Schav Recipe

Cook Time: 40 minutes  

   Prep Time: 25 minutes

Schav Ingredients

Schav Instructions

  1. Melt the unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Add the peeled and diced Yukon Gold potato to the pot and stir to coat with the butter and aromatics.
  5. Pour in the 6 cups of cold water and add the bay leaf, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender.
  7. Add the washed and chopped sorrel leaves to the pot and simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sorrel is wilted and the potatoes are soft.
  8. Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
  9. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree until smooth.
  10. Strain the blended soup through a fine-mesh sieve back into the pot for a silky texture, pressing with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
  11. In a small bowl, beat the 2 large eggs thoroughly.
  12. Slowly ladle about 1/2 cup of the hot soup into the beaten eggs, whisking constantly to temper them.
  13. Gradually pour the tempered eggs back into the soup, whisking constantly to avoid curdling, and cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
  14. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, and sliced chives.
  15. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  16. Transfer the soup to a large bowl or container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly cold.
  17. When ready to serve, ladle the chilled soup into bowls.
  18. Top each serving with a generous dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream.
  19. Drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil over each bowl for added richness.
  20. Garnish with additional fresh dill and chives if desired before serving.

Estimated Calories: 56, Servings: 6

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About Schav Recipe

I'll admit, when I first heard about Schav, the classic Ashkenazi Jewish soup made from sorrel, I was skeptical. A cold, green soup? Really? But after trying an authentic Schav recipe, I was completely converted. This dish is the perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious. If you're looking for an easy, quick, and homemade soup that's both refreshing and unique, this is the one to try. Trust me, even the most doubtful eaters will be asking for seconds once they taste how tasty and vibrant this soup can be.
What makes this the best Schav recipe? It's all about using fresh, quality ingredients and following a few key tips. Sorrel is the star here, giving the soup its signature tangy flavor, but don't overlook the importance of a good broth and the right balance of seasoning. If you're wondering how to make Schav that's both authentic and delicious, the secret is in letting the flavors meld together-don't rush it! The result is a quick, easy, and perfect summer soup that's as nutritious as it is tasty. Plus, it's a great way to impress your friends with your knowledge of Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine.
If you're still on the fence, let me assure you: this homemade Schav recipe is not only simple to prepare, but it's also incredibly versatile. Serve it chilled for a refreshing lunch, or warm it up for a cozy dinner. Add a dollop of sour cream or a hard-boiled egg for extra richness-there are endless ways to make it your own. With these tips and the best ingredients, you'll have a delicious, authentic Schav that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and see why this Ashkenazi Jewish classic has stood the test of time!

Storage Tips

Let us talk about storage, because nobody wants their delicious schav to turn into a science experiment. The best way to keep this healthy soup fresh is to pour it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge as soon as it cools. If you are feeling extra fancy, you can even portion it out for quick, easy lunches. Just remember, the faster you chill it, the better the flavor will stay true to the original recipe. And hey, if you are tempted to store it in the pot with a lid, resist! That is a shortcut to soggy disappointment.
Now, onto shelf life, which is basically the soup's ticking clock. Schav is a great candidate for make ahead meals, but it is not immortal. You have got about three to four days in the fridge before things start to get weird. If you are not planning to eat it that fast, the freezer is your friend. Just be sure to leave a little room at the top of your container, because nobody wants a schav explosion. A good rule of thumb: if it smells funky or looks cloudy, it is time to say goodbye, no matter how much you loved the recipe.
Let us not forget about flavor retention, because nobody wants their schav to taste like a bland mystery after reheating. The best way to keep those bright, tangy notes is to reheat it gently on the stove, not in the microwave, which can zap the life out of even the most delicious soup. Stir it often and taste as you go, because a quick squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can bring it back to its former glory. With a little care, your schav will taste just as good on day three as it did when you first whipped up that fast, easy, and healthy batch!

