Shchi: Russian Cabbage Soup
🕒 Cook Time: 45 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 30 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Description:
This hearty Russian Cabbage Soup, known as Shchi, is a deliciously thick concoction packed with vegetables, making it a satisfying meal all on its own. Originating from a request for a version with meatballs, this adaptation boasts a rich sweet-sour flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. Drawing inspiration from traditional Russian recipes, this dish offers a comforting blend of ingredients, perfect for those cozy weeknight dinners.
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Vegetable, Meat, Russian, European, Weeknight, Stove Top, Less than 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 71.6
- Fat Content: 4.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 10.2mg
- Sodium Content: 577.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 8.5g
- Fiber Content: 3.3g
- Sugar Content: 4g
- Protein Content: 1.8g
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sauerkraut | 1 1/2 cups |
| Carrot | 3 |
| Celery | 1 |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Tomato Paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Bay Leaves | 1 |
| Pepper | 3 |
| Cabbage | 2-3 cups |
| Meat | Optional |
Instructions:
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Prepare Sauerkraut: Rinse the sauerkraut thoroughly and drain it well to remove excess liquid.
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Simmer Sauerkraut: In a large stockpot, combine the sauerkraut with the stock and simmer over medium heat for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Prepare Vegetables: While the sauerkraut simmers, prepare the vegetables. Peel and finely chop or grate the parsley root, carrots, and celery.
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Saute Vegetables: In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and saute until they become soft and fragrant.
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Add Flavor: Sprinkle the cooked vegetables with flour, then stir in the tomato paste, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional minute or two, ensuring that the flavors are well combined.
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Thicken Soup: Thin the vegetable mixture with a small amount of the simmering soup, creating a smooth consistency.
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Incorporate Ingredients: Add the vegetable mixture to the soup pot, along with the shredded cabbage and cooked meat if desired. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cabbage reaches your desired level of tenderness.
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Serve: Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and serve hot, garnishing with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
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Enjoy: Sit back, relax, and savor the delightful flavors of this comforting Russian Cabbage Soup. Whether enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with crusty bread for dipping, this dish is sure to warm both body and soul.
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Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of this hearty soup for multiple meals.
Pro Tips:
- For added depth of flavor, consider browning the meatballs in a separate skillet before adding them to the soup.
- Experiment with different types of cabbage, such as green or red, to find your preferred flavor profile.
- Adjust the sweetness and sourness of the soup to your liking by varying the amount of sauerkraut used.
- To make this soup vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the meat and use vegetable stock instead of beef or chicken broth.
With its robust flavors and hearty ingredients, this Shchi recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Perfect for chilly evenings or lazy weekends, this comforting soup will transport you to the heart of Russia with every savory spoonful. So gather your ingredients, don your apron, and embark on a culinary journey to discover the true essence of Russian cuisine.
