Shchi - Russian Cabbage Soup

INGREDIENTS:

• 8cups beef stock (Vegetable Stock or Water for vegetarian)
• 1 1⁄2lbs green cabbage
• 4garlic cloves
• 3medium potatoes
• 2medium onions
• 2medium tomatoes
• 2small radishes
• 1leek (bottom half only)
• 1large carrot
• 3bay leaves
• 2tablespoons butter
• 1teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1teaspoon caraway seed
• 2tablespoons sour cream (or Smetana, per bowl)
• 1teaspoon dill (per bowl)
• 1teaspoon parsley (per bowl)

DIRECTIONS

1. Core and shred the green cabbage.
2. Peel and chop the garlic.
3. Peel and chop the potatoes into large chunks.
4. Peel and chop the onions.
5. Wash and chop the tomatoes.
6. Peel and dice the radishes.
7. Wash and slice the leek into thin circles.
8. Peel and grate the carrot.
9. Melt the butter in a large pot or pan.
10. Add garlic, onion, radish, leek and carrot. Saute on high heat approximately 5-10 minutes until vegetables have softened.
11. Add beef stock (vegetable stock or water) and bring to a boil.
12. Add green cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and caraway seed.
13. Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for approximately one hour or until all vegetables are done, stirring occasionally.
14. Remove and discard bay leaves.
15. Finely chop dill and/or parsley.
16. Ladle into bowls.
17. Add a dollop of sour cream (or smetana) on top and sprinkle with chopped dill and/or parsley.
18. Ideally, refrigerate after cooling and wait 1-2 days to serve as shchi is usually allowed to "cure" for a short time. In my opinion, it tastes great fresh or re-heated. Can also be served cold.
19. Pumpernickel or rye bread and butter make a great side.
20. Refrigerate any leftovers.