Polish Pork Meatball & Cabbage Soup

Tender pork meatballs simmer with autumn cabbage and potatoes in a dill-scented broth for a warming Polish-style dinner in under an hour.

  • Total time: 45 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $18
  • Calories per serving: 610 cal
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • ground pork
    12 oz $5.99
  • organic green cabbage
    10 oz $1.99
  • yellow potatoes
    8 oz $1.69
  • organic carrots
    2 oz $1.79
  • yellow onion
    2 oz $1.49
  • organic garlic
    2 cloves $2.69
  • organic dill
    2 tbsp chopped $2.69
  • fine sea salt
    1¾ tsp
  • black pepper
    ¼ tsp
  • olive oil
    1 tbsp
  • sweet paprika
    1 tsp
  • apple cider vinegar
    2 tsp

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables and dill:

    • Thinly shred 10 oz cabbage.
    • Dice 8 oz yellow potatoes into ½-inch pieces.
    • Dice 2 oz carrots.
    • Dice 2 oz yellow onion.
    • Mince 2 garlic cloves.
    • Chop 2 tbsp dill.
  2. Mix 12 oz ground pork with ¾ tsp fine sea salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Shape into roughly 14 small meatballs.

  3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs for about 5 minutes, turning gently; transfer to a plate. They will finish cooking in the soup.

  4. Add the diced onion and carrots to the pot and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and 1 tsp sweet paprika for 30 seconds.

  5. Add the shredded cabbage, diced potatoes, 1 tsp fine sea salt, and 4 cups water. Return the meatballs and any juices to the pot. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 18–20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the meatballs reach 160°F.

  6. Stir in 2 tsp apple cider vinegar and the chopped dill. Ladle the soup into two bowls, dividing the meatballs and vegetables evenly.

Drink pairing: A dry Riesling complements the pork and the soup’s bright vinegar finish.