Shchi (Russian Cabbage Soup)
Russia's oldest soup — a nourishing broth of beef, fresh or sauerkraut cabbage, potatoes, and root vegetables, finished with sour cream.
About This Recipe
Shchi is one of the oldest recipes in Russian culinary history, documented for at least a thousand years. This simple cabbage soup has sustained Russian people through harsh winters and difficult times, and remains the most widely eaten soup in Russia today. Available in every canteen, restaurant, and home kitchen, shchi with a dollop of sour cream is an act of pure Russian comfort.
Ingredients
Serves 6
- 400 gbeef ribs or brisket
- 300 gfresh white cabbage(shredded)
- 2 mediumpotatoes(diced)
- 1 largecarrot(grated)
- 1 largeonion(diced)
- 3 tbsptomato paste
- 2 tbspvegetable oil
- 2 litreswater
- 2 bay leavesbay leaves
- 1 tspsalt
- 100 mlsour cream(to serve)
Instructions
- 1
Make broth
Simmer beef in water with bay leaves and salt for 60 min until tender. Remove beef, shred meat, discard bones.
- 2
Sauté vegetables
Sauté onion and carrot in oil until soft. Add tomato paste, cook 2 min.
- 3
Add to broth
Add sautéed veg, potatoes, and cabbage to broth. Simmer 20 min.
- 4
Finish
Return shredded beef to pot. Simmer 5 more min. Adjust seasoning.
- 5
Serve
Ladle into deep bowls with a dollop of sour cream.
Pro Tips
- →
Let shchi sit for 30 min after cooking — like most Russian soups, it tastes better once it has rested.
Variations
- •
Use sauerkraut for a sour version (kishlye shchi)
- •
Make vegetarian with mushroom stock
- •
Add fresh dill at the end
Storage
Refrigerate up to 5 days. Excellent the next day once flavours develop.
History & Origin
Shchi has been recorded in Russian texts since the 9th century. It was the daily staple of both peasants and tsars — Peter the Great reportedly ate it daily. Frozen shchi was carried by Russian soldiers and explorers as a portable, long-lasting meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fresh or sauerkraut cabbage?
Fresh gives a mild, clean flavour; sauerkraut gives a sour depth — both are traditional.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · 6 servings total
Time Summary
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