Постные Щи — Fasting Cabbage Soup

A cornerstone of Russian fasting cuisine for centuries, щи (shchi) built on sauerkraut is the most
satisfying bowl of soup you will eat during Lent. The long simmer coaxes deep, sour, savory flavor
from the simplest pantry ingredients. Serve with coarse dark bread.

FASTING LEVEL: Fast With Oil (to adapt for strict oil-free days, sweat the vegetables in a splash of water or vegetable broth instead of oil)

SERVINGS: 6
TIME: 1 hour 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS:
- 500 g sauerkraut, drained (reserve the brine)
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, grated
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 5 whole black peppercorns
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 litres water or mushroom broth
- 1 can (400 g) white beans, drained and rinsed (for protein)
- Fresh dill, chopped, for serving
- Salt to taste

METHOD:
1. Heat sunflower oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrot, cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute until it darkens slightly.
3. Add sauerkraut and cook, stirring, for another 5 minutes.
4. Pour in water or mushroom broth. Add potatoes, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Add white beans and garlic. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust sourness with reserved sauerkraut brine. Season with salt.
7. Remove bay leaves. Ladle into bowls and finish generously with fresh dill.

NOTES:
- Щи improve dramatically overnight. Make a full pot and reheat the next day.
- The white beans are not strictly traditional but add needed protein and body during a fast.
- For a richer broth, use dried mushroom soaking liquid as part of your cooking water.

NUTRITION (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 195 | Protein: 8 g | Carbohydrates: 32 g | Fat: 5 g | Fibre: 7 g