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Shchi (Russian cabbage soup)

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A traditional Russian cabbage soup made with sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, earthy porcini mushrooms, tender potatoes, and chicken, finished with fresh herbs and sour cream for a tangy, hearty, and comforting meal.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Russian

Ingredients

8 cups chicken broth

2 cups water (adjust for desired thickness)

1 tbsp butter or oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 carrot, grated

1/2 cup dried porcini mushrooms

3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped

2 cups sauerkraut

1 cup fresh cabbage, finely chopped or shredded

1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or chopped

Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped

1 tbsp green onions, finely chopped

Sour cream, for serving

Instructions

  1. If making broth from scratch, simmer chicken pieces with peppercorns and bay leaves for 35–45 minutes, then strain and set meat aside.
  2. In a large pot, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and carrot with salt and pepper for 5 minutes until tender.
  3. Rehydrate dried mushrooms in boiling water until soft, rinse, then add to pot along with their strained soaking liquid and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, season, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 30 minutes.
  4. Add potatoes, sauerkraut, and fresh cabbage to the pot. Adjust water for preferred consistency and simmer covered for 30–45 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  5. Stir in cooked chicken just before serving, allowing it to heat through.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with dill, green onions, and a generous spoonful of sour cream.

Notes

  • For vegetarian Shchi, use vegetable broth and omit the chicken.
  • Dried porcini mushrooms give the best depth of flavor, but fresh mushrooms can be used.
  • The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
  • Traditionally served with rye bread.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/shchi-russian-cabbage-soup/