Slippery Jack-Cabbage Soup, For An Old Russian Man

Step 1

Begin by cooking the slippery jacks in a couple tablespoons of flavorless oil such as grapeseed or canola in a small pasta or stock pot. A 4 qt pot will have plenty of room.

Step 2

Cook the slippery jacks in the oil until they give up their water and it evaporates and begins to color on the bottom of the pan. When the water has evaporated, season the mushrooms with 1/4 teaspoon or so of salt.

Step 3

Cook the mushrooms for a moment more and then add the pureed carrot, onion and celery and cook until the vegetable puree has released it's water and the pan is nearly dry. Next add the cabbage, 5 cups of water, the bay leaf, beans and the cracked wheat to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for an hour or so at a gentle simmer, or until the cracked wheat and beans are cooked and soft. Season the soup to taste with salt and reserve.

Step 4

While the soup is simmering, put the vodka in a small sauce pan and Ignite with a lighter or match, then turn the heat off. When the flames die out the alcohol has evaporated and the vodka is ready to add to your sour cream, you should be left with a tbsp or so. Mix the remaining vodka into the sour cream and season with a pinch of salt, say an 1/8 tsp. Set the vodka sour cream aside until ready to plate. Double check the seasoning of the soup again, and adjust as needed.

Step 5

When you wish to serve the soup, ladle equal portions of the soup into small bowls, top with a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, fresh grinds of black pepper and serve.