Rustic Sauerkraut and Beetroot Borscht
Warm up this winter with a hearty bowl of Rustic Sauerkraut and Beetroot Borscht. This vibrant, tangy soup combines the earthy sweetness of fresh beets with the delightful acidity of sauerkraut, creating a flavor profile that dances on your palate. Perfect for those cold days, this borscht is a nourishing vegetarian alternative to traditional recipes, offering a filling meal without meat. With its rich color and delightful aromas, it's sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy a comforting bowl topped with a swirl of creamy sour cream and fresh parsley, paired with slices of hearty, dark bread for a complete meal experience.
6
Servings
50
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken stock
2 1/2 cups (Ready to use)
Medium beets
3 (Washed, peeled, and chopped into bite-sized pieces)
Butter
4 tablespoons (Divided)
Sugar (or Stevia for sugar-free option)
2 tablespoons (Reserved for cooking)
Tomato paste
3 tablespoons (Ready to use)
Lemon
1 (Juiced)
Small onion
1 (Peeled and chopped)
Sauerkraut
1 1/4 cups (Drained and ready to use)
Salt and pepper
To taste (Reserved for seasoning)
Sour cream
1 tablespoon (optional) (For mixing or garnishing)
Fresh parsley
Chopped, for garnish (Ready to use)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing, peeling, and chopping the beets into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly and integrate nicely into the soup.
2
In a large heavy skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped beets along with the sugar and tomato paste. Sauté for about one minute to allow the mixture to start caramelizing.
3
Add the lemon juice to the skillet and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the beets to absorb the flavors. Once softened, cover and let them simmer until fully cooked through.
4
In a large stock pot, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and glassy, about 5 minutes.
5
Incorporate the drained sauerkraut into the pot with the onions and pour in the chicken stock. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the sauerkraut has become tender.
6
Add the cooked beet mixture to the stock pot, stirring to combine everything well. If the beets are not fully tender, bring the soup to a low boil for an additional 5-10 minutes until cooked through.
7
Once cooked, you can either stir in the sour cream for a creamier soup or add a dollop directly into each serving bowl.
8
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving. Serve hot with slices of dark, chewy bread for a satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
5g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Sauerkraut and Beetroot Borscht?
It is a hearty, vibrant, and tangy winter soup that combines the earthy sweetness of beets with the acidity of sauerkraut.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 6 servings.
Is this borscht recipe vegetarian?
While described as a nourishing vegetarian alternative, the ingredient list specifies chicken stock; you can use vegetable stock to make it strictly vegetarian.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 50 calories.
What gives this soup its tangy flavor?
The tanginess comes from a combination of sauerkraut and fresh lemon juice.
How should I prepare the beets for this recipe?
The beets should be washed, peeled, and chopped into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Can I make this recipe sugar-free?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 tablespoons of sugar with Stevia for a sugar-free option.
What is the purpose of adding tomato paste?
Tomato paste is sautéed with the beets and sugar to help with caramelization and add depth to the flavor.
How long should the onions be sautéed?
The chopped onion should be sautéed over low heat for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and glassy.
How do I prepare the sauerkraut?
The sauerkraut should be drained of its liquid before being added to the stock pot.
What are the recommended garnishes for this borscht?
The soup is best garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a swirl of creamy sour cream.
What should I serve with this soup for a complete meal?
It is recommended to serve the borscht with slices of hearty, dark, or chewy bread.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can use 2 1/2 cups of vegetable stock as a substitute for chicken stock.
How much butter is needed in total?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of butter, divided into two 2-tablespoon portions.
Why is lemon juice added to the beets?
Lemon juice is added while sautéing the beets to allow them to absorb flavor and balance their sweetness.
How can I make the soup creamier?
You can achieve a creamier consistency by stirring sour cream directly into the pot or adding a dollop to each bowl.
How long does it take to cook the sauerkraut?
Once added to the chicken stock, the sauerkraut should cook for approximately 10 minutes until tender.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for one small onion, peeled and chopped.
Is this recipe suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is specifically described as a comforting meal perfect for warming up during winter.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 3g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 1g of protein.
How do you achieve the soup's rich color?
The vibrant red color comes from the fresh medium beets and the addition of tomato paste.
What equipment is needed to sauté the beets?
A large heavy skillet is used to melt the butter and sauté the beet mixture.
In what order are the ingredients combined?
The beets are cooked separately in a skillet, then added to a stock pot where the onions and sauerkraut have been prepared in stock.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients used, including seasonings and garnishes.
What should I do if the beets are not tender enough?
If the beets are not tender after combining, bring the soup to a low boil for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy and nourishing meal with 50 calories per serving.
How should the parsley be prepared?
The fresh parsley should be chopped and added just before serving as a garnish.
What is the general flavor profile of this borscht?
The flavor profile is a dance between earthy sweetness and delightful acidity.