Creamy cabbage soup is a hearty, delicious soup from finely shredded cabbage, carrots, onions, ham and sometimes smoked meats — all simmered gently in a broth enriched with milk or cream.
Spiced with hot pepper and salt to taste, the cream in this soup adds richness, balancing the natural sweetness of cabbage, while dill or parsley sprinkled on top brings a fresh, herbal note.
It’s a comforting, hearty dish that reflects the simplicity and resourcefulness of Estonian home cooking, perfect for cold seasons.
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The Comforting Creamy Cabbage Soup You Must Taste
Description
Creamy cabbage soup is a hearty, delicious soup from finely shredded cabbage, carrots, onions, ham and sometimes smoked meats — all simmered gently in a broth enriched with milk or cream.
Background and Origin
Cabbage has long been a staple in Estonian cuisine, valued for its hardiness and ability to store well through harsh Baltic winters. The tradition of cabbage soups dates back centuries, when rural families relied on what they could grow, preserve, or forage.
The creamy variation of cabbage soup likely became common as dairy farming thrived in Estonia. Milk, cream, and butter found their way into many traditional dishes, adding nourishment and richness, especially during the colder months. Smoked meats, like pork or ham, were often added for extra flavor and as a source of protein, particularly in farming households.
Ingredients
Instructions
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How to Prepare Creamy Cabbage Soup
- Pour in the chicken broth in a large pot on medium heat. Add the shredded cabbage, celery, onions and carrots. Once the vegetables come to a boil, lower the heat and let them simmer for 20 minutes. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in a separate saucepan on low heat. Add the flour, salt and pepper. Mix evenly to make a smooth paste. Add the milk and cream little by little while stirring to ensure a smooth sauce. Continue cooking and stirring until it thickens.
- Put the vegetable mixture back on the fire and pour in the creamy mixture.
- Add the cooked ham and dried thyme powder.
- Stir the creamy cabbage soup and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat.
- Spoon some of the soup into a bowl, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Video credit: Beebah’s Country Kitchen
Note
Tips for Making Creamy Cabbage Soup
- Use less thyme if you don’t like a strong taste of it in your soup or sauce.
- It’s optional to garnish with parsley.
- Serve alongside freshly-baked bread as desired.
- Creamy cabbage soup is easier to make with meat or chicken broth. Use either.
- You can add chopped potatoes to the soup for a heavy lunch.
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Estonian creamy cabbage soup isn’t just food — it’s a reflection of simple, honest cooking that celebrates local ingredients and the art of making the most out of what nature provides.
Today, you’ll find this soup served in Estonian homes, countryside inns, and restaurants that honor traditional recipes.
