LITHUANIAN CABBAGE SOUP (KOPUSTU SRIUBA)

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Lithuanian Cabbage Soup (Kopustu Sriuba) image

This is the soup our mom always made. The combination of fresh cabbage and sauerkraut is what makes this special. I measured quantities in response to a request, but I usually just toss things together. If you use a slotted spoon, this also makes a good side - just reduce the amount of liquid used. Serve with boiled potatoes.

Provided by duonyte

Categories     Pork

Time 3h20m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb sauerkraut
5 cups chicken stock, low-sodium recommended
2 cups water
1 1/2 lbs smoked ham hocks
5 peppercorns
2 whole bay leaves
2 medium tomatoes, cored, seeded and diced
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 medium head of cabbage, shredded

Steps:

  • In a large pot, place the sauerkraut, chicken stock, smoked meat, peppercorns and bay leaves. Add water to cover. Bring to a boil, reduce temperature, cover and simmer for 1 to 2 hours. Meat should be tender.
  • Remove meat, discard bones, dice and return to the pot. Add the shredded cabbage, tomatoes and onion. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook another hour or so.
  • Add water, as necessary, to keep it soupy.
  • To serve, remove the bay leaves and dish up, with hot boiled potatoes on the side.
  • Note: If you prefer, substitute 1 cup shredded carrots for the tomatoes. Smoked turkey is a good substitute for the ham hocks. And there is nothing wrong with a nice hambone!
  • Note2: You can drain and rinse the sauerkraut for a milder dish, but I think this is pretty mild, because of all the liquid and the fresh cabbage.
  • Note3: You can reduce the amount of chicken stock if you need to - the meat will add a lot of substance to the liquid. I also have used the strained liquid left over after cooking a corned beef in the crock.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 273, Fat 10.9, SaturatedFat 3.6, Cholesterol 82.7, Sodium 658.1, Carbohydrate 13.6, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 6.6, Protein 29.4

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