Description
Borscht is a classic Eastern European beet soup known for its vibrant color, earthy sweetness, and balanced tangy flavor. This hearty and nutritious dish combines fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a rich broth, making it a comforting meal perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium beets (about 300g), peeled and grated
- 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups vegetable or beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1–2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by peeling, chopping, and grating as needed.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in carrots and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add grated beets and cook for 5–7 minutes to develop flavor.
- Mix in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring well.
- Pour in the broth and add potatoes, cabbage, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add vinegar or lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
- Remove bay leaves, stir in fresh dill, and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Borscht tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
- Adjust acidity with vinegar or lemon juice to balance sweetness.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Add sour cream when serving for extra richness.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg