Russian Cabbage Soup
A hearty Russian cabbage soup combining tender meats, shredded cabbage, and savory broth, perfect for comforting meals and those who enjoy rich, flavorful stews.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the lean beef, fat pork, shredded cabbage, quartered tomato, sliced onion, and stock or water in a large pot.
- Add bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the mixture.
- Simmer slowly for several hours or until the meat is tender.
- Remove the cooked meat from the soup and cut into slices.
- Return the sliced meat to the soup and heat through.
- Serve the soup garnished with sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of beef and pork bones in your stock. If you're looking for a lighter option, you could substitute the pork with turkey or omit it entirely. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes for extra nutrition. To enhance the soup's depth, a splash of vinegar or a pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomato.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, topped with a generous dollop of sour cream for creaminess. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For an added twist, serve alongside a slice of Swedish Meat Loaf Wellington, which can complement the flavors of the soup nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it thickens. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just remember to leave out the sour cream until serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Russian Cabbage Soup contains roughly 2825 calories, with 5g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 303g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 943mg per serving (41% 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 use other types of meat in this soup?
Absolutely! While lean beef and fat pork are traditional, you can use chicken, turkey, or even a combination of meats. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require varying times to become tender.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by replacing the meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils and using vegetable broth instead of stock or water. To maintain richness, add a splash of soy sauce or miso paste for depth of flavor.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider including diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the soup while it simmers. Adjust the amount to your taste preference, and remember that spices can deepen as they cook, so start small.
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).