Traditional Ukrainian Borscht
Experience the rich and vibrant flavors of this Traditional Ukrainian Borscht, a true labor of love that embodies comfort in every bowl. Made from scratch using only fresh, high-quality ingredients, this hearty beet soup is packed with nutrients and flavor. Each spoonful immerses you in a tapestry of tastes, balanced with the tang of freshly squeezed lemon and the fragrant herbs that define this iconic dish. Best enjoyed with a dollop of sour cream, which adds a creamy texture and a delightful contrast to the earthy beets. This authentic recipe, cherished and passed down through generations, will transport you to the heart of Eastern European kitchens. It's perfect for family gatherings and makes an excellent dish that only gets better with time, ensuring that leftovers are a delightful treat for days to come.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Beef
1.5-2 lbs (Cubed, preferably with bones)
Beets
4 large (Peeled and eighths (or 6 average beets, quartered))
Lemons
2 (Juiced)
Cabbage
1 small head (Shredded)
Carrots
2 large (Cut into desired shape (cubed, rounded, shredded, etc.))
Tomato Sauce
14 ounces (N/A)
Dill
1 bunch (Minced)
Instant Chicken Style Consomme
1/2 cup (Soup and seasoning mix (Osem recommended))
Onion
1 medium (Whole)
Potatoes
3-4 small (Cubed (or 1/2 cup rice))
Instructions
1
In a large 8-quart pot, add beef cubes and fill the pot halfway with water.
2
Heat on medium-high and gently remove any froth that forms on the surface, continuing until no more froth appears.
3
Once the froth is cleared, reduce the heat to low and stir in the instant chicken-style consomme, the whole onion, minced dill, peeled and quartered beets, shredded cabbage, and the tomato sauce.
4
Add more water to reach your desired consistency, then cover the pot partially with a lid and let the mixture simmer for about 90 minutes.
5
After the soup has cooked for an hour and a half, check that the meat is tender. Squeeze the juice from both lemons into the pot.
6
Add the carrots and, if desired, the diced potatoes or rice. Stir well.
7
Cover the pot partially again and continue to simmer for another 30-45 minutes until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
8
For the best flavor, let the Borscht sit for at least a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld, although it is delicious fresh off the stove. Serve piping hot with a generous spoonful of sour cream.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Ukrainian Borscht?
Traditional Ukrainian Borscht is a rich, vibrant, and hearty beet-based soup that is considered a staple of Eastern European comfort food.
What are the main ingredients in this Borscht recipe?
The main ingredients include beef cubes, beets, cabbage, carrots, tomato sauce, lemon juice, dill, onion, and either potatoes or rice.
How much beef is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 to 2 pounds of cubed beef, preferably with the bones included for better flavor.
How many beets should I use?
You should use 4 large beets cut into eighths, or 6 average-sized beets cut into quarters.
Why do I need to remove the froth when boiling the beef?
Removing the froth helps ensure a clear and clean broth base for the soup.
What is the purpose of adding lemon juice to Borscht?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a tangy contrast to the earthy sweetness of the beets and helps balance the flavors.
Can I substitute potatoes with something else?
Yes, if you do not want to use 3 to 4 small cubed potatoes, you can substitute them with 1/2 cup of rice.
What kind of tomato sauce is used?
The recipe uses 14 ounces of standard tomato sauce to add depth and acidity.
How should the cabbage be prepared?
One small head of cabbage should be shredded before being added to the pot.
What is the total simmering time for the soup?
The soup undergoes an initial 90-minute simmer followed by an additional 30 to 45 minutes after adding the final vegetables.
What role does the onion play in this recipe?
A medium whole onion is added during the first simmer to provide a foundational aromatic flavor to the broth.
How much dill is needed?
One full bunch of minced fresh dill is used to give the soup its traditional fragrant herb profile.
What is the recommended seasoning mix?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 cup of Osem brand Instant Chicken Style Consomme for seasoning.
What size pot is best for making this Borscht?
A large 8-quart pot is recommended to accommodate the meat, vegetables, and water.
When should I add the carrots?
Carrots should be added after the initial 90-minute simmer, at the same time as the lemon juice and potatoes.
How should the carrots be cut?
The carrots can be cut into any desired shape, such as cubes, rounds, or shredded pieces.
Is it better to serve Borscht immediately?
While it is delicious fresh, it is best to let it sit for at least a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to fully meld.
What is the traditional way to serve this soup?
It should be served piping hot with a generous dollop of sour cream on top.
How much water should I add to the pot?
Initially, fill the pot halfway. Later, you can add more water to reach your preferred soup consistency.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is packed with nutrient-dense vegetables like beets, carrots, and cabbage, making it a wholesome meal.
Can I use beef with bones?
Yes, using beef with bones is preferred as it adds more richness and body to the soup base.
What is the consistency of this Borscht?
It is a hearty, thick vegetable and meat soup, though you can adjust the water to make it thinner if desired.
How many people does this recipe serve?
Based on the 8-quart pot and the quantity of ingredients, this recipe typically serves 8 to 10 people.
What happens to the flavor over time?
The flavor of Borscht actually improves over time, making leftovers a highly anticipated treat.
Are the beets peeled or unpeeled?
The beets should be peeled before being cut and added to the soup.
When is the tomato sauce added?
The tomato sauce is added early in the process, along with the beets, cabbage, and onion.
Can I make this soup in a shorter time?
This specific recipe is a labor of love requiring about 2 to 2.5 hours of total cooking time for authentic results.
Is the dill added at the beginning or end?
In this version, the minced dill is added early during the first 90-minute simmer.
What defines the iconic taste of this dish?
The tapestry of tastes is defined by the earthiness of beets, the tang of lemon, and the fragrance of fresh dill.
Can I store this in the refrigerator?
Yes, it stores very well in the refrigerator and often tastes even better the following day.