Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that transcends generations, where every spoonful of this vibrant beet borscht tells a story of tradition, love, and hearty Ukrainian cuisine. Imagine a recipe passed down through whispers and worn recipe cards, now unveiled to transport you directly to a cozy kitchen where comfort and flavor dance together in a stunning ruby-red symphony. This isn't just a soup—it's a nostalgic embrace from a grandmother's kitchen that promises to revolutionize your understanding of comfort food.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets, peeled and grated
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 potato, diced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream for serving
- Dill for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing, peeling, and chopping: grate beets, dice onions, carrots, and potato into uniform small pieces.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add grated beets and diced carrots to the pot, stirring and cooking for about 5-7 minutes to release their natural flavors and begin softening.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low-medium and allow the vegetables to simmer.
- Add diced potato to the simmering broth, continuing to cook for approximately 20-25 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
- Season the borscht with vinegar, salt, and pepper, adjusting flavors to taste. Stir thoroughly to incorporate seasonings.
- Remove from heat and let the borscht rest for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop.
- Serve hot in bowls, garnishing each portion with a dollop of sour cream and fresh chopped dill.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select firm, deep-colored beets and fresh vegetables for the most authentic flavor profile.
- Grating Technique: When grating beets, wear gloves to prevent staining your hands and use a box grater for uniform pieces.
- Flavor Development: Allow the borscht to rest after cooking, as this helps the flavors meld and intensify.
- Sour Cream Swirl: Add a generous dollop of sour cream just before serving to create a beautiful color contrast and add creamy richness.
- Dill Matters: Use fresh dill for garnishing—it's not just a decoration but an essential flavor enhancer.
- Vinegar Balance: Add vinegar gradually and taste, as different vinegars have varying intensities.
- Storage Tip: Borscht often tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
