Shchi: A Staple of Russian Food

~Blog Post #3~

20 April 2015

by Ryan Rodriguez

Shchi (cabbage soup)  was the prominent first course in Russian cuisine for over a thousand years and dates as far back as the 9th century. Although people's tastes have changed over this time, the soup has remained a popular favorite with only a few adjustments made. Shchi knew no social class boundaries. Even though the first class used higher quality ingredients and the "peasants" used scraps they could find, all of these "rich" and "poor"  variations were cooked in the same tradition. In fact, by the 10th century the soup developed the nickname the "Spirit of the Shchi"  in Russian proverbs. Most well known is Shchi da kasha pishcha nasha (Russian: Щи да каша — пища наша) which translates to “Shchi [soup] and porridge are our staples.” Its popularity in Russia stems from several factors. Shchi is relatively easy to prepare; it can be cooked with or without various types of meat; and it can be frozen and carried as a meal-to-go. Additionally, the soup’s customers noticed they did not get sick of the food despite eating it daily. As a result, some Russians eat shchi year-round with only one exception. On Wednesday, Friday, and on religious holidays, the Orthodox Church prescribes abstinence from meat and dairy, thus creating the vegan version of shchi. The vegan version substitutes meat for fish or mushrooms. The normal version of shchi is comprised of cabbage, meat (beef, pork, lamb, or poultry), carrots, basil or parsley roots, spicy herbs (onions, celery, dill, garlic, pepper), and sour components (smetana, apples, sauerkraut, pickle water). However, the stew can be served in a variety of ways. 

If you want to learn how to cook Shchi, here's a tutorial video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baZY9QFd7rI

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3. "The Fasting Rule." Of the Orthodox Church. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2015.
4. Ozhegov, S. I. Slovar Russkogo Yazuka = Dictionary of the Russian Language. N.p.: Publisher of Russian Language, 1977. Print.
5. "Russian Cuisine." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 2 Mar. 2015. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.Jump up