Shchi (Cabbage Soup)
Makes 8 servings
- 1 Pound Meat, cubed - A nice kielbasa is recommended
- 1/2 cabbage, shredded, or finely chopped
- 2 large potatoes, cubed
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoon tomato sauce
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 cups water
- salt
- pepper
- dill
- scallions (green onion)
- sour cream
In a frying pan, saute onions and carrot in 2 Tbsp butter over medium-low heat for about 7 minutes. Add tomato sauce and cook another two minutes.
While cooking the onion and carrot, brown meat in the soup pot with a little butter. Add cabbage, potatoes, water to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and let cook 10 minutes. Using a paper towel, clear any scum off the surface.
Add the onion, carrot and bay leaves. Simmer for another 5 minutes, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve in a bowl garnished with with dill, scallions, a dollop of sour cream and a nice hunk of bread on the side.