Shchi (Cabbage Soup)
Description
This traditional Shchi is a deeply comforting Russian cabbage soup that relies on a rich, homemade bone broth for its soulful flavor. The combination of tender beef brisket, marrow bones, and dried porcini mushrooms creates a robust, umami-packed base. Fresh and sauerkraut cabbage provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, while root vegetables add earthy depth. The soup improves with age, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. Serve it hot with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill for a classic, warming meal that feels like home. It is perfect for cold evenings or when you need a hearty, nourishing dinner that feeds a crowd.Directions
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Soak the dried porcini mushrooms in 1 cup of water for 2 hours.
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Drain the mushrooms, pat them dry with paper towels, chop finely, and set aside.
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In a large soup pot, combine the brisket, marrow bones, and 10 cups of water.
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Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, periodically skimming off the foam as it rises to the top.
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Add the onion, parsnip, and half the butter to the pot, then reduce the heat to low.
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Simmer, covered, until the meat is tender, about 2 hours.
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Meanwhile, melt half the butter in a deep skillet over medium heat.
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Add the shredded cabbage and sauerkraut and sauté for 10 minutes, tossing and stirring regularly.
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Add one cup of hot stock from the pot and the tomato paste to the skillet.
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Cover the skillet and simmer over low heat for 35 to 40 minutes.
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Melt the remaining butter in another large skillet and sauté the julienned carrot, chopped celery, diced turnip, and chopped mushrooms until soft and lightly browned, about 15 minutes.
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When the stock is ready, strain it into a clean pot, reserving the meat and discarding the other solids.
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Cut the reserved brisket into bite-size pieces.
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Add the cabbage mixture, vegetable mixture, and plum tomatoes to the strained stock.
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Season with salt and pepper, stir, and cook, covered, over medium-low heat for 20 minutes.
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Add the cut meat and minced garlic to the soup.
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Simmer for another 5 minutes.
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Let the soup stand for at least 15 minutes before serving.
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Serve garnished with fresh dill and a dollop of sour cream.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1 cups
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 599.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 34.1g53%
- Saturated Fat 13.6g68%
- Cholesterol 174.8mg59%
- Sodium 157.9mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 3.2g2%
- Dietary Fiber 1.1g5%
- Sugars 1.5g
- Protein 66.2g133%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.