Ukrainian Borscht
Warm up with a bowl of traditional Ukrainian Borscht, a hearty and flavorful soup that's perfect for chilly days. This vibrant soup is made with a colorful medley of grated beets, carrots, and potatoes, simmered in a savory broth with diced tomatoes and aromatic spices. The addition of tangy vinegar and a dollop of sour cream adds a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the soup. Garnished with fresh dill for a burst of freshness, this Ukrainian Borscht is a comforting and nourishing dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
- 2 medium beets, peeled and grated
- 2 carrots, peeled and grated
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- (1 tablespoon tomato paste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sour cream, for serving
- Chopped fresh dill, for garnish
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes
Stir in the grated beets and carrots, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the diced potatoes, vegetable or beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, white vinegar, and bay leaf to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Ladle the borscht into serving bowls and top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill.
-
Serve the Ukrainian borscht hot, accompanied by crusty bread or Ukrainian pampushky for a hearty and satisfying meal.
-
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5g8%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 8g32%
- Sugars 12g
- Protein 8g16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
-
Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables according to your preferences. You can include cabbage, bell peppers, or celery for additional flavor and texture.
-
Enhance the Flavor: For a richer flavor, consider sautéing the vegetables in butter or bacon fat before adding them to the soup. This extra step adds depth and complexity to the dish.
-
Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan-friendly, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The soup will still be flavorful and delicious without any animal products.
-
Storage and Reheating: Ukrainian Borscht tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.