Kapusnyak (Cabbage and Potato Soup with Smoked Sausage)

Method

1. 1

   Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown the sliced sausage, about 3 minutes; lift out and set aside.

2. 2

   Add the onion and carrot to the fat left in the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Pour in the chicken stock, add the potato and bay leaves, and bring to a boil.

4. 4

   Reduce to a simmer and cook 12 minutes, until the potato is nearly tender.

5. 5

   Stir in the cabbage, tomato paste and the browned sausage, and simmer 12 more minutes, until the cabbage is fully tender.

   💡 The cabbage should still have a little bite to it — kapusnyak isn't meant to be mushy.

6. 6

   Stir in the garlic in the last 2 minutes of cooking.

7. 7

   Season with salt and pepper, discard the bay leaves, and ladle into bowls with a spoonful of sour cream and a scatter of dill.