Hearty Vegan Borscht with Dill and Tofutti
This vibrant and nourishing Vegan Borscht is a delightful twist on a traditional Eastern European favorite. I adapted an old Turkish lady's recipe, ensuring it's both plant-based and perfect for the crockpot. Packed with earthy beets, hearty potatoes, and crunchy cabbage, this dish bursts with flavor and color. The addition of fresh dill and a dollop of Tofutti sour cream brings it to life. Ideal for cold days, this comforting stew is not only delicious but also easy to prepare—just set it and forget it! Enjoy this heartwarming bowl of goodness that's sure to become a family favorite, perfect for meal prepping and serving friends and family alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
1 1/2 cups (thinly sliced)
Beet
1 cup (thinly sliced)
Vegetable Stock
4 cups
Onions
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
Caraway Seed
1 teaspoon
Salt
2 teaspoons
Celery
1 (chopped)
Carrot
1 large (sliced)
Red Cabbage
3 cups (coarsely chopped)
Fresh Dill Weed
4 teaspoons
Cider Vinegar
1 tablespoon
Honey
1 tablespoon
Tomato Paste
6 ounces
Tofutti Sour Cream
to taste (for topping)
Tomato
1 (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large crockpot, combine the sliced potatoes, sliced beets, chopped onions, caraway seeds, salt, chopped celery, sliced carrots, red cabbage, and vegetable stock.
2
Add the tomato paste, cider vinegar, and honey to the mixture. Stir well to ensure that the tomato paste is evenly incorporated and dissolved.
3
Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
4
Once cooked, stir again and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the borscht hot, garnished with a generous dollop of tofutti sour cream, extra fresh dill, and chopped tomatoes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Vegan Borscht with Dill and Tofutti?
This is a plant-based version of the traditional Eastern European beet soup, specifically adapted for a slow cooker using earthy vegetables like beets, potatoes, and red cabbage.
Is this borscht recipe made in a crockpot?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be a 'set it and forget it' crockpot meal, cooking on low heat for 8 hours.
What are the primary vegetables in this vegan borscht?
The main vegetables include sliced beets, potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, and coarsely chopped red cabbage.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients list provided, this Hearty Vegan Borscht is naturally gluten-free.
What is the secret to the tangy flavor in this borscht?
The tanginess comes from a combination of cider vinegar and tomato paste, which balances the sweetness of the beets.
What can I use as a vegan sour cream substitute?
This recipe specifically suggests using a dollop of Tofutti sour cream as a dairy-free topping.
How much vegetable stock is needed for this soup?
You will need 4 cups of vegetable stock to serve as the base for the stew.
Does this recipe include honey?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of honey. For a strictly vegan version, you can substitute this with maple syrup or agave nectar.
What herbs are used for garnishing?
The soup is garnished with fresh dill weed and chopped tomatoes for extra brightness and flavor.
What is the recommended cooking time?
The borscht should be cooked in a crockpot on low heat for a total of 8 hours.
How should the beets and potatoes be prepared?
Both the beets and the potatoes should be thinly sliced to ensure they cook through properly in the crockpot.
Can I use green cabbage instead of red cabbage?
While the recipe specifies red cabbage for its color and texture, green cabbage can be used as a substitute if necessary.
What role do caraway seeds play in this recipe?
One teaspoon of caraway seeds provides a traditional, earthy, and slightly anise-like flavor common in Eastern European soups.
How much tomato paste is required?
The recipe requires 6 ounces of tomato paste to add richness and depth to the broth.
Is this soup suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prepping as the flavors continue to meld and improve after sitting in the refrigerator.
Is this borscht spicy?
No, this is a savory and slightly sweet soup. It contains no chili or heat-inducing spices.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients total, including vegetables, stock, seasonings, and garnishes.
What kind of onions should I use?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of chopped onions; yellow or white onions work best for this savory base.
Do I need to sauté the vegetables first?
No, the instructions indicate you can combine the raw ingredients directly into the crockpot.
Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
Yes, although it's written for a crockpot, you can simmer it on a stove over low heat for 1-2 hours until the vegetables are tender.
What is the texture of the cabbage after cooking?
Since it is coarsely chopped and cooked for 8 hours, the red cabbage becomes very tender while still adding bulk to the soup.
How much salt is used in this dish?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of salt, though you can adjust this to taste before serving.
Does this soup contain any oil?
No, there is no added oil in this recipe, making it a great option for those following a whole-food, plant-based diet.
What makes this recipe 'Turkish-adapted'?
The recipe creator adapted this from an old Turkish lady's recipe, blending traditional techniques with vegan ingredients.
Is the Tofutti sour cream cooked with the soup?
No, the Tofutti sour cream is added as a garnish to individual bowls just before serving.
Can I freeze this vegan borscht?
Yes, this soup freezes very well. Store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
How much fresh dill is used?
The recipe calls for 4 teaspoons of fresh dill weed, with extra added for garnish.
Is this soup high in fiber?
Yes, with ingredients like cabbage, beets, carrots, and potatoes, it is a high-fiber, nutrient-dense meal.
Can I add other proteins to this soup?
While the recipe is hearty on its own, you can easily add white beans or chickpeas for additional plant-based protein.
What is the final step before serving?
After 8 hours of cooking, stir the mixture well, adjust the seasoning if needed, and serve hot with your desired toppings.