Traditional Ukrainian Russian borscht . Bowl of red beet root soup borsch with white cream . Beet Root delicious soup . Traditional Ukraine food cuisine

Traditional Ukrainian Borscht

Name: Traditional Ukrainian Borscht Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 20 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: UkrainianRussian
Ingredients: 2 to 2.5 lbs. bone-in beef (such as short ribs); 10 cups water; 1 small onion, rough-chopped; 3 large bay leaves; 1 tsp. whole peppercorns; 1.5 to 2 lbs. beets (about 3 large-sized, peeled and cut into matchsticks); 1 head of red or green cabbage, thinly sliced; 2 medium carrots, cut in small rounds (about 1/4 inch thick); 1 medium onion, sliced; 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and medium cubed; 6-oz. can of tomato paste; 4 garlic cloves, smashed and minced; 1 Tbsp. white vinegar; 1 Tbsp. sugar; 1/4 fresh dill, finely minced down to viable parts of stems. Reserve some for garnish.; Salt and pepper to taste; Sour cream (for topping)

October 2, 2023

borscht, soup, rye bread, easy, lunch

There is no shortage of nutritious one-pot meals out there, but when it comes to packing in the superfoods, few can compare to the classic borscht recipe. This hearty soup has been a dietary staple in Ukraine and Eastern Europe for generations, and for good reason.

At the heart of this Ukrainian Borscht recipe lies a wealth of nutrient-dense ingredients, including beets, bone broth, beef, and a variety of vegetables. But what really sets this dish apart is its signature hue, a bold and beautiful reddish-purple that comes from the copious amount of beets included in the recipe.

When the weather turns chilly, there's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of borscht to warm you up from the inside out. It's a filling and satisfying meal, perfect served with rye bread, that is as delicious as it is nourishing, making it a favorite in many households.

Aside from its rich flavor and comforting qualities, it is also renowned for its numerous health benefits. From supporting healthy digestion to boosting immune function, the ingredients in this soup have been linked to a range of positive outcomes.

What is Borscht?

Known by a variety of names such as beet soup or red soup, Borscht is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed throughout Eastern Europe for centuries. The name "borscht" actually comes from the word "borshchov," which means "sour soup" in several languages.

While the sour flavor of can vary depending on the recipe, it is often achieved by adding sour cream and fresh dill weed to the soup. This iconic flavor combination is one of the hallmarks of this beloved dish, and a key part of what makes it so unique.

Making the soup is not a quick process - it requires several hours of simmering to allow the flavors to fully develop. However, the end result is well worth the effort. The soup is hearty, nourishing, and incredibly flavorful, making it a perfect dish to feed a large crowd during family holidays and dinners.

And if you're cooking for a smaller group, don't worry - it freezes well and can be stored for later use as a quick and easy dinner option. Simply thaw and reheat for a delicious and satisfying meal whenever you need it.

Superfoods in Borscht

The soup is a literal melting pot of so many superfoods, including:

Beets. Beets have been shown to possibly lower blood pressure, fight inflammation, are a great source of fiber, and my have anti-cancer properties. It's also a great source of rutin, one of our favorite antioxidants!

Bone broth. Bone broth is a collagen mega-source. Cooking it slow and low allows the beef bones to break down its connective tissues, releasing natural collagen. Bone broth can also lead to a healthier immune system, better joints, and improved brain health.

Cabbage. Cabbage is full of nutrients like protein, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, protein, and fiber. Because of its wealth of antioxidants, cabbage can help fight your body from free radical damage.

Carrots. Carrots are loaded with Vitamin A, biotin, potassium, and more. They're cited for helping eye health, heart health, diabetes management, and much more.

Vegetarian Option

The beautiful thing about borscht (other than its color) is that it can be customized. If you prefer vegetarian, you can opt for vegetable stock instead bone broth and omit the beef, perhaps adding hearty mushrooms and a couple cans of cannellini or kidney beans for vitamins and protein.

We hope you enjoy our yummy and nutrient-packed recipe!