Russian Cabbage Soup

Russian Cabbage Soup Recipe - Authentic Taste from Russia

Region / culture: Russia | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Russian Cabbage Soup, also known as Shchi, is a traditional Russian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. This hearty and flavorful soup is made with simple ingredients such as beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and onions, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.

History

Shchi has been a staple in Russian cuisine for hundreds of years. It is believed to have originated in the 9th century and has since become a popular dish in Russia and other Eastern European countries. Originally, Shchi was made with fermented cabbage, but over time the recipe evolved to include fresh cabbage and other ingredients.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) lean rump or chuck roast
2 cup cooked chopped tomatoes
1 large onion, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 clove garlic, minced
3 qt (2.84 liter) cold water
1 ea medium head cabbage, shredded
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp white vinegar
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

In a large soup pot, combine the beef, tomatoes, onion, bay leaf, and garlic with the cold water.
Allow the mixture to stand for 1 hour.
Simmer the mixture, covered, for 2 – 3 hours.
Remove the bay leaf and add the cabbage, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Continue to simmer for 15 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
Before serving, stir in the lemon juice and garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or carrots for extra vegetables.
Use pork or chicken instead of beef for a different flavor.
Add herbs such as dill or parsley for a fresh taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth instead of water.

- To save time, you can use pre-cooked beef or leftover roast beef in this recipe.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed.

- For a vegetarian version, you can omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead.

Serving Suggestions

Russian Cabbage Soup can be served as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or boiled potatoes. It can also be enjoyed as a starter or appetizer before a larger meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering: Simmer the soup slowly to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Garnishing: Garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian version.

- Substitute red wine vinegar for white vinegar for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Russian Cabbage Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Russian Cabbage Soup in a rustic bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. Pair with a slice of rye bread for a traditional presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Russian Cabbage Soup pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold glass of kvass, a traditional Russian fermented beverage.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Russian Cabbage Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 18g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 10g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 25g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% DV

- Vitamin C: 70% DV

- Calcium: 10% DV

- Iron: 20% DV

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Russian Cabbage Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is low in calories and free of allergens, making it a healthy option for many dietary needs.

Summary

Russian Cabbage Soup is a classic dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With simple ingredients and a few hours of simmering, you can enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Russian Cabbage Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Russia. My mother, a fantastic cook, would often spend hours in the kitchen creating delicious meals for our family. One day, she came across an old cookbook that had been passed down from generation to generation. In it, she found the recipe for Russian Cabbage Soup, or as it is known in Russian, shchi.

As I watched my mother prepare this hearty and comforting soup, I was mesmerized by the way she chopped the cabbage into fine strips, diced the potatoes into small cubes, and simmered it all together with fragrant dill and a touch of sour cream. The aroma that filled our small kitchen was intoxicating, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this soup myself.

Over the years, I watched my mother make shchi countless times, each time adding her own personal touch to the recipe. Sometimes she would add a handful of mushrooms for extra flavor, or a dollop of homemade tomato sauce for a bit of sweetness. Each variation was delicious in its own way, and I quickly learned that the key to making a great pot of shchi was not just following the recipe, but adding a little bit of love and creativity to it as well.

As I grew older and eventually moved away from my small village, I found myself craving the taste of home more and more. I longed for the familiar flavors of my mother's cooking, and so I began to experiment with the recipe for Russian Cabbage Soup on my own. I tried different combinations of vegetables, adjusted the seasonings to my liking, and even added a squeeze of lemon juice for a bit of brightness.

After many trials and errors, I finally perfected my own version of shchi, one that reminded me of the comfort and warmth of my childhood. I made it for friends and family, who all raved about how delicious it was. They would ask me for the recipe, but I always told them that it was a family secret, passed down from my mother to me.

Years passed, and I eventually became a grandmother myself. My grandchildren would come to visit me often, and I would always make a big pot of Russian Cabbage Soup for them to enjoy. They would slurp up every last drop, begging me for more. I would watch them with a smile on my face, knowing that I had passed down the tradition of making shchi to yet another generation.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the memories of my past, I am grateful for the recipe for Russian Cabbage Soup that has been a constant in my life. It has brought me comfort in times of sorrow, joy in times of celebration, and a connection to my heritage that I will always cherish. And so, I will continue to make this soup for as long as I am able, sharing its warmth and love with all those who come into my kitchen. For me, Russian Cabbage Soup is more than just a recipe – it is a piece of my heart and soul.