Cabbage Goulash
Cabbage Goulash is a hearty and comforting one-pot dish featuring tender cabbage simmered with savory smoked paprika, garlic, onions, carrots, and a rich tomato base. This flavorful and nutritious meal is perfect for cozying up any day of the year and is easily customizable to suit vegan, vegetarian, or meat-enhanced diets.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Central European
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian (optional vegan)
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium head fresh green or savoy cabbage, finely sliced (about 6 cups)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (use good quality)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or meat broth for non-vegetarian)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
- Kielbasa or smoked pork sausage, sliced (for heartier version)
- Pinch of chili flakes or hot paprika (for extra heat)
- Diced potatoes (for thicker, filling meal)
- Fresh chopped parsley or dill, for garnish
- Prepare the Vegetables: Finely slice the cabbage and dice the onions and carrots to ensure even cooking and harmonious texture in the finished dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a small amount of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the diced onions until they turn soft and golden. Add the minced garlic and stir continuously until fragrant, creating the aromatic base.
- Add Spices and Tomato: Stir in the smoked paprika and tomato paste. Cook briefly to release the spices’ oils and deepen their flavor.
- Combine Vegetables and Broth: Add the sliced cabbage, diced carrots, and vegetable broth to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to marry and the cabbage to soften.
- Simmer to Perfection: Cover the pot and cook on low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should become tender while absorbing the smoky, savory flavors.
- Final Touches: Just before serving, stir in a dollop of sour cream if using, adding creaminess and balancing the spices. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill as desired.
Notes
- Use fresh cabbage to retain a pleasant texture and vibrant flavor after simmering.
- Do not skip the smoked paprika, as it provides the authentic goulash taste.
- Simmer gently over low heat to deepen flavors without overcooking the cabbage.
- Adjust salt and pepper towards the end of cooking to account for flavor concentration.
- For brightness, consider adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice just before serving.
- The recipe is naturally gluten-free if using gluten-free broth and ingredients.
- This dish can be made vegan by omitting sour cream and using vegetable broth.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Cabbage Goulash, comfort food, one-pot meal, smoked paprika, savory stew, vegetarian goulash, vegan goulash, gluten free, hearty cabbage recipe