Ukrainian Borscht is a delicious and healthy vegetable soup that is known and prepared throughout Russian/Slavic cultures. This version includes beets, cabbage, potatoes, carrots and can easily be made vegetarian/vegan.
It seems like recently I am posting recipes in mini-series. There were all the Paraguay trip-inspired posts (which was actually a longer series), then there were bite-sized desserts (topped with candy), and now I am sharing the second 'Russian' recipe in 2 weeks.
Now, technically and originally, Borscht is a Ukrainian dish, but just as with the Uzbek Plov, it is a meal that - in some form or other - is known and prepared throughout Russian/Slavic cultures.
There really are so many variations of Borscht. Some use beets while others don't. You can make it meatless as veggie soup, or you can add any kind of chicken, beef or pork. Some families add beans, others add mushrooms. It's all up to taste.
Borscht, Vegetables and Slavic Cultures
I think the 3 common ingredients along the whole 'Borscht spectrum' are cabbage, potatoes and tomatoes (or sauce/paste). And now that I wrote it out, I am sure someone might read this and tell me they know Borscht without even these three.
Well, this recipe is Borscht how I know it from my mom (hmm...together with the Plov and Cauliflower casserole, 'mom-inspired' could be yet another series). It is quite a healthy soup full of good-for-you vegetables like beets, cabbage, carrots, and onion.
And as all the different variations show, Borscht is very open to adaptations. For a meatless (vegetarian/vegan) Borscht, I'd recommend using vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor. Just start with point 2 in the recipe instructions.
Keep In the Dill, Add Some Sort of Cream, Freeze Leftovers
Whatever version of Borscht you cook, I will always recommend NOT to omit the dill. It just adds a little something special that you don't want to miss. Dill is a wonderful addition.
I grew up eating Borscht served with a dollop of sour cream, while my husband's family adds a splash of whipping cream. As stated before, to each their own!
Also, this recipe makes are large pot of soup. Perfect for leftovers. I'd actually dare say that Borscht tastes even better on day 2. Leftovers can also be frozen. How good!
Recipe
Borscht – Cabbage Beet Soup
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds meat I've used anything from chicken breasts to stewing beef or pork
- 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 4 quarts water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 3 medium potatoes cubed
- ½ head cabbage shredded
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 medium carrots grated/shredded
- 1-2 large beets grated/shredded
- 1 medium tomatoes diced
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1 tablespoon freshly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 tablespoon freshly chopped
- 1 tablespoon dried dill 2 -3 tablespoon freshly chopped
Instructions
- Wash and dry the meat and cut into 1" pieces. Heat a large 6 quart soup pot with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the meat and quickly brown from all sides (about 5 minutes). Fill the pot ⅔ full (4 quarts) of water and add bay leaves and salt. Bring to a boil on high heat, then turn to low and cook for about 1 hour for meat to become soft and tender. Skim off any grey foam.
- Prepare your vegetables in the meantime. Cube the potatoes, shred the cabbage and set aside.
- In a large pan heat 2 tablespoon of oil and saute chopped onion until softened. Add chopped bell pepper and soften as well.
- Wash and peel carrots and beets. Grate by hand or shred with shredding attachments of your food processor (takes only a fraction of the time). Add shredded carrots and beets to pan and saute until softened (about 10 minutes). Lastly add diced tomatoes and saute another 5 minutes.
- Once the meat is tender, add potato cubes to the soup and boil until almost done (10 minutes). Add shredded cabbage and cook for 5 minutes.
- Lastly, add sauteed veggies, black pepper and herbs (more salt, if needed). Bring to a boil, then turn off heat, cover and let stand for at least 10 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves and serve with sour cream (or a splash of heavy cream) and a fresh dill sprig.
Pin this delicious Borscht (Cabbage Beet Soup) recipe for later?
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
Check out these similar recipes!
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Creamy Vegetable Soup With Leek (Dairy-Free)
- Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup - Video
Random Questions
While both Russian and Ukrainian cuisines feature borscht, the differences lie in the specific ingredients used and the variations in preparation methods. Russian borscht might include different types of meat and may not always incorporate beets, unlike the traditional Ukrainian version.
Ukrainian borscht typically includes beets, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, and tomatoes or tomato paste. The recipe often allows for adaptations, including the addition of meat or the use of vegetable broth for vegetarian or vegan options.
Traditional borscht generally includes a variety of vegetables such as beets, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and onions. Some recipes may also include meat, while others focus solely on the vegetable components. The use of dill is a common feature in many traditional borscht recipes.
Borscht holds a significant place in Ukrainian culinary culture due to its rich history and versatility. It has become a beloved and iconic dish that represents the heartiness and warmth of Slavic cuisine. With its nutritious blend of vegetables and often meat, borscht has become a staple in Ukrainian households and is cherished for its adaptability and comforting flavors.
Manuela
I was craving this for dinner tonight so I made it.
So interesting that as I child I couldn’t stand this soup (I think it was mostly a texture thing) and now I’m craving it
Jennifer @ Leelalicious
Thank you for your review, Manuela! We are so happy it could satisfy your craving. 🙂
Dolores Bates
Your recipe looks amazing! Just wondering why the veggies are cooked separately? Does it enhance the flavour of the soup or the veggies?
Regina
To be honest it's just the way my mom has always made borscht. I think that yes, there is more flavor that way.
Angie (@angiesrecipess)
My kind of soup, Regina. I always thought beet is one of must-have ingredients in this Russian classic. Yours looks surely delicious!
Regina
Haha...so did I 🙂 Until I saw my mother-in-law make beet-less borscht and even a famous lunch place around here sells a borscht without any beet. I will always cook it with beet though 😉
dina
this looks so comforting and delicious!
Regina
Thank you very much Dina. Borscht absolutely is comfort food in my books!