Finnish cabbage soup
4 servings
70 minutes
Finnish shchi is a remarkable blend of traditional Russian cuisine with northern notes of Finnish culinary art. This thick and aromatic soup features a rich flavor thanks to lamb, smoked sausage, and a creamy hint of sour cream. Oven-braised cabbage adds softness to the dish, while garlic and spices provide zest. Historically, Finns adapted shchi to their taste preferences by adding meat and some smoked products for greater heartiness and richness. It is the perfect dish for cold evenings, warming and energizing. Shchi is served with sour cream, which makes their taste even more delicate and harmonious. An excellent option for a family dinner that allows you to enjoy the depth of traditional flavors in a new interpretation.
1
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Rinse the cabbage, dry it, and chop it finely. Cut the fat into thin slices. Grease a wide pan with vegetable oil, layer the cabbage in it about 1–1.5 cm thick, place pieces of fat on top, and lightly salt and pepper. Cover the pan with a lid, place it in the oven, and simmer the cabbage until half-cooked (about 10–15 minutes).
- White cabbage: 300 g
- Salo (cured pork fat): 50 g
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: to taste
- Ground black pepper: to taste
2
While the cabbage is preparing, wash the lamb and cut it into small pieces, lightly salt and pepper. Peel the onion and chop it finely. In a small amount of vegetable oil, lightly fry the lamb, then add the onion to the pan and fry for 5-7 minutes, stirring.
- Lamb: 500 g
- Onion: 1 head
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: to taste
- Ground black pepper: to taste
3
Place cabbage, lamb, and onion in a pot with 2 liters of water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer the soup until the meat is cooked.
- White cabbage: 300 g
- Lamb: 500 g
- Onion: 1 head
4
Wash the potatoes, peel them, and cut into small cubes. Peel and chop the garlic. Slice the sausage into thin pieces. Place the potatoes, sausage, and garlic in a pot with soup, add salt, season to taste, and cook until done.
- Potato: 2 pieces
- Garlic: 1 clove
- Smoked sausage: 50 g
- Salt: to taste
5
Place diced lamb in a pot, adding fat if it's lean. Sauté, then add chopped onion, water, prepared cabbage, and simmer. When the meat is almost done, add diced potatoes, sausage, and minced garlic to the soup.
- Lamb: 500 g
- Onion: 1 head
- White cabbage: 300 g
- Potato: 2 pieces
- Smoked sausage: 50 g
- Garlic: 1 clove
6
Serve the soup by pouring it into bowls and adding a tablespoon of sour cream to each.
- Sour cream: 100 g
