s flavor, and cook it for a longer duration until it’s very tender to avoid a raw texture.
What specific kind of salami is best for this soup?: A good quality cured dry salami is ideal for this soup. Look for one that is firm to the touch and possesses a robust, savory flavor. As previously mentioned, salami that includes whole peppercorns is highly recommended as it adds an extra layer of subtle spice and texture that beautifully complements the other ingredients. Avoid softer, deli-style salamis, as they may not hold up as well during cooking.
Is this Cabbage Salami Soup spicy?: The original recipe for this soup is generally not considered spicy. The “peppercorns” mentioned in the salami context refer to black pepper, which adds a mild warmth and aromatic complexity rather than significant heat. If you personally prefer a spicy kick, you can easily add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes during the sautéing step with the salami and onion to achieve your desired level of heat.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time for meal planning?: Absolutely! This Cabbage Salami Soup is an excellent candidate for meal prepping. In fact, many find that the flavors often deepen and become even more harmonious the next day after they’ve had more time to meld. Simply allow the soup to cool completely after cooking, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully.
Is it possible to freeze Cabbage Salami Soup?: Yes, this soup freezes wonderfully, making it a fantastic option for long-term meal storage. To freeze, ensure the soup has cooled completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a small amount of headspace to allow for expansion. It can be safely frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.
What can I substitute for Vegeta all-purpose seasoning if I don’t have it?: Vegeta is a unique and widely popular seasoning blend, but if it’s not available to you, you can create a similar flavor profile. A good substitute would be a combination of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, a tiny pinch of sugar (to balance), and a touch of dried parsley or celery seed. Alternatively, a good quality all-purpose seasoning blend that you enjoy, or even just additional chicken bouillon powder combined with dried herbs, could serve as a decent replacement, though the exact taste may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

This Cabbage Salami Soup is a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little culinary creativity and the genius of a wonderful mother-in-law, can yield truly extraordinary and memorable results. It’s warm, incredibly comforting, packed with robust flavor, and surprisingly easy to prepare, especially if you have that amazing marinated cabbage blend salad ready to go. This recipe offers a unique take on traditional comfort food, providing a hearty and satisfying meal that stands out from the crowd.

We genuinely encourage you to try this delightful and unique combination. It’s more than just a soup; it’s a delightful culinary experience that promises to impress your family and friends and potentially become a cherished staple in your home. Don’t forget to share your experience, leave a comment, or rate the recipe below – your feedback is always incredibly appreciated and helps other home cooks discover new favorites!

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Cabbage Salami Soup

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 10 servings

Author: Alyona’s Cooking

This cabbage salami soup is so flavorful. Made from a quick cabbage blend salad, all you need is an addition of a few more ingredients as the salad has all the main ingredients!

Ingredients

Cabbage Salami Soup:

10 cups water
5 oz Cured Dry Salami
1 onion
1 tsp oil
5 potatoes
1 bay leaf
2 chicken bullion cubes
2 1/2 cups cabbage blend salad recipe on my blog
1 tbsp Vegeta all-purpose seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

In a large pot bring 10 cups of water to a boil over high heat.
Meanwhile, peel, wash and cube the potatoes.
Dice the salami and onion; set aside.
When water comes to a boil add the chicken bullion cubes, bay leaf, and potatoes to the water and boil for about 10 min.
Heat 1 tsp of oil in a large non-stick skillet over med-high heat. Add the salami and onion and sauté until onions caramelize.
When the salami mixture is caramelized add to the potatoes. Add the remaining ingredients and continue to boil over medium heat for another 15 min.
Turn off and keep warm. Add a dollop of sour cream to each serving bowl and enjoy!