Name: Authentic Ukrainian Borscht Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Ingredients: 1 lb beef chuck or short ribs; 8 cups water; 2 bay leaves; 2 medium beets, grated or finely chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, grated; 2 medium potatoes, diced; 2 cups cabbage, shredded; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 3 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh dill for garnish; Sour cream for serving

What if you could taste history in a single spoonful? Authentic Ukrainian Borscht Soup offers exactly that. This ruby-red soup isn’t just a dish—it’s a cultural emblem rich with flavor, nostalgia, and soul. Deeply rooted in Eastern European traditions, borscht has been cherished across generations for its hearty ingredients, nourishing qualities, and ability to bring people together around the table.

With a broth tinted vibrantly by beets and layered with tender vegetables, melt-in-your-mouth beef, and a creamy dollop of sour cream, this soup does more than warm you up. It tells a story. Whether you’re diving into it for the first time or revisiting a family classic, this recipe delivers both comfort and culinary depth in every bite.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating a truly authentic Ukrainian Borscht Soup means respecting the process. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure every ingredient sings:

Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot: This is the heart of your cooking. A thick-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution and allows flavors to build over slow simmering.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for prepping beets, cabbage, potatoes, and meat cleanly and efficiently.
Box Grater: Perfect for grating beets and carrots finely, which is key to that melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Cutting Board: A non-slip surface to handle the variety of chopping.
Wooden Spoon or Ladle: Gentle enough for stirring the soup without mashing the tender ingredients.
Strainer (Optional): If you want to clarify your broth or remove impurities during beef simmering.

Each tool helps honor the soup’s complex character, allowing each component—earthy beets, starchy potatoes, and succulent beef—to shine.

Ingredients for the Authentic Ukrainian Borscht Soup

Each ingredient in borscht carries its weight in both flavor and tradition. Let’s break down why each is essential:

Beets: The soul of borscht. These give the soup its iconic crimson color and earthy sweetness.
Cabbage: Offers structure and a subtle crunch that balances the soft textures of the soup.
Potatoes: Add creaminess and body, making each bowl more filling.
Carrots: Introduce a natural sweetness that plays beautifully with the beets.
Onions: Form the aromatic base for a rich, savory flavor.
Garlic: Adds a mellow, earthy depth that lingers deliciously.
Tomato Paste: Contributes acidity and color complexity to the broth.
Beef Chuck or Short Ribs: Slow-cooked to tenderness, they enrich the broth with deep umami.
Bay Leaves: Provide subtle herbal notes in the background.
Salt & Pepper: Enhances and balances all other flavors.
Fresh Dill: The finishing touch, bringing freshness and a pop of green.
Sour Cream: Creamy, tangy, and essential as a garnish to contrast the earthy richness.

How To Make the Authentic Ukrainian Borscht Soup

Step 1: Build the Broth

Place your beef and bay leaves in a large pot filled with water. Bring to a boil, skim off any foam, then reduce to a simmer for at least 1.5 hours. This slow cook creates a deep, flavorful base.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a skillet, cook chopped onions and grated carrots until soft. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute. This step brings sweetness and acidity into harmony.

Step 3: Add Beets

Grate or finely chop the beets and add them to the sautéed mixture. Cook until tender and slightly caramelized. This enhances their sweetness and color.

Step 4: Combine the Base

Transfer the beet mixture into the beef broth. Add diced potatoes and shredded cabbage. Simmer until all vegetables are soft but not mushy—about 30 minutes.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Add garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed. Remove the bay leaves. Let the soup sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Step 6: Serve It Right

Ladle into bowls and top with a generous spoonful of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill. Serve hot with rye bread or garlic pampushky if available.

How to Serve and Store Authentic Ukrainian Borscht Soup

Borscht is one of those dishes that almost gets better with time. When serving, it should be piping hot and ladled generously into deep bowls. A classic garnish of sour cream and chopped fresh dill is a must. If you want to serve it traditionally, pair it with a side of black rye bread or garlic pampushky—a Ukrainian-style dinner roll brushed with garlic oil.

For storing, let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days. In fact, many say it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen. Borscht also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just avoid adding the sour cream before freezing; stir that in fresh upon reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ukrainian borscht different from other types?

Ukrainian borscht is richer and more layered in flavor. It often uses beef for depth, a balance of sweet and sour tones, and fresh dill for that herbal brightness.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead. Add more root vegetables or beans for extra heartiness.

What type of beets should I use?

Red beets are traditional and give the soup its vivid color. Golden beets can work too but will change the hue and flavor slightly.

Is sour cream essential?

Yes, in terms of authenticity and balance. The tang of sour cream offsets the earthiness of beets and adds a velvety finish.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes. You can prepare the sautéed base separately, then combine everything in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours. Add garlic and dill at the end.

What do I do if my soup is too sweet?

Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to balance the sweetness. Taste as you go to avoid overpowering the dish.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you loved this Authentic Ukrainian Borscht Soup, there’s a world of comforting bowls waiting for you.

You might also enjoy the Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup, which is loaded with herbs and legumes for a Mediterranean twist. Craving something indulgent? The Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup delivers cozy richness in every spoonful.

For something with a little heat and depth, Wendy’s Chili Recipe is a satisfying one-pot option that also stores like a dream. And if you like to keep things hearty but vibrant, try the Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup, which balances tender meatballs with savory broth and veggies.

Another reader favorite is the Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup, where creamy coconut milk and spices meet tender chicken in a globally-inspired fusion.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go heavy on the garlic? Did you sneak in extra dill? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious to see your take on this timeless dish.

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