Authentic Russian Borscht: A Heartwarming Beet Soup
This Authentic Russian Borscht is a beloved beet soup enriched with vibrant vegetables and infused with deep flavors. Traditionally served warm with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill, Borscht is not just a dish; it’s a cherished family experience. My grandmother’s recipe, passed down through generations, captures the essence of comfort food, offering a delightful balance of sweet, earthy beets, tangy tomatoes, and hearty cabbage. You will love the hearty texture and rich flavors whether it's a chilly evening or a gathering with friends. Enjoy experimenting with over 40 varieties while making this traditional soup your own!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
cabbage
4 cups (shredded)
water
3 cups (n/a)
chicken broth
3 cups (n/a)
potatoes
3-4 medium (diced)
chicken bouillon cubes
3 (n/a)
carrot
1-2 big (sliced into rounds)
yellow onion
1/2 medium (diced)
fresh beets
2 large (peeled, sliced, and cut into matchsticks)
Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can (drained)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
fresh dill
to taste (optional for garnish)
sour cream
to taste (optional for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your vegetables: shred the cabbage, dice the potatoes, and onion, slice the carrots into rounds, and grate the beets.
2
In a large pot, combine the shredded cabbage and diced potatoes with 3 cups of water, 3 cups of chicken broth, and the chicken bouillon cubes.
3
Place the pot on the stove over high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
4
While the cabbage and potatoes are boiling, heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onions, beets, and carrots together for about 5-7 minutes or until they soften.
5
Add the drained diced tomatoes and salt to the sautéed mixture, cooking it for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
6
Once the cabbage and potatoes have boiled for 15 minutes, carefully add the sauté pan mixture into the pot.
7
Allow the soup to boil for another 15 minutes to marry all the flavors together.
8
After turning off the heat, add minced garlic to the soup, stirring gently.
9
Serve hot, garnished with a generous spoonful of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Russian Borscht?
Authentic Russian Borscht is a traditional beet-based soup enriched with vegetables like cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, known for its vibrant red color and hearty texture.
What are the primary ingredients in this Borscht recipe?
The main ingredients include cabbage, beets, potatoes, carrots, onions, chicken broth, chicken bouillon, and Italian-style diced tomatoes.
How should I prepare the beets for the soup?
The beets should be peeled, sliced, and then cut into matchsticks or grated to ensure they cook evenly and provide the right texture.
Is this Borscht served hot or cold?
This specific Russian recipe is traditionally served hot, making it a perfect comfort food for chilly evenings.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth and chicken bouillon cubes with vegetable broth and vegetable bouillon.
What type of cabbage should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of shredded cabbage, which provides the bulk and hearty texture of the soup.
When do I add the garlic?
Minced garlic should be added at the very end, after the heat has been turned off, to preserve its sharp and fresh flavor.
What is the role of the skillet in this recipe?
The skillet is used to sauté the onions, beets, and carrots to soften them and develop their flavors before they are added to the main pot.
How long does the soup need to boil in total?
The soup boils for an initial 15 minutes with cabbage and potatoes, and another 15 minutes after the sautéed vegetables are added, totaling 30 minutes of boiling.
What garnishes are recommended for Borscht?
It is traditionally served with a generous dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill.
Why use Italian-style diced tomatoes?
Italian-style tomatoes add a tangy flavor and complementary herbs that help balance the earthy sweetness of the beets.
Should I drain the tomatoes before adding them?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one 16-ounce can of diced tomatoes, drained.
How do I cut the carrots?
The carrots should be sliced into rounds.
What kind of potatoes are best for this soup?
Medium-sized potatoes should be diced; common varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold work well for a hearty texture.
Can I use fresh dill?
Yes, fresh dill is highly recommended as a garnish to add a bright, herbal finish to the dish.
What gives Borscht its deep red color?
The vibrant color comes primarily from the fresh beets as they simmer in the broth.
How many beets are required?
The recipe calls for two large fresh beets.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, this is a grandmother's recipe passed down through generations, capturing the essence of traditional comfort food.
How much liquid is needed for the base?
The base uses 3 cups of water and 3 cups of chicken broth.
Can I use a different type of onion?
The recipe suggests using half of a medium yellow onion, diced.
What is the texture of the soup?
The soup has a hearty, chunky texture thanks to the shredded cabbage, diced potatoes, and matchstick beets.
How long do I sauté the onions and beets?
Sauté the onions, beets, and carrots together for about 5 to 7 minutes until they soften.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While the specific serving count isn't listed, the large quantity of vegetables and 6 cups of liquid typically serve 4 to 6 people.
Is Borscht a healthy meal?
Yes, it is a nutrient-dense soup packed with fiber and vitamins from a variety of fresh vegetables.
Can I add meat to this Borscht?
While this version is vegetable-heavy, many people choose to add beef or pork for additional protein.
Does the recipe use bouillon cubes?
Yes, 3 chicken bouillon cubes are added to the pot to enhance the savory flavor of the broth.
How much cabbage do I need?
You will need 4 cups of shredded cabbage.
Can I adjust the salt?
Yes, salt is added to the sautéed mixture and can be adjusted to your personal taste.
What makes this soup 'authentic'?
Its authenticity comes from the specific combination of beets, cabbage, and potatoes, along with the traditional finishing touches of garlic and sour cream.
Can I experiment with this recipe?
Absolutely! There are over 40 varieties of Borscht, and this recipe serves as a perfect foundation for your own variations.