Traditional Russian Shchi Soup: A Hearty and Healthy Delight

Ingredients

  • 1 medium-sized cabbage, shredded
  • 3 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and grated
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 1.5 liters of vegetable broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 400 grams of canned tomatoes
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Parsley for garnish
  • Sour cream for serving (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Prepare all the vegetables - shred the cabbage, chop the potatoes, grate the carrots, finely chop the onions, and mince the garlic.
  2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until they are soft and golden.
  4. Add the minced garlic and grated carrots to the pot and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
  5. Next, add the shredded cabbage and chopped potatoes to the pot.
  6. Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure all the vegetables are covered.
  7. Add the bay leaves and canned tomatoes to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  9. Once the vegetables are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  10. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
  11. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley. Sour cream can be added if desired.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Add cooked meat such as beef, chicken, or sausage for a heartier version of the soup.
  • Include other vegetables such as bell peppers, celery, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices like dill, thyme, or paprika to customize the flavor.
  • Make it a meat-free option by using vegetable broth instead of meat-based broth.
  • For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking.
  • Try adding a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon juice to each serving for an extra tangy kick.
  • Include cooked grains like rice, barley, or quinoa to make the soup more filling.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup instead of wheat-based flour.
  • Make it spicy by adding chili flakes or chopped jalapenos for a kick of heat.
  • For a Russian-inspired version, add a spoonful of smetana (Russian sour cream) to each serving.

Recipe overview

Get ready to warm up with this traditional Russian soup, Shchi. Made from a hearty combination of shredded cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic, this vegetarian-friendly dish is both nourishing and flavorful, perfect for cold winter days. The vegetables are sautéed until tender, then simmered in a rich vegetable broth with bay leaves and canned tomatoes for added depth of flavor. After about 40 minutes of simmering, the result is a hearty and comforting soup that's perfect for lunch or dinner. Serve this soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a dollop of sour cream (if you like), and enjoy a taste of Russian cuisine at home. Expect this recipe to serve 4-6 people, and don't worry if you have leftovers - Shchi is known to taste even better the next day!

Common questions

  1. Can I substitute fresh cabbage with sauerkraut?
    Yes, you can substitute fresh cabbage with sauerkraut. However, keep in mind that sauerkraut will give the soup a tangy flavor. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
  2. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
    Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if you prefer. It will add a slightly different flavor to the soup, but it will still be delicious.
  3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian/vegan?
    To make this recipe vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth and omit any animal-based ingredients such as sour cream if using. For a vegan version, make sure to skip the sour cream and check that the vegetable broth is free from any animal-derived ingredients.
  4. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
    Absolutely! Shchi is a versatile soup, and you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even green beans to enhance the flavor and nutrition. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all the vegetables are cooked through.
  5. How long can I store the leftovers?
    You can store the leftovers of this soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Shchi is a traditional Russian soup that has been a staple of the Russian diet for many centuries. Its history can be traced back to the 9th century, making it one of the oldest known dishes in Russian cuisine. The soup was so integral to the Russian way of life that the word "shchi" was used as a synonym for "meal" in some old sayings. During the long and harsh Russian winters, when fresh vegetables were scarce, shchi was often made with sauerkraut instead of fresh cabbage, resulting in another version of the soup, known as "sour shchi". Its versatility and the ability to use preserved ingredients made shchi a practical and popular dish. This soup has been part of family meals, feasts, and even religious rituals, exemplifying the saying, "Shchi and kasha are our food."

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.