Schav History

Schav has a backstory that is as rich and tangy as its flavor. This dish traces its roots to the Ashkenazi Jewish communities of Eastern Europe, where resourcefulness was the name of the game and sorrel was the star of the show. In those days, the best recipes were the ones that could be whipped up with whatever was growing in the garden, and schav was a great example of making something delicious, healthy, and easy out of humble ingredients. It was a good way to beat the summer heat and a quick fix for anyone who wanted a refreshing meal without firing up the stove for hours.
As time marched on and Ashkenazi Jews found themselves scattered across the globe, the schav recipe evolved faster than you can say "borscht." In America, for instance, cooks started adding eggs, potatoes, or even a dollop of sour cream to make it more filling and, dare I say, more Instagrammable. The best part? These adaptations made schav even more accessible for busy families looking for a fast, easy, and healthy meal. Some modern versions even swap out sorrel for spinach or other greens, proving that a good recipe is never set in stone-just like a great joke, it gets better with every retelling.
Schav's influence has seeped into other cuisines in the most unexpected ways. While it may not have sparked a global sorrel soup craze, its concept of a cold, tangy, and quick-to-make soup has inspired chefs far beyond the shtetl. You might spot echoes of schav in the chilled soups of Eastern Europe or even in the trendy green smoothies of today's health-conscious crowd. It is a delicious reminder that sometimes the best ideas are the ones that travel well, adapt easily, and leave everyone asking for seconds-because who can resist a good, fast, and healthy recipe that also happens to be a great conversation starter?

Schav Story

The first time I made this dish, I was trying to impress my grandmother, who is notorious for her high standards and her even higher expectations when it comes to family recipes. She watched me with the intensity of a hawk eyeing its prey, ready to swoop in if I so much as looked at the pot the wrong way. I was determined to prove that I could follow her recipe and maybe, just maybe, earn the title of "best grandchild chef" for at least a week. When I finally served it, she took a quick taste, paused dramatically, and then declared, "Not bad. You did not ruin it." In my family, that is basically a standing ovation.
A few years later, I found myself on a date with someone who claimed to love adventurous food but had never tried anything remotely like this. I thought it would be a great way to break the ice and show off my not so secret kitchen skills. The preparation was easy and fast, which left us plenty of time to laugh about our mutual inability to pronounce half the words in the recipe. By the end of the meal, we were both convinced that trying something new together was a good idea, and that sometimes, the quickest way to someone's heart is through a delicious bowl of something unexpected.
One rainy afternoon, I ended up sharing this dish with a neighbor who had just moved in and was feeling a bit homesick. I invited her over for a quick lunch, and as we sat together, she told me stories about her own family's traditions. It was a healthy reminder that food can be more than just sustenance; it can be a bridge between strangers. We laughed about our kitchen disasters and swapped tips for making life a little easier. By the end of the meal, we agreed that the best connections are often made over a shared table, especially when the food is as comforting as this.

Schav Tips

Looking to whip up the best Schav recipe that would make any Ashkenazi Jewish grandmother proud? The secret to a truly authentic and delicious bowl lies in the freshness of your ingredients and a few clever tips. For a quick and easy homemade version, always use the brightest, perkiest sorrel you can find-wilted leaves are a no-go if you want that perfect tangy flavor. If you can't find sorrel, spinach with a squeeze of lemon is a simple substitute, but don't tell your bubbe!
Want to know how to make your Schav recipe extra tasty? Chill it thoroughly before serving-this soup is meant to be refreshing, not lukewarm. For the best results, add a dollop of sour cream or a hard-boiled egg just before serving. These classic Ashkenazi Jewish touches add richness and make your homemade Schav feel like a special treat.
Don't forget: seasoning is everything! Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. For a quick flavor boost, a sprinkle of fresh dill or chives can make your Schav recipe pop. If you're after that perfect balance of tart and savory, a splash of vinegar at the end is your best friend. With these easy tips, your Schav will be the star of any table-no gefilte fish required!