A traditional Eastern European comfort food, borscht soup is known for its deep red color, which comes from beets, and its hearty, comforting flavors.
Combining the earthy taste of beets with tender vegetables in a rich, savory beef broth, this recipe for borscht soup is both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re familiar with this classic dish or trying it for the first time, you’ll definitely be serving up seconds.
What is borscht?
Originating in Eastern Europe, borscht soup is a sour soup traditionally made by boiling meat stock and vegetables. Its characteristic bright red color comes from its primary ingredient: beets.
Depending on where you are in the world, borscht soup can be served hot or cold. The Ukrainian version, which showcases beets front and center, is the most popular. However, there are many other regional variations of the soup throughout Central and Eastern Europe and Northern Asia that incorporate meat, beans and additional vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, turnips and even apples into their borscht recipes.
Ingredients for Borscht Soup
- Beets: The 2 cups of shredded fresh beets in this recipe for borscht soup provide its signature color and earthy flavor.
- Carrots: A cup of shredded carrots adds sweetness and heartiness to the borscht.
- Onion: A cup of chopped onion provides a savory base and depth of flavor to the soup.
- Beef broth:Â Beef broth serves as the flavorful foundation to this borscht, enhancing the soup’s richness and providing a savory, almost umami-like undertone.
- Cabbage: A cup of shredded cabbage adds a pleasant crunch and mild, slightly sweet taste to the beet soup borscht.
- Butter: Just 1 tablespoon of butter adds a lot of richness.
- Lemon juice:Â Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the soup before serving.
- Sour cream and chopped chives or fresh dill sprigs (optional): These optional garnishes add a finishing touch to each serving bowl.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the vegetables
In a saucepan, bring the beets, carrots, onion, water and salt to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 2: Add the broth and cabbage
Add the beef broth, shredded cabbage and butter to the saucepan. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to mix.
Editor’s Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, add a bay leaf during the simmering process, then remove it before serving.
Step 3: Finish with lemon juice
Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice to add a bright and tangy flavor to your soup. Ladle the hot borscht soup into bowls and serve, topped with sour cream and chives or dill, if desired.
Borscht Soup Variations
- Make it veg-friendly: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and add more root vegetables like potatoes and turnips.
- Add some spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno for a spicy rendition of this comforting classic.
- Make it creamier:Â Stir in a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer, creamier soup. You can even top each dish with a dollop of sour cream before serving this soup.
- Try different herb variations:Â Add a mix of fresh herbs like chives, parsley, dill and thyme to enhance the flavor profile of this borscht soup.
How to Store Borscht Soup
Any leftover borscht soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Can you freeze borscht soup?
This borscht soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers and store for up to three months in the freezer. Thaw the frozen borscht soup in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Borscht Soup Tips
Can you use different types of beets?
You can use any type of beet you prefer. Golden beets, for example, will not only give the soup a different color but a depth of sweetness as well.
What can you serve with borscht soup?
Borscht soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as crusty homemade bread, freshly fried potato latkes or a simple green salad.
How do you thicken borscht soup?
To thicken borscht soup, add a few tablespoons of grated potatoes during the cooking process. Or alternatively, you can stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water and add it to the soup five minutes before taking it off the heat.
Can you use pre-cooked beets for this borscht soup?
Pre-cooked beets can help save time when making this recipe for borscht soup. Simply shred or chop the cooked beets and add them to the soup along with the beef broth and cabbage.
How can you make borscht soup more filling?
Consider adding some diced potatoes, cooked rice or quinoa to the pot to make your beet soup borscht more filling. You can also up the protein intake of this soup by stirring in some cooked ground beef or sausage.
