Smoky Lithuanian Cabbage Soup
This comforting Lithuanian Cabbage Soup, known as Kopustu Sriuba, is a family recipe that evokes fond memories of home. The delightful marriage of fresh cabbage and tangy sauerkraut creates a unique flavor profile, enhanced by the smokiness of hearty ham hocks. Whether simmered to perfection for a rich, hearty soup or enjoyed as a light side dish, this soup is versatile and satisfying. Traditionally served with boiled potatoes, it makes for a nourishing meal any time of the year. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking—the essence lies in the rustic preparation and the love stirred into every pot!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sauerkraut
1 lb (drained and rinsed if desired)
Chicken Stock
5 cups (low-sodium recommended)
Water
2 cups (as needed)
Smoked Ham Hocks
1 1/2 lbs (whole)
Whole Peppercorns
5 (whole)
Bay Leaves
2 (whole)
Tomatoes
2 (cored, seeded, and diced)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Cabbage
1/2 head (shredded)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine sauerkraut, chicken stock, smoked ham hocks, whole peppercorns, and bay leaves. Add enough water to cover the ingredients completely.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
3
Carefully remove the ham hocks from the pot, discarding any bones. Dice the meat and return it to the pot.
4
Add the shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and chopped onion to the soup. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for another hour, stirring occasionally.
5
If necessary, add additional water to maintain your desired soup consistency.
6
Before serving, remove and discard the bay leaves. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with boiled potatoes on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Lithuanian Cabbage Soup?
Also known as Kopustu Sriuba, this is a traditional Lithuanian comfort food featuring a blend of fresh cabbage, tangy sauerkraut, and smoky ham hocks.
What gives this soup its smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from using 1.5 pounds of smoked ham hocks simmered in the broth.
Does this recipe use fresh cabbage or sauerkraut?
Both! The recipe uses 1 lb of sauerkraut and 1/2 head of fresh shredded cabbage for a unique texture and flavor profile.
How long does it take to cook the ham hocks?
The ham hocks should be simmered for 1 to 2 hours until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
Should I rinse the sauerkraut before adding it to the pot?
Rinsing is optional; you can drain and rinse it if you prefer a milder, less tangy flavor.
What type of stock is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends 5 cups of low-sodium chicken stock.
What should I serve with Lithuanian Cabbage Soup?
It is traditionally served with boiled potatoes on the side to make it a nourishing meal.
When do I add the fresh cabbage and tomatoes?
Fresh cabbage, diced tomatoes, and chopped onions are added after the ham hocks have finished their initial simmer and the meat has been diced.
How do I handle the ham hocks once they are cooked?
Carefully remove them from the pot, discard the bones, dice the meat, and then return the meat to the soup.
Are there any whole spices in this soup?
Yes, the recipe calls for 5 whole peppercorns and 2 bay leaves for seasoning.
Do I need to remove the bay leaves?
Yes, remove and discard the bay leaves before serving the soup.
How much water should I add?
Start with 2 cups of water, but you can add more if necessary to maintain your desired soup consistency.
What is the total simmering time for the soup?
The total simmer time is between 2 to 3 hours: 1-2 hours for the ham hocks and 1 additional hour after adding the vegetables.
How should I prepare the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be cored, seeded, and diced before being added to the pot.
Can I use a different type of meat?
While traditionally made with ham hocks for smokiness, the recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to your liking.
Is this soup considered a main dish?
It can be served as a rich, hearty main meal or as a light side dish depending on your preference.
What size onion is required?
The recipe calls for one medium-sized chopped onion.
Is this a traditional Lithuanian recipe?
Yes, it is a family recipe intended to evoke the rustic preparation and love of a traditional Lithuanian home.
What is the first step in making the soup?
Combine the sauerkraut, chicken stock, ham hocks, peppercorns, and bay leaves in a large pot and cover with water.
How many bay leaves are used?
Two whole bay leaves are used to season the broth.
Can I adjust the consistency of the soup?
Yes, if the soup is too thick, simply add additional water to reach your preferred consistency.
Is the onion sautéed beforehand?
No, the chopped onion is added directly into the soup along with the cabbage and tomatoes to simmer.
Does the recipe contain any sugar?
Based on the ingredients list, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
Is this soup dairy-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe does not contain any dairy products.
What kind of peppercorns are used?
The recipe specifies using 5 whole peppercorns.
How many tomatoes are needed?
The recipe requires 2 tomatoes that have been cored, seeded, and diced.
Does this soup use a lot of salt?
The recipe suggests low-sodium stock, though the sauerkraut and ham hocks naturally provide a savory saltiness.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
The recipe specifies 2 fresh tomatoes, but you can adjust ingredients to your liking if you prefer canned.
How many cups of chicken stock are used?
The recipe requires 5 cups of chicken stock.
Is the soup boiled or simmered?
It is brought to a boil initially and then reduced to a low heat to simmer for the majority of the cooking time.