Classic Ukrainian Borscht Delight
Experience the heartwarming flavors of Ukrainian tradition with this rich, meatless borscht that is sure to impress even the staunchest carnivores! Our twist on this classic recipe highlights the vibrant colors and natural sweetness of fresh beets, complemented by a medley of succulent veggies like carrots, onions, and cabbage, all simmered in hearty beef broth. Perfect for summer when served cold, this versatile dish can also be enjoyed warm on chilly days. Its depth of flavor increases with time, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Featuring a splash of fresh lemon juice for brightness and a dollop of creamy sour cream for richness, our borscht is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Eyeball the vegetables to your liking—each bowl is uniquely yours! Enjoy every comforting spoonful.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
shredded peeled beets
2 cups (shredded and peeled)
shredded carrot
1 cup (shredded)
chopped onion
1 cup (chopped)
beef broth
3 (14-ounce) cans (canned)
coarsely chopped cabbage
2 cups (coarsely chopped)
butter
1 tablespoon (unsalted)
salt and pepper
to taste (to season)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
sour cream
for doping (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine shredded beets, carrots, chopped onion, and the three cans of beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
2
Add the coarsely chopped cabbage and butter to the pot. Continue to cook uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cabbage is tender.
3
Season the borscht with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting based on your preference.
4
Stir in the fresh lemon juice to enhance the dish's brightness.
5
For optimal flavor, let the borscht sit at room temperature for at least an hour before serving, although it can be served immediately. Reheat gently if needed.
6
Serve hot or chilled, and top each bowl with a generous dollop of sour cream. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Ukrainian Borscht Delight?
It is a rich, meatless beet soup that highlights the vibrant colors and natural sweetness of fresh vegetables in a hearty broth.
Is this borscht recipe meatless?
Yes, the recipe is described as meatless, though it utilizes beef broth for its deep, savory flavor.
What are the primary vegetables used in this soup?
The main vegetables are shredded beets, shredded carrots, chopped onions, and coarsely chopped cabbage.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
How long should the beets and carrots simmer?
The shredded beets, carrots, and chopped onion should simmer in the beef broth for 20 minutes.
When should I add the cabbage to the pot?
The cabbage should be added after the initial 20-minute simmer of the beets and carrots.
Do I need to cover the pot while cooking the cabbage?
No, the recipe specifies to cook the cabbage uncovered for 20 minutes until tender.
What kind of broth is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for three 14-ounce cans of beef broth.
Can this borscht be served cold?
Yes, it is versatile and perfect for summer when served chilled, or it can be enjoyed warm on chilly days.
Why is lemon juice added to the borscht?
A splash of fresh lemon juice is added to enhance the dish's brightness and balance the sweetness of the beets.
How much butter is included in the recipe?
One tablespoon of butter is added along with the cabbage to provide richness.
What is the suggested topping for the soup?
Each bowl should be topped with a generous dollop of creamy sour cream before serving.
Is it necessary to let the soup sit before serving?
For optimal flavor, it is recommended to let the borscht sit at room temperature for at least an hour.
Can the borscht be reheated?
Yes, it can be reheated gently if you prefer to serve it hot.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, because the depth of flavor increases with time, it makes for a fantastic meal prep option.
How should the beets be prepared?
The beets should be peeled and then shredded before being added to the pot.
How much shredded carrot is needed?
You will need 1 cup of shredded carrot for this recipe.
How do I season the borscht?
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting based on your personal preference.
What is the measurement for the chopped onion?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chopped onion.
Can I adjust the vegetable quantities?
Yes, you can eyeball the vegetables to your liking to make each bowl uniquely yours.
What is the total simmering time for the soup?
The total simmering time is approximately 40 minutes: 20 minutes for the root vegetables and 20 minutes for the cabbage.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is a twist on a classic Ukrainian tradition that provides heartwarming comfort.
Does this recipe include potatoes?
No, this specific recipe does not list potatoes among its ingredients.
What gives the borscht its vibrant red color?
The vibrant color comes from the two cups of fresh shredded peeled beets.
Is the beef broth canned or fresh?
The recipe specifically mentions using 14-ounce cans of beef broth.
How much lemon juice should be used?
One tablespoon of fresh lemon juice is required.
How much cabbage is needed for the soup?
You will need 2 cups of coarsely chopped cabbage.
What should the texture of the cabbage be?
The cabbage should be cooked until it is tender.
Can the soup be served immediately?
While it can be served immediately, letting it rest for an hour significantly improves the flavor.
What makes this borscht an 'experience'?
The harmonious blend of natural sweetness, bright acidity, and creamy richness brings warmth and comfort to the table.