Shchi
A traditional Russian cabbage soup made with fresh or sauerkraut, root vegetables and often meat, served with sour cream and rye bread. Simple and comforting.
Schi: Шнапс, Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)
Where it comes from
Shchi has been a staple of Russian tables for centuries and is considered everyday food for all. It is often made in big pots and reheated, tasting better the next day.
Explore the cuisine of Russia.
Recipe
Make Shchi at home
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) beef or pork ribs (optional)
- 8 cups (2 L) water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, grated
- 3 potatoes, cubed
- 1/2 head cabbage (or 1 cup sauerkraut), shredded
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, pepper, dill, sour cream
How it's made
- Simmer the meat in water for 1 hour and skim the foam.
- Saute onion and carrots in oil, then stir in the tomato paste.
- Add potatoes to the broth and cook 10 minutes.
- Add cabbage and the sauteed vegetables and bay leaves and simmer 20 minutes.
- Season to taste and let sit 10 minutes.
- Serve with sour cream, dill and rye bread.
Variations
- Sour shchi with sauerkraut.
- Green shchi with sorrel.
- Vegetarian shchi with mushrooms.
Cook’s tip: Let it stand off the heat before serving; the flavors settle and deepen.
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About this page
Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.
Photo credit
- Schi: Шнапс, Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)