Shchi - Traditional Russian Cabbage Soup

Ingredients

Vegetable oil

2 tablespoons

Onion

1 large, chopped

Carrots

2 medium, diced

Cabbage

4 cups, shredded

Potatoes

2 medium, diced

Sauerkraut

2 cups, drained

Beef or chicken broth

6 cups

Bay leaf

2

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

to taste

Fresh dill

1/4 cup, chopped

Sour cream

for serving

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced carrots, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in the sauerkraut, diced potatoes, shredded cabbage, beef or chicken broth, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
4. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
5. Remove the bay leaves and stir in the chopped fresh dill just before serving.
6. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of sour cream.