Shchi (Traditional Russian Cabbage Soup)

Shchi (Traditional Russian Cabbage Soup)

wholesome hearty soup

Recipe by
Reviewed by Arturs Arnicans
Prep Time: 5m
Cook Time: 35m
Total Time: 40m
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
4.9 (15 Reviews)
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Ingredients

Adjust servings:

For garnish:

Nutritional Information

218
Calories
6g
Fat
15mg
Cholesterol
753mg
Sodium
33g
Carbohydrate
11g
Protein
Shchi (Traditional Russian Cabbage Soup)

Recipe Description

This delicious Shchi is a Traditional Russian Cabbage Soup which not only tastes delicious, it is super healthy too. I know what you are thinking – how can she describe cabbage soup as delicious? It might not sound appetizing, but don’t knock it until you try it!

Start by sautéing onion in butter. Add shredded cabbage, carrots and celery and sauté before adding water or stock, potatoes and tomatoes. Simmer a while before tasting and adjusting the seasoning. Remove the bay leaves and peppercorns from the pot if you like (or leave the peppercorns in for occasional bursts of heat). Serve garnished with dill and sour cream. I usually add some rye bread on the side if I am serving this as a main evening meal.

To make this Shchi (Traditional Russian Cabbage Soup), you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Shchi (Traditional Russian Cabbage Soup)

Recipe Features

No specific features for this recipe

Steps to make

  1. 1

    Heat oil

    5 min
    Step 1 - Shchi (Traditional Russian Cabbage Soup)

    In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté 1 large chopped onion in 3 tablespoons of butter.

  2. 2

    Add cabbage, carrot and celery

    3 min
    Step 2 - Shchi (Traditional Russian Cabbage Soup)Step 2 - Shchi (Traditional Russian Cabbage Soup)

    Add 1 head of shredded cabbage, a coarsely grated carrot and 1 rib of chopped celery and sauté with the onions for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently.

  3. 3

    Add bay leaf, pepper and water

    15 min
    Step 3 - Shchi (Traditional Russian Cabbage Soup)Step 3 - Shchi (Traditional Russian Cabbage Soup)

    Add 1 bay leaf, black peppercorns to taste and 8 cups water or vegetable stock to the sautéed veggies. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat and simmering with a lid on for 15 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add potatoes

    10 min
    Step 4 - Shchi (Traditional Russian Cabbage Soup)

    Add 2 chopped potatoes to the soup mixture and bring it back to the boil. Reduce the heat and continue to simmer, with the lid on for about 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

  5. 5

    Stir in tomatoes

    5 min
    Step 5 - Shchi (Traditional Russian Cabbage Soup)

    Add the 2 chopped fresh tomatoes and bring back to the boil. Reduce the heat again and simmer, uncovered, for about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

  6. 6

    Remove whole spices

    1 min
    Step 6 - Shchi (Traditional Russian Cabbage Soup)

    Remove the bay leaf and peppercorns from the saucepan.

  7. 7

    Serve

    1 min
    Step 7 - Shchi (Traditional Russian Cabbage Soup)

    Serve this delicious soup in large warm bowls, garnished with dill and sour cream. Add rye bread on the side, if you’re feeling hungry.

About the author

Lilly Mathuse

Lilly is an enthusiastic and cheerful young mom. She knows as well as any parent that children can be really picky when it comes to food. And she’s had plenty of experience trying to cook meals that are both tasty and nutritious, and able to satisfy the tastes of a fussy kid right away! To save you some precious time, Lilly's going to share with you all the tricks she learned the hard way, so you don’t have to! She has a wealth of recipes for quick and easy meals for kids and families on a budget.

Recipe Reviews

Have you made this recipe? Share your experience and help other cooks!

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.9 out of 5 (15 reviews)
Megan Sullivan
March 27, 2025
Verified

So I made this Shchi for my fam on a chilly night, and wow, it was a hit. Didn’t think cabbage could taste this good. Simple and healthy. Def gonna keep it in my rotation.

Carlos Moreno
January 22, 2023
Verified

La sopa Shchi es simplemente extraordinaria. Nunca pensé que la sopa de repollo pudiera ser tan rica. La primera vez que la probé, me transportó a la casa de mi abuela. La combinación de sabores es perfecta. Definitivamente la haré de nuevo. ¡Gracias por la receta!

Ursula
April 26, 2021
Verified

I made this Shchi last weekend and my husband loved it! The flavors were so rich and warm. Growing up, my grandma made a version of this, and it took me right back to her kitchen!

Deanna Octave
April 13, 2021
Verified

Fantastic appetizer which is sure to be a huge crowd pleaser!

Vivien Haman
April 12, 2021
Verified

Exactly what I was looking for!

Dalia Dailey
April 3, 2021
Verified

Can't get enough of this Shchi, going to be serving this for a whole week haha.

Marlie Vandeloo
March 24, 2021
Verified

I prefered the Rassolnik, beef brought a lot more taste to it and this was very bland.

Katerina Vandenlangenber
March 11, 2021
Verified

Anazubgky tasty and super healthy too just make sure not to add too much salt because it will ruin the natural flavor of things.

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