Chilled Beet & Beef Borscht
This refreshing Chilled Beet & Beef Borscht is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the earthy sweetness of beets with the savory depth of beef bouillon. Perfectly blended for a smooth texture, this vibrant soup is served cold and topped with a dollop of creamy sour cream, making it an ideal dish for warm days or as an elegant appetizer. Easy to prepare in just a few minutes, this borscht is not only delicious but also visually appealing, adding a pop of color to your table. Share this delightful dish with family and friends for a unique culinary experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Beef bouillon
3 cups (cold)
Whole medium beets
1 (16 ounce can, chilled and undrained)
Lemon juice
4 teaspoons
Salt
1 teaspoon
Black pepper
to taste
Minced lemon peel
1 tablespoon (optional)
Sour cream
8 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a blender, combine the cold beef bouillon, chilled whole medium beets (with juice), lemon juice, salt, and pepper. If using, add minced lemon peel for extra zing.
2
Blend on high for 30-60 seconds or until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
3
Taste the borscht and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
4
Transfer the blended borscht to a bowl or pitcher, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until very cold.
5
To serve, pour the chilled borscht into chilled bowls and top each serving with 1 tablespoon of sour cream. Use a spoon to swirl the sour cream for an elegant presentation. Garnish with additional lemon peel or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Beet & Beef Borscht?
It is a refreshing, vibrant cold soup that blends the earthy sweetness of beets with savory beef bouillon, topped with creamy sour cream.
How many ingredients are needed for this borscht?
There are 7 primary ingredients: beef bouillon, whole medium beets, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, lemon peel, and sour cream.
Should I drain the beets before blending?
No, you should use the chilled whole medium beets along with their juice from the 16-ounce can for the best flavor and color.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
As written, it contains beef bouillon. To make it vegetarian, you can substitute the beef bouillon with vegetable broth.
How long does it take to blend the soup?
You should blend the mixture on high for approximately 30 to 60 seconds until it is completely smooth.
What is the recommended chilling time?
The borscht should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until it is very cold.
How much beef bouillon is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of cold beef bouillon.
Can I add extra zest to the soup?
Yes, you can add 1 tablespoon of minced lemon peel into the blender for extra zing.
What is the best way to serve the soup?
Pour the soup into chilled bowls and top each serving with a tablespoon of sour cream, swirling it for an elegant look.
How much sour cream is used in total?
The recipe uses 8 tablespoons of sour cream, typically 1 tablespoon per serving.
What kind of beets should I buy?
Look for a 16-ounce can of whole medium beets.
Can I garnish this dish?
Yes, you can garnish with additional lemon peel or fresh herbs if desired.
What is the texture of this borscht?
The texture is completely smooth and creamy once blended.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, the active preparation takes just a few minutes, though it requires an hour of chilling time.
How much lemon juice should I add?
The recipe specifies 4 teaspoons of lemon juice.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Absolutely. After blending, taste the soup and add more salt or pepper as desired.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
This is a chilled borscht and should be served very cold.
What makes this soup visually appealing?
The beets give the soup a vibrant, deep red color that provides a beautiful pop of color to any table.
Can I use fresh beets instead of canned?
You can, but they must be cooked until tender and then thoroughly chilled with their cooking liquid before following the recipe instructions.
What equipment is needed?
You will need a blender to achieve the smooth consistency required for this recipe.
What is the flavor profile?
It is a fusion of earthy, sweet, and savory flavors with a bright, citrusy finish from the lemon.
Should the bouillon be hot or cold when blending?
The beef bouillon should be cold when you start the blending process.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
Based on the 8 tablespoons of sour cream provided for topping, it yields approximately 8 servings.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a tangier, higher-protein substitute for the sour cream topping.
Is this recipe good for summer?
Yes, it is specifically described as a refreshing summer dish because it is served cold.
What is the role of salt in this recipe?
One teaspoon of salt is used to enhance the natural flavors of the beets and beef.
How do I create the 'swirl' effect with sour cream?
Place a dollop of sour cream on the soup and use a spoon to gently drag and swirl it through the surface.
Is this borscht thick or thin?
It has a liquid consistency similar to a light puree, made smooth by the blender.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store any leftovers in a covered container or pitcher in the refrigerator.
Is lemon peel mandatory?
No, the minced lemon peel is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder citrus flavor.