Recipe of the Week: Borscht

Dive into a bowl of vibrant, hearty borscht and let its warmth embrace your soul.

Borscht is a beloved soup that hails from Eastern Europe, especially cherished in Ukrainian and Russian kitchens. Known for its deep, ruby-red color and tangy-sweet flavor, this dish often features beets as the main ingredient, along with a medley of vegetables and tender beef or pork. Over the generations, borscht has become a symbol of homey comfort, served steaming hot on cold winter days, and is a staple at family gatherings, cherished for its rich flavors and heartwarming nature.

🛒 Ingredients

For the soup base

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 2 medium beets, peeled and grated
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth

For the meat

• 1/2 pound beef stew meat or pork, cubed
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the seasoning

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the garnish

• Sour cream, for serving
• Fresh dill, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables

Start by peeling and grating the beets and carrot, and chopping the onion and garlic. Peel and dice the potato, and shred the cabbage. Set all prepared vegetables aside.

Step 2: Cook the meat

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium high heat. Add the cubed meat, season with salt and pepper, and brown the meat on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Saute the onion and garlic

Once the meat is browned, lower the heat to medium, and add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Saute until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Add vegetables and broth

Add the grated beets, carrots, cabbage, and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir in the tomato paste. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Season the soup

Add the lemon juice or vinegar, sugar, and additional salt and pepper as needed. Allow the soup to simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 6: Serve with garnishes

Once the borscht is ready, ladle it into serving bowls. Add a generous dollop of sour cream to each bowl and sprinkle with fresh chopped dill for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy.