Cabbage and Meat Soup

This hearty cabbage and meat soup is a perfect comfort meal for chilly days. It combines a variety of meats with tangy sauerkraut, creating a rich and flavorful dish. This nourishing soup includes pork shanks, chicken bones, smoked pork, and an array of hearty vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. Slow-cooked to perfection, the ingredients blend beautifully, offering a taste that is both robust and comforting. With the addition of aromatic herbs and spices, this dish is elevated to a truly savory experience. The process is quite lengthy but worth every minute, as the long cooking time allows the flavors to fully develop and harmonize. This dish is perfect for gatherings, providing warmth and satisfaction to everyone at the table. Whether you’re a fan of traditional dishes or looking for a new culinary adventure, this soup is sure to impress. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with some crusty bread for an even more satisfying experience.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

10 kg sauerkraut
10 liters water
5 pork shanks
3 kg chicken bones
2 pork shoulders
1.5 kg pork bones
1.5 kg onions
1.5 kg carrots
2 large celery roots
1 smoked pork leg
1 parsley root
5 heads of garlic

Spices and Herbs:

5 hot chili peppers
3 bunches of parsley
3 bunches of dill
Salt
Ground pepper
Peppercorns
Bay leaves
Allspice

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 500 minutes (8 hours 20 minutes), including preparation and cooking.

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients and ensure they are washed and ready to use.
Chop the Roots: Coarsely chop all root vegetables like celery and parsley root.
Cut Herbs into Large Pieces: Slice your parsley and dill into large segments.
Peel and Slice Carrots: Chop carrots into big chunks for texture.
Slice Onions: Peel the onions and cut them in half.
Combine Ingredients in Pot: Place prepared vegetables and chicken bones into a large cooking pot.
Wash and Add Meats: Rinse pork shanks, shoulders, bones, and smoked leg and add them without spices to the pot.
Add Water: Pour 10 liters of water over meats and vegetables in the pot.
Cook on High Heat: Place the pot over high heat until it begins to boil.
Skim Foam: As the liquid comes to a boil, skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
Add Spices: Once the foam is skimmed, add salt, ground pepper, peppercorns, bay leaves, and allspice into the pot.
Simmer on Low Heat: Reduce the heat to low and let the pot simmer gently for about 3 to 5 hours.
Remove and Debone Meats: Once tender, remove all meats. Debone the meats and set aside the lean portions.
Strain Broth: Remove and discard vegetables and spices from the broth, straining it for a clear liquid.
Return to Stove: Place the clean broth back onto the stove.
Add Sauerkraut and Meat Back: Introduce the sauerkraut and deboned meats into the pot.
Continue Cooking: Allow the broth with added ingredients to simmer slowly for another 2 to 3 hours.
Final Stir and Taste Test: Stir occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Serve Hot: Once cooked, ladle into bowls.
Enjoy the Dish: Relish the hearty flavors with family or friends.

Tips

Ingredient Substitutions: You can use beef bones if pork is not preferred.
Spice Level: Adjust the number of chili peppers according to your heat preference.
Extra Flavor: Add a splash of vinegar for extra tanginess, enhancing the sauerkraut’s flavor.

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 150 per serving
Proteins: 15g
Fats: 4g
Carbohydrates: 10g

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Substitute meats with hearty mushrooms and plant-based broth.
Low-Sodium: Reduce the salt or choose low-sodium alternatives for a healthier version.
Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients, especially any processed ones like spices, are gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a slice of crusty sourdough bread.
Garnish with fresh dill and a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Serve alongside roasted potatoes for a heartier meal.

Best Places

Café Pushkin - Known for its traditional recipes and rich flavors. Location: Tverskoy Blvd, 26А, Moscow, Russia.
Grandma's Recipes - Famous for hearty, homey dishes. Location: Zeleni Venac 45, Belgrade, Serbia.
Balthasar - Offers various gourmet versions of traditional dishes. Location: Balthasar-Klausen-Str. 1, Vienna, Austria.
U Medvídků - A unique blend of brewery and restaurant for authentic tastes. Location: Na Perštýně 345/7, Prague, Czech Republic.
The Potato House - Known for its warm atmosphere and hearty meals. Location: Warmoesstraat 22, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The Cabbage Patch - Specializes in diverse cabbage-based recipes. Location: North St, New York, USA.
Bistro Moderne - Offers modern twists on traditional recipes. Location: Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris, France.
Traditional Delights - Known for its homestyle cooking and friendly service. Location: Apollonos 1, Athens, Greece.
The Comfort Spot - Offers cooking as hearty as homemade. Location: King St W, Toronto, Canada.
Brasserie Le Cabbage - Provides a delightful dining experience with expert-prepared dishes. Location: Rue des Abbesses, Paris, France.