Harbin-Style Sweet-and-Sour Red Cabbage Borscht

2 min read

In northern China, particularly in and around the city of Harbin, close to the Russian border, a spicy sweet-and-sour variation of borscht known as hongtang, or red soup, is made primarily with red cabbage, not beets. Though optional, a dollop of plain soy yogurt or nondairy sour cream is simply delicious here. Serve with pumpernickel bread and a tossed spinach and mushroom salad for a hearty cold-weather meal.

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 small red onion (about 4 ounces), thinly sliced

1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger

2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped

4 cups shredded red cabbage

1 to 2 fresh red chili peppers, seeded and chopped

3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

1⁄2 cup water

1⁄4 cup plain rice vinegar

2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

2 to 3 whole star anise

1⁄4 cup packed light brown sugar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon toasted (dark) sesame oil

2 scallions, green parts only, thinly sliced

Plain soy yogurt or nondairy sour cream, for garnish (optional)

Toasted sesame seeds or caraway seeds, for garnish (optional)

In a medium stockpot, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the onion, ginger, and garlic and cook, stirring, until just softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the cabbage and chili pepper and cook, stirring constantly and scraping from the bottom to prevent sticking, until vegetables are softened and cabbage is wilted, about 5 minutes. Add the broth, water, vinegar, soy sauce, and star anise and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring from the bottom to loosen any browned bits. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the brown sugar, salt, and black pepper; simmer, uncovered, until cabbage is very tender and liquid is reduced by about half, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally and adjusting the heat between medium and medium-low to maintain a simmer. Remove and discard the star anise. Stir in the sesame oil and scallion greens. Serve warm, garnished with a dollop of soy yogurt and sprinkled with sesame seeds, if desired.

{PER SERVING} Calories 198 • Protein 11g • Total Fat 7g • Sat Fat 1g • Cholesterol 0mg • Carbohydrate 26g • Dietary Fiber 5g • Sodium 705mg