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Soup Dishes Cooking Time : 1 hour Recipe Servings : Serves: 6 Recipe Dificult : easy 0.00

Kaalikeitto Recipe | Traditional Finnish Cabbage Soup

Kaalikeitto is a classic Finnish comfort food known for its simple ingredients, wholesome flavor, and nourishing qualities. This traditional soup combines fresh cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, and ground beef or beef chunks in a light, savory broth seasoned with bay leaves, black pepper, and aromatic herbs. Slow simmering allows the vegetables to become tender while the cabbage develops a naturally sweet flavor, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that has warmed Finnish families for generations.

Popular throughout Finland, Kaalikeitto is especially enjoyed during the colder months when hearty soups are a staple of home cooking. The dish reflects the Finnish tradition of using fresh, locally available ingredients to create wholesome meals that are both economical and filling. While many recipes include ground beef, some variations use beef stew meat, pork, or are made entirely vegetarian with vegetable broth.

Despite its simplicity, Kaalikeitto is rich in flavor and nutrition. The cabbage provides fiber and vitamins, while potatoes and carrots add natural sweetness and heartiness. Served with slices of rye bread and a little butter, this soup becomes a complete and comforting meal suitable for lunch or dinner.

Easy to prepare in a single pot, Kaalikeitto is perfect for meal prep since its flavors become even richer the next day. Whether you're exploring Nordic cuisine or looking for a healthy homemade soup, this authentic Finnish cabbage soup is both comforting and delicious.

Cooking Method

Melt the butter in a large soup pot over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and ground beef (or beef cubes) and cook until browned.
Stir in the shredded cabbage, carrots, and potatoes.
Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaves, marjoram, black pepper, and salt.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 35–45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have blended.
Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve hot with Finnish rye bread or crusty bread.