Traditional Nordic Cabbage Soup (Kaalikeitto)

Published: 7/31/2026

An affordable and filling classic. A touch of syrup provides a characteristic Nordic sweetness that balances the savory beef broth and earthy cabbage.

Ingredients (6 servings)

• 2 lbs (900 g) green cabbage, shredded
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef or soup meat (optional)
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) beef broth
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) dark corn syrup (or honey)
• 1 tsp (2 g) dried marjoram
• 8-10 allspice berries
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. If using meat, brown it in a large soup pot and drain any excess fat.
2. Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and onion to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften.
3. Pour in the beef broth. Add the allspice berries, marjoram, and dark corn syrup.
4. Cover and simmer on low heat for at least 1 hour. A long, slow simmer is essential for the cabbage to become tender and the flavors to meld.
5. Remove the whole allspice berries before serving.

Pro Tips

• The Right Sweetener: Dark corn syrup or honey achieves the authentic mild Nordic sweetness. Avoid molasses, which is significantly more bitter. This soup is traditionally better the next day.

See Also

• Hearty Sausage and Root Vegetable Soup (Makkarakeitto)
• Classic Beef Stroganoff (Finnish Style)
• Classic French Onion Soup (Ranskalainen sipulikeitto)

Categories: soups, comfort-food