Traditional Polish Barszcz: Tangy Beet Soup
Experience the rich flavors of Poland with this traditional Barszcz, a delightful beetroot soup that warms the heart and soul. Pronounced 'Barstch', this vibrant dish is not only a staple on Christmas Eve but also a cherished recipe enjoyed all year round. It combines the earthiness of beets with tangy lemon and balsamic vinegar, creating a uniquely zesty profile. Optional dried mushrooms can add an additional layer of umami richness. This soup is commonly served with a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. Garnish with fresh herbs, a drizzle of port wine, or your favorite toppings to make it your own. Perfect for festive gatherings or casual family dinners, this Barszcz is sure to become a beloved favorite in your household.
6
Servings
87
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Canned beets
32 ounces (Drained and grated)
Onion
1 (Sliced)
Water
1 quart (N/A)
Vegetable stock
2 cups (N/A)
Lemon
1 (Juice of)
Balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Salt
to taste (N/A)
Pepper
to taste (N/A)
Sour cream
1/2 cup (For garnish)
Port wine
to drizzle (For garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by reserving the juice from the canned beets. Grate the beets and slice the onion into thin rings.
2
In a large soup pot, combine the grated beets and sliced onions.
3
Pour in the water and vegetable stock, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. If desired, add a few dried mushroom pieces for extra flavor.
4
Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the reserved beet juice, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and sugar until well combined.
6
After 30 minutes of simmering, add the beet mixture to the pot, stirring well. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
7
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8
Serve hot, garnished with desired toppings such as sour cream, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of port wine.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
15g
Carbs
2g
Protein
3g
Fiber
4g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Polish Barszcz?
Barszcz is a tangy beetroot soup that is a staple of Polish cuisine, known for its vibrant color and earthy yet zesty flavor profile.
How is Barszcz pronounced?
Barszcz is pronounced as 'Barstch'.
Is Barszcz served for specific holidays?
Yes, it is a cherished recipe specifically popular for Christmas Eve dinner, though it can be enjoyed year-round.
What gives this soup its tangy flavor?
The tanginess comes from the combination of fresh lemon juice and balsamic vinegar.
Can I use canned beets for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe specifically uses 32 ounces of canned beets, which are drained and then grated.
Should I throw away the juice from the canned beets?
No, you should reserve the juice to whisk with vinegar, lemon juice, and sugar for later addition to the soup.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onion should be sliced into thin rings before being added to the soup pot.
What type of stock is used for this Polish Barszcz?
This recipe calls for 2 cups of vegetable stock to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
How much water is needed?
The recipe requires 1 quart of water in addition to the vegetable stock.
Is it possible to add mushrooms to Barszcz?
Yes, you can add a few dried mushroom pieces to the pot for an extra layer of umami richness.
How long is the initial simmering time?
After reaching a boil, the beets and onions should simmer for approximately 30 minutes.
What is the total simmering time for the soup?
The soup simmers for 30 minutes initially, plus an additional 10 minutes after adding the beet juice mixture.
When do I add the balsamic vinegar and lemon juice?
These are mixed with reserved beet juice and sugar, then added to the pot after the first 30 minutes of simmering.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Common garnishes include sour cream, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of port wine.
Is there a vegan option for this soup?
Yes, the soup itself is vegan; simply omit the sour cream garnish or use a plant-based alternative.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 87 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 2 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 15 grams of carbohydrates.
How much sugar is in the soup?
There are 4 grams of sugar per serving.
How much fiber is in the recipe?
The soup provides 3 grams of fiber per serving.
Is there protein in Barszcz?
Yes, each serving contains 2 grams of protein.
How is the soup usually served for a more filling meal?
It is commonly served with a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty twist.
What is the preparation method for the beets?
The canned beets are drained and then grated to provide the soup its characteristic texture.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the soup?
Yes, after the final simmer, you should taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Is port wine necessary for the recipe?
No, port wine is an optional garnish used to drizzle over the soup for extra depth.
At what temperature should Barszcz be served?
This specific recipe is intended to be served hot.
Why is sugar added to the recipe?
Sugar is added to balance the sharp acidity from the lemon juice and balsamic vinegar.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include Polish soup, beet soup, vegetable soup, Christmas Eve recipe, and comfort food.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 11 ingredients used in this recipe, including the optional garnishes like sour cream and port wine.