Delicious Keto Smoked Sausage and Cabbage Soup Recipe – Hearty, Low-Carb Comfort Food!

As the weather cools down, nothing satisfies quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup. This keto smoked sausage and cabbage soup recipe is the perfect choice for a chilly night, combining the comforting flavors of smoked sausage, cabbage, and cheese in a low-carb package. Ideal for those following a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a nutritious and delicious meal, this soup is easy to prepare, customizable, and packed with flavor.

Introduction

This keto cabbage soup is a delightful twist on traditional cabbage soup, tailored to fit a low-carb lifestyle. It features sliced smoked sausage, diced tomatoes, and plenty of cabbage, all simmered in a creamy, cheesy broth. This recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Whether you're a seasoned keto dieter or new to low-carb cooking, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why This Soup Works

This soup’s success lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of flavors. The smoked sausage adds a rich, savory depth, while the cabbage provides a hearty, slightly sweet counterpoint. The creamy, cheesy base ties everything together, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste.

Key Ingredients

Smoked Sausage: Essential for adding a smoky flavor, it's important to choose a sausage with low carb content. Johnsonville Smoked Sausage, with just 2 net carbs per 2-ounce serving, is a great option.
Cabbage: The star of the soup, cabbage, provides bulk and essential nutrients. Green cabbage is commonly used, but savoy or pointed cabbage can also be used.
Cheese: A combination of cream cheese and cheddar cheese creates a creamy and cheesy base. Melting the cream cheese beforehand helps it incorporate smoothly into the soup.
Ro*Tel: Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a flavorful kick.
Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid base of the soup.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics contribute to the overall depth of flavor.
Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, bay leaves, thyme, and juniper berries enhance the soup's flavor profile.
Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds or your preferred size pieces.
Shred the cabbage using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife for the best texture.
Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces.
Mince the garlic.

Cooking the Soup

Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and diced onion and cook until the sausage begins to brown, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the shredded cabbage and Ro*Tel tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the cabbage is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Incorporate the Cheese: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the cream cheese until soft and easy to stir. Add the melted cream cheese to the soup and stir until well combined. Stir in the cheddar cheese until it is melted and the soup is creamy.
Season and Serve: Stir in apple cider vinegar or lemon juice and adjust the seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Soup

Choose the Right Sausage: Always check the nutrition labels to ensure the sausage is low in carbs and doesn’t contain unwanted sugars or fillers.
Melt the Cream Cheese: Melting the cream cheese before adding it to the soup prevents it from clumping and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
Don't Overcook the Cabbage: Cook the cabbage until it's tender but still has a bit of bite. Overcooked cabbage can become mushy.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Sautéing for Flavor: Sautéing the sausage and aromatics before adding the other ingredients helps to develop deeper, richer flavors.

Variations and Additions

Different Meats: Swap the smoked sausage for bacon, ground beef, Italian sausage, or even rotisserie chicken.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Extra Veggies: Consider adding other low-carb vegetables such as cauliflower chunks, mushrooms, sautéed bell peppers, or green beans.
Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor. Smoked paprika, oregano, or a blend of Italian herbs can add depth.
Creaminess Boost: For an even creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This keto cabbage soup is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of keto-friendly sides. Consider serving it with:

Keto Crackers: Perfect for dipping and adding a bit of crunch.
Keto Cheddar Bay Biscuits: A savory, cheesy accompaniment.
Keto Garlic Bread: A classic pairing for soup.
Green Salad: A light and refreshing side to balance the richness of the soup.
Keto Sandwich or Lettuce Wrap: For a heartier meal.

Storing and Reheating

Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Stir well during and after heating to ensure the ingredients are well combined.

Slow Cooker Instructions

This soup can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Here's how:

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Sauté: Sauté the sausage, onion, and garlic in a skillet until the sausage is browned and the onions are translucent.
Combine: Transfer the sautéed ingredients to the slow cooker. Add the cabbage, Ro*Tel, chicken broth, and seasonings.
Cook: Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, or until the cabbage is tender.
Add Cheese: Stir in the cream cheese and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve: Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve hot.

Instant Pot Instructions

For a quick and easy version, try making this soup in the Instant Pot:

Sauté: Use the sauté function to brown the sausage. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened.
Add Ingredients: Add the cabbage, Ro*Tel, chicken broth, and seasonings.
Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.
Add Cheese: Stir in the cream cheese and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve: Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve hot.

Health Benefits of Cabbage

Cabbage is not only a versatile and delicious vegetable but also a nutritional powerhouse. It is low in carbs and high in fiber, making it an excellent choice for those following a keto diet. Additionally, cabbage is rich in vitamins B6 and folate, as well as vitamin C, which supports immune function and overall health.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using High-Carb Sausage: Always check the labels to ensure the sausage is low in carbs.
Overcooking the Cabbage: Cook the cabbage until it is tender but not mushy.
Adding Cold Cream Cheese Directly to the Soup: Melting the cream cheese beforehand helps it incorporate smoothly.
Skipping the Sautéing Step: Sautéing the sausage and aromatics enhances the flavor of the soup.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

tags: #keto #smoked #sausage #and #cabbage #soup