VegetarianRussian

Cabbage Soup (Shchi)

Name: Cabbage Soup (Shchi)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Russian
Ingredients: 3 tbs Unsalted Butter; 1 large Onion; 1 medium Cabbage; 1 Carrots; 1 Celery; 1 Bay Leaf; 8 cups Vegetable Stock; 2 large Potatoes; 2 large Tomatoes; Garnish Sour Cream; Garnish Dill

Cabbage Soup (Shchi) is a classic Russian vegetarian that holds a distinguished place in traditional cooking. Celebrated for its wholesome ingredients and time-honored preparation, this dish brings authentic regional character to the home kitchen.

Carefully prepared featuring Unsalted Butter, Onion, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Bay Leaf, Vegetable Stock, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Sour Cream and Dill, the ingredients are simmered and seasoned to achieve a satisfying depth of flavor. The cooking process allows natural aromas to develop, ensuring each portion is both hearty and flavorful.

Serve hot alongside fresh bread, steamed grains, or a crisp seasonal salad for a well-rounded dining experience.

If you enjoy authentic Russian cooking, be sure to also explore our recipe for Potato Salad (Olivier Salad).

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Ingredients

Unsalted Butter3 tbs
Onion1 large
Cabbage1 medium
Carrots1
Celery1
Bay Leaf1
Vegetable Stock8 cups
Potatoes2 large
Tomatoes2 large
Sour CreamGarnish
DillGarnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

13 steps

Interactive Cook Mode: Click any step or circle to check it off as you cook.

Step 1

Add the butter to a large Dutch oven or other heavy-duty pot over medium heat.

Step 2

When the butter has melted, add the onion and sauté until translucent.

Step 3

Add the cabbage, carrot, and celery.

Step 4⏱️ 3 minutes

Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften, stirring frequently, about 3 minutes.

Step 5♨️ Boil

Add the bay leaf and vegetable stock and bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 6🍲 Simmer⏱️ 15 minutes

Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 15 minutes.

Step 7♨️ Boil

Add the potatoes and bring it back to a boil over high heat.

Step 8🍲 Simmer⏱️ 10 minutes

Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.

Step 9♨️ Boil

Add the tomatoes (or undrained canned tomatoes) and bring the soup back to a boil over high heat.

Step 10🍲 Simmer⏱️ 5 minutes

Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.

Step 11

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 12

emove and discard the bay leaf from the pot.

Step 13✨ Serve

Serve topped with fresh sour cream and fresh dill.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Culinary Notes

Cultural Heritage

Cabbage Soup (Shchi) carries a rich culinary tradition rooted in regional home cooking. Developed over generations, the recipe highlights wholesome local ingredients prepared with time-honored kitchen techniques.

Dietary Substitutions

For a richer sauce, replace a portion of the water with homemade bone broth, vegetable stock, or a splash of dry wine or red wine vinegar to cut through richness.

Chef Technique Tips

Take the time to thoroughly sear and brown unsalted butter in batches before adding the braising liquid. The caramelized fond deposited on the bottom of the pot dissolves into the stew, providing depth and body that cannot be rushed.

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