Authentic Ukrainian Red Borscht Soup

Name: Authentic Ukrainian Red Borscht Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Ingredients: 500 g beef chuck (cut into chunks); 2 litres water; 3 medium beets (peeled and grated); 2 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed); 1 large carrot (peeled and grated); 1 onion (chopped); 1/4 head cabbage (shredded); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp vinegar; 2 tbsp sugar; 2 tbsp oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced); to taste salt and pepper

140 min 8 servings Medium

All Recipes

Savour the authentic taste of Ukrainian red borscht soup, a vibrant beetroot soup filled with hearty vegetables and tender meat.

Prep

20 min

Cook

90 min

Total

140 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Ukrainian red borscht soup is a quintessential dish in Ukrainian cuisine, known for its striking red colour and rich, earthy flavours. This classic soup is a comforting blend of beets, cabbage, potatoes, and tender beef, making it both nourishing and satisfying. Our version stays true to its roots, delivering a depth of flavour that comes from simmering the ingredients gently and balancing the sweetness of beets with the tang of vinegar. Whether you're new to borscht or a seasoned fan, this recipe will guide you to a delicious and authentic experience. Perfect for cold days or when you crave something hearty and wholesome, this Ukrainian red borscht soup captures the essence of traditional Eastern European cooking.

Instructions

Prepare the beef stock

In a large pot, bring 2 litres of water to a boil. Add beef chunks and simmer for 45 minutes, skimming off any foam.

Pro tip: For a clearer broth, remove the foam frequently.

Cook the beets

In a separate pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add grated beets and sauté for 10 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, vinegar, and sugar. Cook for another 5 minutes.

Pro tip: This step helps to maintain the vibrant red colour of the beets.

Add vegetables to the stock

Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, and cabbage to the beef stock. Simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Pro tip: Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking.

Combine beets with soup

Add the sautéed beets to the soup. Stir well and simmer for another 10 minutes.

Season the soup

Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Pro tip: Adjust seasoning according to your preference.

Let the soup rest

Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for 30 minutes to allow flavours to meld.

Pro tip: Resting the soup enhances its flavour.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use fresh beets for the most vibrant colour.
Adjust the sourness with more or less vinegar.
Letting the soup rest enhances the flavours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ukrainian red borscht soup?

Ukrainian red borscht soup is a traditional beetroot soup made with beets, cabbage, potatoes, and often beef, known for its vibrant red colour.

How many calories are in Ukrainian red borscht soup?

A typical serving of Ukrainian red borscht soup contains about 250 calories.

Can I make Ukrainian red borscht soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the beef and use vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version of Ukrainian red borscht soup.

How long does it take to make Ukrainian red borscht soup?

It takes approximately 140 minutes to prepare and cook Ukrainian red borscht soup, including resting time.

What should I serve with Ukrainian red borscht soup?

Serve Ukrainian red borscht soup with sour cream, fresh dill, and rye bread or garlic buns.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Ukrainian red borscht soup with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill for an authentic touch. Accompany it with rye bread or garlic buns to soak up the delicious broth. This soup can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavours meld. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition per serving

250

Calories

15g

Protein

10g

Fat

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