Sweet Russian Cabbage Soup, also known as “Shchi,” is a traditional Russian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. This hearty and flavorful soup is made with simple ingredients, including cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, and tomatoes, and is flavored with a hint of sweetness from sugar or honey. It’s a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for warming up on a cold day. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make this delicious soup from scratch.
Ingredients for Sweet Russian Cabbage Soup:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar or honey
- 8 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Sweet Russian Cabbage Soup:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Shred the cabbage and set it aside.
- Peel and dice the carrots and potatoes, and finely chop the onion.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced carrots and potatoes, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the Cabbage:
- Add the shredded cabbage to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until the cabbage has wilted.
- Add the Tomatoes and Tomato Paste:
- Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and tomato paste to the pot, and stir to combine.
- Add the Broth:
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil.
- Season and Simmer:
- Add the white vinegar, sugar or honey, salt, and pepper to the pot, and stir well.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer the soup for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Adjust the Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more sugar or honey for sweetness, vinegar for acidity, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh dill.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients:
- Cabbage: Cabbage is the star ingredient in this soup, providing a hearty texture and sweet flavor. It’s also packed with vitamins C and K, as well as fiber.
- Carrots: Carrots add sweetness and color to the soup, as well as vitamins A and K.
- Potatoes: Potatoes add a creamy texture to the soup and help thicken it. They’re also a good source of potassium and vitamin C.
- Onion: Onion adds depth of flavor to the soup and is rich in antioxidants and nutrients.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes add acidity and a burst of freshness to the soup. They’re also high in vitamins A and C.
- Vinegar: Vinegar adds tanginess to the soup and helps balance the sweetness of the cabbage and sugar or honey.
- Sugar or Honey: Sugar or honey adds a touch of sweetness to the soup, rounding out the flavors.
Enjoy this Sweet Russian Cabbage Soup as a comforting and nutritious meal that is sure to warm you up from the inside out!
