Ukrainian kapustnyak is not just a soup, it is a true symbol of warmth, comfort and home. Rich taste, intense aroma and simple ingredients make kapustnyak a favorite dish in Ukrainian families for centuries. Today we will tell you how to cook this culinary masterpiece and why it has become so popular.

A little history
Kapustnyak has been known since ancient times. It appeared in rural families, where the products were always simple but nutritious. The basis of the dish was sauerkraut, which was available all year round, and pork ribs or other meat products that added richness to the soup.

Over the years, the recipe was improved, new ingredients were added, but the basis – cabbage – always remained unchanged.

Ingredients for real kapustnyak:
For soup:
Sauerkraut – 500 g
Pork (preferably ribs) – 500 g
Potatoes – 4-5 pcs.
Carrots — 1 pc.
Onions — 1 pc.
Millet — 3 tbsp.
Garlic — 2 cloves
Bay leaf — 2 pcs.
Salt and pepper — to taste
Greens (dill, parsley) — for serving
For dressing:
Sour cream — 100 g
Garlic (optional) — 1 clove
Step-by-step recipe for making cabbage soup:

1. Preparing the meat
   Boil the pork in a 4-5 liter saucepan.
   Boil the meat over medium heat, periodically skimming off the foam. When the meat becomes soft, remove it and cut into portions.
2. Adding cabbage
   Add sauerkraut to the broth. If the cabbage is too sour, you can rinse it a little.
   Boil for 15-20 minutes until the cabbage becomes softer.
3. Vegetables and millet
   Peel the potatoes, cut into large cubes and add to the pan.
   Grate the carrots on a coarse grater, and finely chop the onion and fry in vegetable oil until golden brown. Add the fried vegetables to the broth.
   Rinse the millet and add to the pan. Cook for another 10-15 minutes.
4. The finishing touch
   Add bay leaf, garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Cook over low heat for another 5 minutes.
   Before serving, garnish with fresh herbs and add a spoonful of sour cream.
   Tips for the perfect kapustnyak:
   Use high-quality sauerkraut – this is the basis of the taste.
   For a richer flavor, add some smoked meat to the soup.
   Serve kapustnyak with rye bread – this will emphasize its traditional taste.
   Why is kapustnyak so popular?
   This soup is loved for its simplicity and richness. It warms you up on cold days, nourishes you after hard work, and becomes the basis of family meals. In every Ukrainian home, the recipe for kapustnyak may differ slightly, but its soulfulness remains unchanged.

Try making kapustnyak according to this recipe and feel the real taste of Ukrainian tradition! Share with your friends so that they too can appreciate this culinary masterpiece. ❤️