Sour Shchi Soup (Traditional Russian Cabbage Soup made with Sauerkraut)

• 2 lbs pork ribs
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 TBSP oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 2 TBSP tomato paste
• 1 TBSP flour
• 500g jar of sauerkraut, drained
• 4 garlic cloves, pressed
• 1/2 bunch dill, chopped
• 1/2 bunch parsley, chopped
• salt and pepper to taste
• sour cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Rib Broth

   1

   Slice the ribs into individual pieces. Add them to a large pot along with the bay leaves, season with kosher salt, and add enough water to cover the ribs. Bring to a simmer, cover, and allow to simmer for 1.5 hours (90 minutes).

2. 2

   Remove the cooked ribs to a plate and set aside. Strain the boiling liquid through a fine mesh sieve, reserving it (this will be your soup base).

3. 3

   Bring the reserved liquid from the boiling ribs to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes until tender.

4. Aromatics

   4

   In the meantime, heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet. Add the onions and carrots and cook, stirring, for about 3–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute or so. Add the flour and cook for one more minute, stirring everything together. Set this mixture aside.

5. Final Assembly

   5

   Add the sauerkraut, onion-carrot mixture, and the reserved cooked ribs to the soup and bring it to a simmer. Simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, parsley, and dill. Serve with sour cream and more herbs. Enjoy!