This is a hard one to write up because I make it differently according to my moods or the time of the year.....strange I know..
I will list the basic recipe and variations after.
Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup
about 2# Cabbage ( 1 small head)
1 large onion
A dash of salt( to taste)
2 to 3 # of brisket or flank beef
2 quarts of boiling water
2 large carrots (chopped)
1/2 cup of Vinegar or lemon Juice( can be the bottled)
6 Tablespoons of Brown sugar
2 Beef bouillon cubes
Shred or chop the cabbage and onion, sprinkle with salt and let stand about 30 minutes to sweat...covered in a bowl or pan (no heat. Just toss it together.)
In a large soup pot sear (brown on a medium high heat using a little oil or olive oil) the meat to be used.
When the meat is browned add the cabbage, onions and carrots, toss a bit to sear the cabbage (just a few minutes). Then add the hot water and a large can (or 2 small) of stewed or diced tomatoes, (variations: chopped fresh tomatoes). I also add a small can of tomato sauce (variation: tomato paste).
Add all your seasonings and cook on low heat * You can put this all in a crock pot once the meat is seared**
and cook on low heat till meat is tender * take meat out and cut into small pieces and return to pot*
IF you wish to thicken this you can take a cup of soup out and whisk with a couple teaspoons of flour and return to soup...( I don't do this)
**Variations
In my old Jewish cookbook.
add one cup of Raisins
or one chopped tart apple
This soup is low in fat and calories and great with a hearty bread to sop it up........
And sometimes if really cold and I want a heavier soup I'll add a potato or two or a can of cut green beans is good in it too!! LOL
Actually, there was a diet based on this soup once. You could eat all you wanted of the soup and a small dinner daily. This was the Beverly Hills diet or something... |