Ukrainian Borscht
A vibrant, hearty, and deeply comforting beet soup that captures the soul of Ukrainian home cooking.
Ingredients
- •1 lb (450g) beef brisket or chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- •2 medium beets, peeled and grated
- •2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- •1 medium carrot, grated
- •1/2 small head of cabbage, thinly shredded
- •1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •2 tablespoons tomato paste
- •1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
- •6 cups beef broth
- •2 tablespoons olive oil
- •1 bay leaf
- •1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- •1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- •Fresh dill and parsley for garnish
Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the beef cubes on all sides. Add the beef broth and bay leaf, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
- 2
While the beef simmers, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a skillet. Sauté the onions and carrots until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the grated beets and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir in the vinegar (this helps maintain the bright red color) and cook for another 5 minutes.
- 4
Add the diced potatoes and the sautéed vegetable mixture to the soup pot. Simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- 5
Stir in the shredded cabbage and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight bite.
- 6
Season with salt and pepper to taste, remove the bay leaf, and serve hot topped with fresh dill and parsley.
💡 Chef tips
- Borscht tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld; store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the beef and beef broth for vegetable broth and white beans for protein.
- To keep the soup bright red, always add the vinegar or lemon juice to the beets while sautéing them separately.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished borscht should be a deep, vibrant ruby-red color with a savory, slightly tangy aroma and a perfect balance of earthy beets, tender beef, and crisp cabbage.