Description
A deeply flavorful beet-based soup, Authentic Ukrainian Borscht is a hearty, nourishing dish rooted in tradition. Loaded with tender beef, earthy vegetables, and finished with sour cream and fresh dill, it’s perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
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
Instructions
1. Place beef and bay leaves in a large pot with 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil, skim foam, reduce heat, and simmer for 1.5 hours.
2. In a skillet, sauté onion and carrots until soft. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Add grated beets to the skillet and cook until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Transfer beet mixture to the broth. Add potatoes and cabbage. Simmer for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaves.
6. Let soup rest for 10–15 minutes. Serve with a generous dollop of sour cream and fresh dill.
Notes
Use red beets for that classic borscht hue and deep, earthy flavor.
For a vegetarian version, skip the beef and use vegetable broth with extra root vegetables.
Letting the soup sit before serving enhances the depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Ukrainian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg