Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup

My version of an old favorite Ashkenazi Jewish recipe. I make a stock first, then make the soup. This allows for de-fatting for a healthier soup, but you need to make this on two days, so time accordingly. For a healthier version, use sucralose instead of sugar - there is virtually no taste difference in sweet and sour recipes such as this one. Using Savoy cabbage gives the soup superlative texture and flavor.

• Preparation Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 5 hr
• Total Time: 6 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 247 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 12 cups water
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 onion, peeled and diced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
• 4 pounds bone-in beef shank
• 16 peppercorns
• 3 onions, peeled
• 1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika
• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch pieces
• 4 stalks celery with leaves
• 1 head Savoy cabbage, coarsely chopped

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine the beef shanks and water in a large stock pot. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to a very low simmer. Use a strainer to skim off any foam on the surface. Add the carrot pieces, whole onions, celery stalks, bay leaf, and peppercorns. Simmer for 4 hours, skimming the surface occasionally.

Step 2

Strain the stock. Discard the vegetables but reserve the meat. Allow the stock to cool to room temperature, then transfer to a covered container and refrigerate overnight. When the beef shanks are cool, remove the meat from the bones. Discard bones and gristle. Dice the meat and any remaining marrow into small cubes. Cover the container and refrigerate overnight.

Step 3

The next day, heat the vegetable oil in a stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir in the garlic and 1 diced onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the paprika and cook 1 additional minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add the cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly wilted and reduced in bulk, about 8 minutes.

Step 4

Remove the beef stock from the refrigerator; skim and discard any fat. Pour the stock into the pot; stir in the reserved chopped beef. Add the tomatoes with their juice. Bring the soup to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the soup, partially covered, until the cabbage is quite soft, about 1 hour.

Step 5

Stir in the lemon juice, sugar, dill, salt, and pepper. Add more water, if desired, for a thinner soup. Cook for 5 minutes, uncovered. Taste and adjust the seasonings before serving.