Traditional Russian Shchi - Hearty Cabbage Soup
Indulge in the comforts of a time-honored Russian classic with this Traditional Shchi - Hearty Cabbage Soup recipe. Brimming with tender pieces of beef, vibrant tomatoes, and the wholesome goodness of cabbage, Shchi is the perfect dish to warm your soul on a chilly day. This robust soup is not only delicious but also low in carbs, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal while keeping their carb intake in check. Share this recipe with family and friends, and savor a bowl of this nourishing dish that has been cherished in households for generations.
N/A
Servings
265
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lean rump steak or chuck roast
1 1/2 lbs (cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
Cooled chopped tomatoes
2 cups (fresh or canned)
Large onion
1 (chopped)
Bay leaf
1 (whole)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Cold water
3 quarts (for cooking)
Medium head cabbage
1 (shredded)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (granulated)
White vinegar
1 tablespoon (for acidity)
Fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (just before serving)
Salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, combine the beef, chopped tomatoes, onion, bay leaf, and minced garlic.
2
Pour in 3 quarts of cold water, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
3
Cover the pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to cook for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.
4
Once the meat is cooked, carefully remove the bay leaf from the pot. Add the shredded cabbage, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5
Let the soup simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cabbage becomes tender. If using sauerkraut instead of fresh cabbage, skip this step and add the sauerkraut at the end.
6
Just before serving, stir in the fresh lemon juice for a lively brightness.
7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
9g
Carbs
23g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Russian Shchi?
Shchi is a time-honored Russian classic cabbage soup known for its hearty and soul-warming qualities.
What are the primary ingredients in this Shchi recipe?
The main ingredients include lean rump steak or chuck roast, cabbage, chopped tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
Is this cabbage soup recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, this recipe is specifically noted as being low in carbs, containing approximately 9g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of beef is best for Traditional Shchi?
You should use 1 1/2 lbs of lean rump steak or chuck roast cut into 1/2 inch pieces.
How long does it take to cook the beef for this soup?
The beef should be simmered for 2 to 3 hours until it becomes tender.
Can I use canned tomatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either 2 cups of fresh or canned cooled chopped tomatoes.
When should I add the cabbage to the pot?
Add the shredded cabbage once the meat is fully cooked and the bay leaf has been removed.
How long does the cabbage need to simmer?
The cabbage should simmer for an additional 15 minutes or until it reaches a tender consistency.
Can I substitute fresh cabbage with sauerkraut?
Yes, if using sauerkraut, skip the 15-minute simmering step and add the sauerkraut at the end instead.
What is the purpose of adding vinegar to the soup?
White vinegar is added to provide acidity and balance the flavors of the hearty broth.
Why is sugar used in this Shchi recipe?
Two tablespoons of granulated sugar are used to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar.
When is the best time to add the lemon juice?
Stir in the fresh lemon juice just before serving to provide a lively brightness to the dish.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 265 calories.
How much protein is in one serving of Traditional Russian Shchi?
There are 23g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this cabbage soup?
The soup contains 13g of fat per serving.
How much water is required for the broth?
The recipe calls for 3 quarts of cold water.
Should the bay leaf remain in the soup when serving?
No, the bay leaf should be carefully removed from the pot once the meat is cooked.
What size should the beef pieces be cut into?
The beef should be cut into 1/2 inch pieces for uniform cooking.
Does this recipe include garlic?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 minced garlic clove for flavoring.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe specifies one large onion, chopped.
How should the cabbage be prepared?
You should use one medium head of cabbage that has been shredded.
Is this soup considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting dish perfect for warming your soul on chilly days.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of white vinegar.
Can I garnish the Shchi?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Is the beef cooked starting with hot or cold water?
The instructions specify pouring in 3 quarts of cold water at the start.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 ingredients total, including seasonings.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include shchi, cabbage soup, russian cuisine, low carb, hearty soup, comfort food, traditional recipe, and beef soup.
Does this soup contain any fiber?
While the specific fiber count is not provided, the large amount of cabbage naturally contains dietary fiber.
Is the beef browned before boiling?
No, the instructions state to combine the beef, tomatoes, onion, bay leaf, and garlic in the pot and then add water to simmer.
What is the serving temperature for Shchi?
Shchi should be served hot to enjoy its full flavor profile.