Shchi Recipe (Traditional Russian Cabbage Soup) – Hearty & Authentic
Shchi is a classic Russian cabbage soup that has been cooked for centuries in Russian homes. Made with fresh or fermented cabbage, vegetables, and optional meat, this authentic Shchi recipe is warming, nourishing, and deeply comforting.
📌 What Is Shchi?
Shchi (щи) is a traditional Russian soup made primarily from cabbage. It can be:
- Meat-based or vegetarian
- Made with fresh cabbage or sauerkraut (sour shchi)
- Served hot or cold
Shchi is one of the most iconic and frequently searched Russian soups worldwide.
🥬 Ingredients for Shchi Soup
Serves: 4–6 | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45–60 min
- 500 g beef (with bone) or chicken (optional)
- 2 liters water or beef stock
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, grated or sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 400 g white cabbage, thinly shredded
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, regional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Fresh dill or parsley (for garnish)
- Sour cream, for serving
👩🍳 How to Make Shchi (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Prepare the Broth
Add meat and water to a pot. Simmer for 30–40 minutes, skimming foam. Remove meat, chop, and return to pot.
(Skip this step and use vegetable stock for vegetarian Shchi.)
2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables
Heat oil in a pan. Sauté onion and carrot until soft. Stir in tomato paste if using.
3️⃣ Add Potatoes
Add potatoes to the broth and cook for 10 minutes.
4️⃣ Add Cabbage
Add shredded cabbage and sautéed vegetables. Simmer 15–20 minutes.
5️⃣ Season
Add bay leaf, garlic, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 more minutes, then rest off heat.
🌟 Why This Shchi Recipe Works
- Traditional cabbage-forward base
- Balanced broth and vegetables
- Flexible: meat or vegetarian
- Develops better flavor after resting
🔁 Shchi Variations
- Fresh Cabbage Shchi – light and mild
- Sour Shchi – made with sauerkraut
- Green Shchi – made with sorrel or spinach
- Lean Shchi – vegan version without meat
🍽️ How to Serve Shchi
Serve Shchi:
- With sour cream and fresh herbs
- Alongside rye bread
- With garlic or green onions
Traditionally, Shchi tastes even better the next day.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
Freezer: Up to 3 months
Reheat: Gently on stovetop for best flavor
❓ Shchi FAQ
What does Shchi taste like?
Mildly savory, cabbage-forward, and comforting with a rich broth.
Is Shchi healthy?
Yes. It’s low-calorie, high in vegetables, and nutrient-rich.
Can I make Shchi without meat?
Absolutely. Use vegetable stock for a traditional lean Shchi.
Is Shchi the same as borscht?
No. Shchi is cabbage-based, while borscht is beet-based.
🍽️ Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 7g
⭐ Final Thoughts
This authentic Shchi recipe brings a true taste of Russian comfort food to your kitchen. Simple ingredients, rich flavor, and excellent SEO potential make it perfect for MonzoorsKitchen’s long-term traffic growth.
🔗 Similar Recipes You May Like
- Russian Borscht Soup
- Ukrainian Cabbage Soup (Kapusnyak)
- Chicken Vegetable Soup
- Sauerkraut Soup
- Hearty Winter Soups

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