Ingredients

Broth Ingredients

600 grams beef (1.3 pound)
1 onion
1 carrot
a few sprigs of parsley
1 bay leaf
8-10 peppercorns
salt to taste
We recommend:

Sauté Ingredients

1 onion
1 carrot
1 beetroot
1 tomato
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon vinegar
vegetable oil for frying
salt to taste
We recommend:

Borscht Ingredients

3-4 potatoes
1/4 cabbage
5-6 beet greens
3-5 cloves garlic
salt to taste
8-10 black peppercorns
a few sprigs of dill
We recommend:

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Broth

Start by adding the whole onion, carrot, and parsley (tie it with kitchen twine for easy removal) to the beef in a large pot. Season with salt and bring to a boil.

Once boiling, skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Add the bay leaf and peppercorns. Let the meat simmer on medium heat for about two hours until tender and juicy. Remove the vegetables from the broth at the end and set the broth aside.

Step 2

Sauté the Vegetables

In a frying pan, heat some vegetable oil and sauté the onion and carrot for a couple of minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the beetroot along with some salt and a splash of vinegar. This vinegar helps to maintain the vibrant color of the beetroot and adds a hint of acidity, although you can skip it if preferred.

Next, add the diced tomato and tomato paste. Mix well and continue to sauté for another couple of minutes before adding a small amount of water. Cover and simmer on low heat until fully cooked.

Step 3

Combine Ingredients

In the prepared broth, add the diced potatoes, thinly shredded cabbage, and chopped beet greens. If necessary, add more water to adjust the consistency of the soup.

Step 4

Add Sauté Mixture and Garlic

Add the sautéed vegetable mix and the whole cloves of garlic to the pot. Cook for about 20 minutes until the potatoes are soft and the flavors meld together. Season with more salt to taste as needed.

Step 5

Finish and Serve

Once cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the fresh dill. Cover the pot and let it sit for an additional five minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Serve your borscht hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream and accompanied by your favorite bread for a delightful meal!

Servings

When it comes to serving suggestions, there are countless delightful ways to enjoy your borscht. Traditional accompaniments include a dollop of sour cream that adds a creamy richness to each spoonful. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth. 🍞✨ For a festive touch, you can garnish with fresh dill sprinkled on top for that pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. Feeling adventurous? Serve it with pickled vegetables on the side for a tangy contrast that'll awaken your taste buds! 🥒🥕 Imagine sharing a cozy meal with loved ones on a chilly evening, gathered around the table, with bowls of steaming borscht in front of you. It's not just food; it’s an experience filled with warmth and connection. ❤️

Equipment

Cutting Board and Knife

For chopping vegetables and meat. A sharp knife makes this process quick and safe, ensuring even slices for even cooking.

We recommend:

Variations

Gluten-Free and Vegan Variations are simple and delicious! For a gluten-free borscht, just ensure that all your ingredients, especially the tomato paste, are free from gluten content. 🌾❌ To make a vegan version, replace the beef with hearty lentils or mushrooms to maintain that savory flavor. You can also use vegetable broth instead of meat stock. Sprinkle in some nutritional yeast for added flavor and a touch of creaminess! 🌱🥣 This way, you'll still enjoy all the rich, comforting flavors of the traditional borscht without the animal products.

Faq

  • What can I use if I don’t have fresh beet greens?

    You can substitute with spinach or Swiss chard for a similar texture and taste.

  • How long can I store leftover borscht?

    Leftover borscht can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat when ready to serve!

  • What can I do if my borscht is too sour?

    You can add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. Start with a little and taste until it’s to your liking.

  • Can I use other meats for the broth?

    Absolutely! Chicken or pork can be great alternatives to beef for a different flavor profile.

  • How can I make my borscht thicker?

    To thicken your borscht, you can blend a portion of the cooked vegetables and stir it back into the soup, or simply add more potatoes.

  • Is it possible to freeze borscht?

    Yes! You can freeze borscht for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

Nutrition facts

Delicious Beetroot Borscht with Beet Greens
Recipe Yield:6 servings
Calories:Approximately 250 to 350 calories per serving
Calories (Min - Max):250 - 350
Total Fat:10g
Saturated Fat:2g
Protein:20g
Total Carbohydrate:30g
Total Sugars:5g