Hearty Beet Borscht with Rustic Vegetables
This Hearty Beet Borscht is a vibrant adaptation inspired by traditional Ukrainian recipes from a beloved local eatery. Bursting with the earthy sweetness of fresh beets and the comforting texture of root vegetables, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a nutritious feast. It's quick and easy to prepare, and like many soups, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Perfect for meal prepping, you can easily double the recipe to enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Serve it warm, topped with a dollop of creamy sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an inviting and satisfying dish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
beets
4 medium (shredded)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
potatoes
2 medium (shredded)
cabbage
1/4 head (shredded)
pork and beans
1 (14 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (with juice)
yellow beans
1 (14 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
consomme
1 (10 ounce) can (liquid)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh dill
1 tablespoon (fresh)
salt
to taste (added to taste)
pepper
to taste (added to taste)
sugar
2 tablespoons (added to taste)
white vinegar
2 tablespoons (added to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, combine the shredded beets, chopped onion, shredded potatoes, and shredded cabbage.
2
Add enough cold water to the pot to cover the vegetables entirely.
3
Stir in the pork and beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), yellow beans (drained and rinsed), and consomme.
4
Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
5
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the sugar and white vinegar, and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
6
Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley and dill, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Beet Borscht?
Hearty Beet Borscht is a vibrant, nutrient-dense soup inspired by traditional Ukrainian recipes, featuring earthy beets and various root vegetables.
What are the primary ingredients in this borscht?
The main ingredients include shredded beets, onion, shredded potatoes, shredded cabbage, pork and beans, diced tomatoes, yellow beans, and consomme.
How should I prepare the beets for this recipe?
The beets should be medium-sized and prepared by shredding them before they are added to the soup pot.
Is this beet borscht recipe vegetarian?
No, this specific version uses pork and beans and consomme, which typically contains meat products. You would need to substitute these for a vegetarian version.
How long does it take to cook the soup?
The soup needs to simmer for approximately 1.5 hours after coming to a boil to ensure the vegetables are tender.
What type of cabbage should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 head of shredded cabbage; a standard green or white cabbage works best for this dish.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors of the borscht meld and improve after sitting, making it taste even better the next day.
What is the purpose of adding sugar and vinegar?
Sugar and white vinegar are added at the end of cooking to balance the earthy sweetness of the beets with a touch of acidity.
How should I garnish the borscht?
It is traditionally served hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley and dill.
Can I freeze Hearty Beet Borscht?
Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prepping and can be frozen in airtight containers for future meals.
What are yellow beans in this recipe?
Yellow beans, also known as wax beans, are similar to green beans but provide a different color and subtle flavor profile to the soup.
Do I need to peel the potatoes before shredding?
While the recipe doesn't specify, peeling the potatoes is generally recommended for a consistent texture in the soup.
What is consomme?
Consomme is a clarified and concentrated broth that adds a rich, savory depth to the soup base.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is packed with fiber-rich vegetables like beets, cabbage, and beans, making it a nutritious meal option.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, the recipe is easy to double if you are cooking for a large group or want extra leftovers for the week.
What size can of diced tomatoes is needed?
The recipe requires one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes, including the juice.
Should I drain the beans before adding them?
The yellow beans and the pork and beans should both be drained and rinsed before being added to the pot.
How much sugar is added to the soup?
The recipe suggests adding 2 tablespoons of sugar to taste during the final minutes of simmering.
What kind of vinegar is best for this recipe?
White vinegar is specified in the recipe to provide the necessary tanginess to the broth.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley and dill?
While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can use dried herbs; just remember to use a smaller amount as they are more concentrated.
How much water do I add to the pot?
You should add enough cold water to the large soup pot to entirely cover all the shredded and chopped vegetables.
Is this soup spicy?
No, the soup is savory and slightly sweet-and-sour, but it does not contain spicy ingredients.
How do I shred the vegetables?
You can use a standard box grater or the shredding attachment on a food processor for the beets, potatoes, and cabbage.
What color should the soup be?
Because of the beets, the soup will have a deep, vibrant magenta or red color.
Can I add other meat to this borscht?
Yes, some variations include adding cooked beef chunks or sausage for even more protein and heartiness.
How many beets do I need?
The recipe calls for 4 medium-sized beets.
What is the texture of the soup?
The soup has a rustic and comforting texture due to the combination of shredded and chopped root vegetables.
Does it matter if the water is cold when starting?
The recipe suggests starting with cold water to help the vegetables cook evenly as the temperature rises.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar is a suitable substitute if you prefer its slightly fruitier acidity.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.