Golumpki Soup: All the Comfort of Stuffed Cabbage in One Cozy Bowl

If you love the rich, hearty flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but don’t have the time (or patience) to roll dozens of leaves, Golumpki Soup is about to become your new favorite comfort food. This soul-warming dish delivers everything you adore about classic Polish golumpki—tender cabbage, savory meat, tomato richness, and gentle spices—without the extra work.

Golumpki Soup is rustic, filling, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that simmers slowly on the stove, filling your home with irresistible aromas and bringing everyone to the table. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or craving an old-fashioned bowl of comfort, this soup checks every box.

In this post, you’ll discover the history behind golumpki, why soup is the easiest version to make, expert cooking tips, variations, storage ideas, and—of course—the full, foolproof recipe.

What Is Golumpki?

Golumpki (also spelled gołąbki, galumpki, or halupki) are traditional Polish stuffed cabbage rolls made with cabbage leaves wrapped around a mixture of ground meat, rice, onions, and seasoning, then simmered in tomato sauce.

The name “gołąbki” literally translates to “little pigeons,” though no pigeons are involved. The dish dates back centuries and is a staple across Eastern Europe, especially in Poland, Ukraine, and Slovakia.

Why Golumpki Soup?

Golumpki Soup takes all the beloved ingredients of classic cabbage rolls and transforms them into a one-pot, no-rolling soup. Same flavor. Less effort. More comfort.

Why You’ll Love Golumpki Soup

✅ One pot, minimal prep
✅ Budget-friendly ingredients
✅ Hearty and filling
✅ Perfect for leftovers
✅ Freezer-friendly
✅ Comfort food at its best

This soup is especially popular in colder months, but it’s comforting year-round.

Key Ingredients That Make This Soup Special

Each ingredient plays a role in recreating authentic golumpki flavor:

Cabbage

The heart of the dish. Green cabbage softens beautifully in broth, becoming tender without falling apart.

Ground Meat

Traditionally ground beef, though pork or a beef-pork mix adds richness. Turkey also works for a lighter version.

Rice

White rice is classic, absorbing flavors as it cooks. You can also use brown rice with adjusted cooking time.

Tomatoes

Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce give the soup its signature tang and richness.

Onion & Garlic

Essential for depth and aroma.

Broth

Beef broth is traditional, but chicken or vegetable broth works well.

Seasonings

Paprika, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and a touch of sugar to balance acidity.

Pages: 1 2 3