Classic Vegetarian Borscht (Ukrainian Beet soup)
Borscht, the iconic Ukrainian beet soup, is a culinary dish that transcends generations. In this classic vegetarian variation we maintain the soul-warming essence of the original recipe.
What is Borscht?
Borscht is a traditional Ukrainian soup known for its vibrant color and robust flavors. While there are various regional variations, the classic version typically includes beets as a primary ingredient, giving the soup its distinctive deep red color. It’s a common meal in Eastern European cuisine, with each country putting its unique spin on the beloved dish.
This vegetarian version of borscht without meat features an array of vegetables such as beets, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, onions, and garlic, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
The cooking process involves sautéing aromatics like onions and garlic, adding a variety of shredded and diced vegetables, and simmering them in vegetable broth until tender. As a final touch it’s often served with a garnish of sour cream and fresh dill, which adds a creamy texture and a burst of freshness.
Beyond its delightful taste it has become a symbol of comfort and nourishment, enjoyed during family gatherings, holidays, and throughout the cold winter months.
Nutrient-rich beets
Beets, the root vegetables, are a real nutritional powerhouse. Packed with essential nutrients, beets offer lots of health benefits. Their deep red color comes from betalains, potent antioxidants known for their anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. Beets are an excellent source of fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management by inducing a sense of fullness. Moreover, these root vegetables contain nitrates, compounds that may contribute to improved blood flow, lowered blood pressure, and enhanced athletic performance. Rich in vitamins and minerals, including folate, potassium, and vitamin C, beets support immune function, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being. Whether enjoyed raw in salads, roasted as a side dish or as a star ingredient in soups like borscht, incorporating beets into your diet is a delicious way to use their nutritional benefits.
Classic Vegetarian Borscht (Ukrainian Beet Soup)
Nutritious soup for the cold winter months!
Prep time: 30 mins
cook time: 40 mins
total time: 1 hr and 10 mins
Servings: 4
Course: Lunch/Dinner
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cup of chopped onion
- 3 fresh beets
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 5 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 1/2 liter vegetable borth (or beef broth)
- 2 potatoes
- 1/2 cabbage
- 3 tbps honey
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 3 beay leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cellery stalks
- pepper and salt for seasoning
Instructions:
- Peel the raw beets. You can cook them a little bit to make them softer but you could skip that and cut them in 4 parts.
- Transfer the beets piece by piece into a food processor that grates them into thin slices. Do the same with the carrots after peeling them.
- Cut the onion, cellery stalks and potatoes into small pieces. Chop the cabbage thinly.
- Add the oil to a large skillet and add the onion and bay leaves and sauté for 5-7 minutes. Add the beets, carrots, cellery and potatoes to the skillet and sauté for another 10 min; add more oil if necessary. Stir in the tomato paste; remove from the heat and set aside.
- In a large stockpot bring 2 1/2 liters of vegetable broth to a boil over high heat. Add it to the beet, carrot and paotatoes. Add the cabbage, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
- In a large stockpot bring 2 1/2 liters of vegetable broth to a boil over high heat. Add it to the beet, carrot and paotatoes. Add the cabbage, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in garlic and dill.
- Serve the soup hot with a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!
