Russian Cabbage Soup

Schi (Russian Cabbage Soup) Recipe

Description:
Schi is a beloved traditional Russian cabbage soup, deeply rooted in the culinary heritage of the region. This hearty, stew-like soup is brimming with flavor and nostalgia, making it a cherished dish in many Russian households. It’s a perfect choice for a wholesome family meal, especially on chilly evenings.

Cook Time: 4 hours
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Vegetable, Russian, European, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Weeknight, Stove Top

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 280.4
• Fat Content: 11.4g
• Saturated Fat Content: 3.6g
• Cholesterol Content: 15.4mg
• Sodium Content: 1010.7mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 38.2g
• Fiber Content: 12.4g
• Sugar Content: 9.1g
• Protein Content: 10.2g

Ingredients:

• 1 cabbage
• 1 cup sauerkraut
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 can tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, if available)
• 1 cup barley
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Water, if needed

Instructions:

1. Layering the Ingredients:

   • In a medium-to-large stewpot or crockpot, begin by layering the ingredients in the following order: bacon, 1/4 of the cabbage, 1/4 of the sauerkraut, 1/4 of the tomatoes, and 1/4 of the barley.
   • Repeat the layering process with the remaining cabbage, sauerkraut, tomatoes, and barley in the same amounts and order.

2. Adjusting Liquid Levels:

   • If the mixture appears too dry or there isn’t enough tomato juice, you can add about 1 cup of water to ensure the soup has enough liquid to simmer and develop its flavors properly.

3. Seasoning:

   • Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. The bacon and sauerkraut will already impart some salty flavors, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.

4. Cooking Process:

   • Cover the stewpot or crockpot and cook on high for approximately 20 minutes to bring the ingredients to a gentle simmer.
   • After 20 minutes, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
   • Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 3-5 hours, checking occasionally to ensure that the heat is low enough to prevent burning. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and comforting soup.

5. Serving:

   • Once the soup has simmered to perfection and the flavors have fully developed, it’s time to serve!
   • Ladle the hot Schi into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
   • Serve alongside boiled potatoes or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Times Table:

Enjoy your homemade Schi (Russian Cabbage Soup)! 🍲