Fresh Cabbage Shchi with Canned Stewed Meat
A tasty, hearty first course for a family lunch! Fresh cabbage shchi with canned stewed meat is great because it takes very little time. For tang and bright flavor, I use tomatoes and tomato paste, but you can use just one of them or change the proportions to your taste.
Updated : 05 January, 2026
Easy
About 30 min.
Ingredients
500 grams
Canned meat
2.5 liter
Water
200 grams
Cabbage
1
Onion
1
Carrot
2
Potato
2
Tomato
2 tablespoon
Tomato paste
2 tablespoon
Vegetable oil
1
Laurel leaf
to taste
Salt
to taste
Dry spices
Table
Table of volume measurements:
- teaspoon - 5 ml
- dessert spoon - 10 ml
- tablespoon - 20 ml
- glass - 200 ml
Preparation
Step 1
How to make shchi with canned stewed meat and fresh cabbage? Prepare all ingredients. Peel the vegetables (onion, carrot, potatoes), rinse to remove any dirt, and pat dry with a paper towel. Remove 2-4 outer leaves from the cabbage head - they won’t be needed. You can use any type of canned stewed meat; I’ll use pork. You may add or replace ingredients to taste.
Step 2
Pour the needed amount of water into a pot, place over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil. You can use pre-made meat or vegetable broth instead of water. Cut the peeled potatoes into small pieces. Thinly shred the fresh cabbage.
Step 3
Add the prepared potatoes and cabbage to the boiling water. Reduce heat to medium and cook for about 20 minutes. Exact cooking time depends on the type of potato, the pot you use, and your stove’s power.
Step 4
Meanwhile, make the vegetable sauté. Finely chop the onion and grate the carrot on a coarse grater. Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan and heat over medium-high heat. Add the onion and carrot and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring. The vegetables will soften and change color.
Step 5
Pat the tomatoes dry and remove the stems. Dice them and add to the pan with the vegetables. Then add a couple of spoonfuls of tomato paste. Stir and sauté for another 3-4 minutes. The tomatoes will release juice and become soft. You can also use tomatoes in their own juice. If desired, peel the tomatoes: score an X on the bottom, dip in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then remove and peel.
Step 6
Transfer the cooked vegetable sauté to the pot.
Step 7
Put the canned stewed meat into the frying pan, remove any sinews and large pieces of fat if present, and heat over medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring regularly so the jelly melts and the meat warms evenly.
Step 8
Add the warmed stewed meat to the pot. For aroma, add a bay leaf. Season with salt and spices to taste (for example, black pepper and allspice). Simmer everything together for about 2 minutes over medium heat, then remove the pot from the heat. Cover with a lid and let stand for 10-15 minutes.
Step 9
Shchi with canned stewed meat and fresh cabbage is ready! Ladle into bowls and serve. If you like, add sour cream and fresh herbs when serving. Enjoy!
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