Czechoslovakian Cabbage Soup
A hearty Czechoslovakian cabbage soup with tender beef, tangy tomatoes, sauerkraut, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting family meals and cold days.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. beef soup bones ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 3 cups carrots, pared and coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 lb. beef short ribs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried leaf thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 8 cups water
- 8 cups coarsely chopped cabbage ⓘ
- 2 (1 lb.) cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 (1 lb.) can sauerkraut ⓘ
Instructions
- Place beef bones, chopped onions, carrots, chopped garlic, and bay leaf in a roasting pan.
- Top with short ribs; sprinkle with dried thyme and paprika.
- Roast, uncovered, in a 450°F oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the meat is browned.
- Transfer the meat and vegetables into a large kettle.
- Using a small amount of water, scrape browned bits from the roasting pan into the kettle.
- Add water, chopped cabbage, canned tomatoes, salt, and Tabasco sauce.
- Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
- Skim off excess fat from the surface.
- Add chopped parsley, lemon juice, sugar, and sauerkraut with its juice. Cook uncovered for 1 hour.
- Remove bones and short ribs from the kettle.
- Allow to cool slightly.
- Remove meat from bones and cut into cubes.
- Return the cubed meat to the kettle and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine during the simmering stage. If you don't have beef short ribs, substitute with another cut like chuck roast. Fresh herbs like dill can also enhance the taste. Adjust the Tabasco sauce based on your spice preference, as it can significantly alter the soup's heat level.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a well-rounded meal. Consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of additional parsley on top. It also complements well with dishes like Donna'S Cheese Ball or Swedish Meatballs With Rice for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to avoid thickening.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Czechoslovakian Cabbage Soup contains roughly 931 calories, with 31g protein, 166g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (162% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2219mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply brown the meat and vegetables in a skillet, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the meat is tender.
What can I use instead of sauerkraut?
If you don't have sauerkraut, you can substitute it with pickled cabbage or even add more fresh cabbage for a milder flavor. However, keep in mind that sauerkraut adds a unique tanginess that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the beef bones and short ribs with vegetable broth and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms and potatoes. You can also include cooked lentils for protein and maintain the soup's heartiness without the meat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).