Ukrainian Vegan Borscht Delight
Experience the heartwarming flavors of traditional Ukrainian cuisine with this delectable Vegan Borscht recipe. This vibrant beet soup is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nourishing meal packed with vegetables. Bursting with earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a delightful tanginess from beet kvass or lemon juice, this meatless version of Borscht is perfect for any occasion. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh dill, alongside crusty bread, for a comforting meal that warms both the soul and the body.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried mushrooms
1/2 cup (soaked in hot water)
large onion, chopped
1 (chopped)
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
beets, cut into thin strips
2 (peeled and sliced)
parsley root, cut into strips
1/2 (peeled and sliced)
peppercorns
3 (whole)
water
8-9 cups (as needed)
carrot, cut into thin strips
1 (peeled and sliced)
potato, diced
1 (peeled and diced)
celery rib, diced
1 (peeled and diced)
shredded cabbage
3 cups (fresh)
tomato juice
1/2 cup (canned or fresh)
beet juice or lemon juice
to taste (for acidity)
garlic clove, mashed (optional)
1 (minced)
cooked white beans
1/2 cup (drained and rinsed)
salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
chopped dill
for garnish (fresh)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the dried mushrooms under cold water to remove any impurities. Place them in a bowl, cover with hot water, and let soak for a minimum of 30 minutes until softened.
2
Once soaked, drain the mushrooms, reserving the soaking liquid. Slice them if necessary and set aside.
3
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent.
4
Add the soaked mushrooms to the pot and cook for a few minutes until they begin to brown slightly.
5
Stir in the beets, parsley root, peppercorns, and the reserved mushroom soaking water. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook until the beets are just tender, around 10-15 minutes.
6
Next, add the carrot, diced potato, and celery to the pot. Continue to cook for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften but retain their structure.
7
Stir in the shredded cabbage and simmer until it is tender yet still crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
8
Add the tomato juice, cooked white beans, garlic (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. For acidity, gradually stir in beet kvass or lemon juice until you reach your desired flavor balance – aim for mildly tart, not sour.
9
Bring the borscht to a gentle boil, ensuring all flavors meld together beautifully.
10
Serve hot, garnished with chopped dill for added freshness and aroma.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ukrainian Vegan Borscht Delight?
It is a traditional Ukrainian meatless beet soup featuring earthy mushrooms and a variety of nourishing vegetables.
What are the primary ingredients in this vegan borscht?
The main ingredients include beets, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, dried mushrooms, white beans, and aromatic roots.
How do I prepare the dried mushrooms for the soup?
Rinse them under cold water, then soak in hot water for at least 30 minutes until they are softened.
Should I keep the mushroom soaking liquid?
Yes, reserve the soaking liquid and add it to the pot to enhance the soup's earthy flavor.
What type of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe calls for three tablespoons of vegetable oil to sauté the onions and mushrooms.
How are the beets prepared for this recipe?
The beets should be peeled and cut into thin strips before being simmered in the broth.
What is the role of parsley root in the soup?
Parsley root adds a unique aromatic and earthy depth to the traditional Ukrainian broth.
Can I substitute parsley root if I cannot find it?
If unavailable, you can use additional parsnip or celery root as a substitute.
When do I add the potatoes and carrots?
Add the diced potatoes and carrot strips after the beets have simmered for about 10-15 minutes.
How long should the cabbage cook?
The shredded cabbage should simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it is tender yet still slightly crisp.
What provides the acidity in this vegan borscht?
The tanginess comes from adding either beet juice (kvass) or lemon juice to taste.
Is tomato juice necessary for this recipe?
Yes, half a cup of tomato juice is added to help balance the flavors and add richness.
What kind of beans are used in this borscht?
The recipe uses half a cup of cooked white beans, which provide protein and texture.
Is garlic required for this soup?
Garlic is optional, but one mashed clove can be added for extra depth and aroma.
What is the best way to serve Ukrainian Vegan Borscht?
Serve it hot, garnished with fresh chopped dill, alongside a side of crusty bread.
How much water is needed for the broth?
Use approximately 8 to 9 cups of water, adjusting as needed for your desired soup consistency.
What texture should the vegetables have?
The vegetables should be softened but still retain their structure and a bit of crispness.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of dried?
While dried mushrooms offer a more intense flavor, fresh mushrooms can be used if sautéed until browned.
When do I add the garlic and white beans?
Add them toward the end of the cooking process along with the tomato juice and seasonings.
How do I achieve the perfect flavor balance?
Gradually add your acid source until the soup is mildly tart but not overly sour.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, provided your vegetable oil and juices are processed safely.
What garnish is recommended for this soup?
Freshly chopped dill is the traditional and recommended garnish for added freshness.
How many peppercorns are used?
The recipe calls for three whole peppercorns to be simmered with the beets and parsley root.
Can I use beet kvass?
Yes, beet kvass is a traditional ingredient that provides a deep, authentic fermented tang.
Is this soup suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, it is a vegetable-dense, low-fat, and nutrient-rich meal.
What kind of cabbage is best?
Fresh shredded green cabbage is typically used for this style of Ukrainian borscht.
How long is the total simmer time for the beets?
The beets initially simmer for 10-15 minutes, followed by more time once other vegetables are added.
Does the recipe use whole or ground pepper?
It uses both whole peppercorns for the broth and ground pepper for final seasoning.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, borscht often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
What type of celery is used?
One diced celery rib is included to add a savory base note to the vegetable mix.