Kielbasa Cabbage Soup

Prep : ---30 minutes --- Cook : --- 1 -1/4 hours --- Make 8 to 10 servings (about 2 -1/2 quarts)

1 ------------------small head cabbage , coarsely chopped

1 ------------------medium onion , chopped

4 to 6 ------------garlic cloves , minced

2 ------------------tablespoons olive oil

4 ------------------cups water

3 ------------------tablespoons cider vinegar

1 to 2 -------------tablespoons brown sugar

1 -------------------pound smoked kielbasa or polish sausage , halved , cut into 1/2-inch pieces

4 ------------------medium potatoes , peeled and cubed

3 -----------------large carrots , chopped

1 -----------------teaspoon caraway seeds

1/2 ----------------teaspoon pepper

1) In a Dutch oven or soup kettle , saute the cabbage , onion and garlic in oil for 5 minutes or until tender .

2) Combine the water , vinegar and brown sugar ; add to cabbage mixture . Stir in remaining ingredients . Bring to a boil . Reduce heat ; cover and simmer for 60 to 70 minutes or until vegetables are tender .

Cabbage is plentiful year round . During the winter you can keep this hearty soup simmering on the stovetop all day .