Cabbage Soup

Cabbage soup (shchi) is a traditional Russian soup and the quintessential comfort food for a cold winter day.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 Tbsp olive oil

• 6 slices smoked bacon (optional)

• 2 medium potatoes, cubed in 1” pieces

• 1 sweet onion, roughly chopped

• 1 leek cleaned and roughly chopped

• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

• 1 quart water

• 2 quarts low-sodium chicken stock or bone broth

• 2 tsp chicken bouillon stock base

• 1 tsp kosher sea salt

• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 1/2 head cabbage, cored and roughly chopped

• 1 carrot, peeled and shredded

• sprigs of parsley or thyme as garnish

DIRECTIONS: 

1. In a large Dutch oven or stock pot, fry the bacon.

2. Remove the bacon from the pot and remove all but 2 Tbsp of the bacon fat.

3. If you are not using the bacon, use 3 Tbsp olive oil and heat over medium heat. (If using bacon, omit this step)

4. Stir in onion, carrot, garlic and potatoes and sauté until the onion is translucent.

5. Stir in water, chicken stock, chicken bouillon base, salt and pepper, and stir.

6. Chop bacon into bit-size pieces and add to the stock.

7. Bring the stock to a boil, and then reduce the heat and allow to a simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8. Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme.

Things you'll need for this recipe...