Imagine a soup so rich and soul-warming that it transports you straight to the cozy kitchens of Ukraine with every spoonful! This Ukrainian Ish Chicken Cabbage Soup, known as Kapusnyak, is not just a meal - it's a culinary embrace that promises to chase away the coldest winter chills and warm your heart. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a symphony of traditional flavors, this recipe is about to become your new comfort food obsession that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, grated
- 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables: dice potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes, chop onion finely, grate carrots, and shred cabbage into thin strips.
- Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch chunks, and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat and add a small amount of cooking oil.
- Sauté chicken pieces until they are lightly golden and start to release their juices, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add chopped onions to the pot and cook until they become translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in grated carrots and cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add diced potatoes and continue simmering for 10 minutes until potatoes start to become tender.
- Incorporate shredded cabbage into the soup and cook for another 15-20 minutes until vegetables are completely soft.
- Sprinkle dried dill over the soup and stir to distribute evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream.
Tips
- Choose the right chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide the most flavor and tenderness for this soup.
- Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Don't rush the sautéing process - allowing chicken and vegetables to develop a light golden color builds deeper flavor foundations.
- Use fresh dill if possible, as it provides a more vibrant taste compared to dried herbs.
- Let the soup rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to fully integrate and develop a more complex taste profile.
- For an extra authentic touch, serve with a dollop of sour cream or fresh chopped parsley on top.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for meal prep or gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
