Classic Pork Borscht Soup
This hearty Classic Pork Borscht Soup is a traditional Eastern European dish that brings together the rich flavors of tender pork, fresh vegetables, and earthy beets. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this warming soup not only nourishes the body but also delights the palate. The combination of bacon, meat, and an array of colorful vegetables simmered to perfection creates a comforting bowl of goodness that is both satisfying and full of vibrant color. Serve it hot with a dollop of sour cream and enjoy a true taste of home-cooked heritage.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
1 1/2 lbs (Cut into small pieces)
Mixed vegetables
2 cups (Diced (carrots, beans, cabbage, celery, corn, etc.))
Potatoes
2 cups (Diced)
Fattish meat or ribs
1 1/2 lbs (Cut into chunks)
Beetroots
4 (Unpeeled and washed)
Sour cream
2 tablespoons (For serving)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the bacon, fattish meat or ribs, and 8 cups of water. Bring to a gentle boil over low heat and allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 hours until the meat is tender.
2
Once the meat is tender, carefully remove it from the pot and set aside. Add the diced potatoes and mixed vegetables to the broth and continue to simmer until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3
While the vegetables are cooking, fill another pot with water and add the unpeeled beetroots. Boil the beetroots for about 30-40 minutes until they are easily pierced with a fork. Once cooked, drain, peel, and dice the beetroots, setting them aside.
4
After the potatoes and vegetables have cooked through, incorporate the diced beetroots back into the pot along with the reserved cooking water from the beetroots. Avoid bringing the soup to a boil again; just gently heat through.
5
Next, cube the previously cooked pork or gammon and add it back into the soup. Allow it to warm for a few minutes.
6
When ready to serve, ladle the borscht into bowls and top each serving with a tablespoon of sour cream for a creamy finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Pork Borscht Soup?
It is a hearty, traditional Eastern European soup made with tender pork, fresh vegetables, and vibrant earthy beets.
What kind of meat is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1.5 lbs of fattish meat or ribs to provide a rich flavor and tender texture.
How much bacon is required for the soup?
You will need 1.5 lbs of bacon, which should be cut into small pieces before cooking.
How long should I simmer the meat?
The bacon and meat or ribs should be simmered in 8 cups of water for 2 to 3 hours until perfectly tender.
What vegetables are included in the mixed vegetables?
The mixed vegetables usually consist of 2 cups of diced carrots, beans, cabbage, celery, and corn.
How many potatoes are used in the soup?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of diced potatoes.
Do I boil the beetroots with the other vegetables?
No, the beetroots should be boiled unpeeled in a separate pot for 30-40 minutes until tender.
Should I peel the beets before boiling?
No, wash them and boil them unpeeled. You should only peel and dice them after they have finished cooking.
What do I do with the water used to boil the beets?
The reserved cooking water from the beetroots should be added back into the main soup pot for flavor and color.
When do I add the potatoes and mixed vegetables?
Add them to the broth once the meat has been cooked and removed from the pot.
How long do the potatoes and mixed vegetables take to cook?
They should simmer in the broth for about 15-20 minutes until they are tender.
Why shouldn't I boil the soup after adding the beets?
Gently heating rather than boiling helps maintain the vibrant red color of the beetroots.
How is the pork reintroduced to the soup?
The previously cooked pork or gammon should be cubed and added back into the soup to warm through for a few minutes.
What is the recommended garnish for Borscht?
Each bowl should be served with a tablespoon of sour cream for a creamy finish.
How much water is needed for the soup base?
The recipe starts with 8 cups of water combined with the bacon and meat.
Can I use frozen mixed vegetables?
Yes, frozen diced mixed vegetables are a convenient substitute for fresh ones.
What is the preparation for the beetroots?
Wash them, boil them whole and unpeeled, then peel and dice them once they are soft.
Is this soup considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and a hearty soup perfect for sharing with family.
What is the origin of this dish?
This is a traditional Eastern European dish reflecting home-cooked heritage.
How many beetroots are needed?
The recipe requires 4 beetroots.
Can I use gammon instead of fresh pork?
Yes, the instructions mention that cubed gammon can be used as the meat component.
What is the total preparation time for the meat?
The initial simmering of the meat and bacon takes between 2 and 3 hours.
Is cabbage a required ingredient?
Cabbage is listed as one of the components of the 2 cups of mixed vegetables.
How do I know when the beets are done?
They are ready when they can be easily pierced with a fork, usually after 30-40 minutes of boiling.
Should the soup be served hot or cold?
This specific pork borscht recipe is intended to be served hot.
What makes the soup so colorful?
The combination of fresh beetroots and the addition of their cooking water creates its vibrant color.
Can I add other vegetables like corn?
Yes, corn is explicitly mentioned as an option for the mixed vegetable portion.
How much sour cream is needed in total?
The recipe suggests 2 tablespoons in total, with a tablespoon per serving.
Do I need to dice the bacon?
Yes, the bacon should be cut into small pieces before being added to the pot.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to combine bacon, meat, and water in a large pot and bring them to a gentle boil.