Creamy Blender Beet Borscht
Embrace the vibrant flavors of Eastern European cuisine with this Creamy Blender Beet Borscht. Easy to make and packed with nutrition, this chilled soup combines the earthy sweetness of beets with the refreshing crunch of cucumbers, making it the perfect appetizer or light meal. Finished with a dollop of smooth sour cream, each bowl of this delightful chowder is a feast for the eyes and palate. Ideal for sharing at summer gatherings or enjoying on a cozy evening at home, you'll love how this recipe brings a touch of culinary tradition right to your table.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Borscht
32 ounces (Liquid from jar)
Diced Beets
3 cups (Cooked and diced)
Sour Cream
1 cup (Divided into halves)
Cucumber
1 medium (Peeled, seeded, and cut into 2-inch pieces)
Green Onions
2 (Sliced)
Salt and Pepper
3 tablespoons (To taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by pouring half of the liquid from the jar of borscht into a blender. Add half of the sour cream and blend on low speed for 10 seconds until combined.
2
Next, add the prepared cucumber pieces and sliced green onions to the blender.
3
Pulse the mixture twice to incorporate the vegetables, then blend on high speed for an additional 5 seconds until smooth.
4
Transfer the blended mixture to a large glass container or pitcher, setting it aside.
5
In the blender, combine the remaining borscht liquid with the diced beets and the remaining sour cream.
6
Start by blending on low speed for 10 seconds, then switch to high speed for another 5 seconds until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
7
Pour the beet mixture into the large container with the previous mixture and stir gently to combine the flavors.
8
Serve chilled, garnished with a healthy dollop of sour cream on top, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Blender Beet Borscht?
It is a chilled Eastern European soup that combines the earthy sweetness of beets with refreshing cucumbers and sour cream for a smooth, nutritious meal.
Is this borscht recipe served hot or cold?
This recipe is specifically designed to be served chilled, making it perfect for summer gatherings.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Creamy Blender Beet Borscht is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by substituting the sour cream with a plant-based alternative.
What are the main ingredients for this soup?
The main ingredients include jarred borscht liquid, cooked diced beets, sour cream, cucumber, and green onions.
How should I prepare the cucumber?
The cucumber should be peeled, seeded, and cut into 2-inch pieces before being added to the blender.
How do I prepare the beets for this recipe?
The beets should be cooked and diced into 3 cups' worth of pieces.
What type of blender is required?
A standard countertop blender is sufficient to achieve the desired creamy consistency.
Can I substitute sour cream with something else?
Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute if you prefer a different tang or lower fat content.
How long does it take to blend the ingredients?
Blending occurs in stages, usually taking about 15-20 seconds per batch to ensure smoothness.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Generally yes, but you should always check the label on your jarred borscht liquid to ensure no gluten-containing thickeners were used.
How do I garnish the soup?
It is traditionally garnished with a healthy dollop of sour cream on top of each bowl.
What is the purpose of blending in two batches?
Blending in two batches helps manage the volume of ingredients and ensures a uniform, creamy texture for both the vegetables and the beets.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in a large glass container or pitcher in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze this soup?
Freezing is not recommended as the dairy and fresh cucumbers may change in texture once thawed.
What does the borscht liquid from a jar taste like?
It typically has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor profile that serves as the base for the soup.
Are green onions necessary?
Green onions add a mild onion flavor and fresh crunch, which are key to the soup's profile.
Can I use fresh raw beets instead?
You can use fresh beets, but they must be fully cooked and diced before blending for this specific recipe.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is packed with nutrition from beets and cucumbers and uses fresh vegetables.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests up to 3 tablespoons to taste, but you should start with less and adjust according to your preference.
What is the best container to store the blended soup?
A large glass container or pitcher is ideal for keeping the soup fresh and ready to pour.
Does the cucumber need to be seeded?
Yes, seeding the cucumber prevents the soup from becoming too watery and removes bitter seeds.
What is the texture of the final soup?
The soup is smooth, creamy, and chilled with a very fine consistency from the high-speed blending.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
While not in the original list, a small clove of garlic can be blended in for extra depth of flavor.
What should I serve alongside this borscht?
It pairs beautifully with dark rye bread or a side of boiled potatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, because it is served cold, it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 sliced green onions.
Why is the soup considered a summer recipe?
Its chilled temperature and the inclusion of refreshing cucumbers make it very cooling in hot weather.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
A blender is preferred for a truly 'creamy' result, but a food processor can be used if a slightly coarser texture is acceptable.