Shchi (Щи)
soup
easy
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Shchi is one of Russia's oldest soups, built around cabbage and slow-developed broth flavor. Versions range from light summer shchi with fresh cabbage to hearty winter bowls with beef and root vegetables. The hallmark is a balanced, mildly tangy cabbage profile served hot with sour cream, rye bread, and chopped herbs.
About This Dish
Shchi is a historic Russian cabbage soup with many regional versions, often served with sour cream and rye bread.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
100 minutes
Servings
6
Region & Occasion
Russianwintereverydayfamily
Ingredients
- •500 g (1.1 lb) beef shank or stew beef
- •2 liters (8 cups) water or beef stock
- •400 g (14 oz) cabbage, shredded
- •2 potatoes, diced
- •1 carrot, grated
- •1 onion, diced
- •2 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
- •2 bay leaves
- •6 black peppercorns
- •2 tbsp vegetable oil
- •Salt to taste
- •Sour cream and fresh dill for serving
Cooking Instructions
- 1Place beef in a pot with water and bring to a boil.
- 2Skim foam, add bay leaves and peppercorns, then simmer 60-90 minutes until tender.
- 3Remove meat, cut into bite-size pieces, and return to the broth.
- 4In a skillet, sauté onion and carrot in oil until soft.
- 5Add tomato paste if using and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- 6Add shredded cabbage and potatoes to the broth.
- 7Simmer 15 minutes, then add sautéed vegetables.
- 8Cook another 15-20 minutes until potatoes and cabbage are tender.
- 9Season with salt and adjust broth consistency as needed.
- 10Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- 11Serve hot with sour cream and fresh dill.
Cooking Tips
- •Simmer gently to keep broth clear and meat tender.
- •Shred cabbage evenly so it cooks at the same pace as potatoes.
- •Let soup rest briefly before serving to deepen flavor.
FAQ
Can shchi be made vegetarian?
Yes. Use vegetable stock and skip meat; mushrooms can add deeper umami flavor.
Does shchi taste better the next day?
Usually yes, as cabbage and broth flavors continue to develop overnight.
What should I serve with shchi?
Traditional pairings include rye bread, sour cream, and fresh dill.
Tags
#cabbage-soup#traditional#Russian#comfort-food
