Ukrainian Borscht
A hearty, vibrant, and soul-warming beet soup that perfectly balances earthy sweetness with a tangy finish.
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
- •2 large carrots, peeled and grated
- •1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- •1/2 small head of green cabbage, thinly shredded
- •2 tablespoons tomato paste
- •1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •6 cups beef stock (kosher certified)
- •2 tablespoons olive oil
- •1 teaspoon sugar
- •1 bay leaf
- •Salt and black pepper to taste
- •Fresh dill 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 stock and bay leaf, bring to a boil, then reduce heat 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, tomato paste, sugar, and vinegar to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the beets are tender. The vinegar helps retain the vibrant red color.
- 4
Add the potatoes and shredded cabbage to the beef pot and cook for 15 minutes.
- 5
Stir the beet mixture from the skillet into the main pot. Simmer everything together for another 10 minutes until all vegetables are fork-tender.
- 6
Stir in the minced garlic, season with salt and pepper, and remove from heat. Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.
💡 Chef tips
- Borscht tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld, making it a perfect make-ahead dish.
- If you want a vegetarian version, simply replace the beef and beef stock with vegetable stock and sautéed mushrooms.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished soup should be a deep, brilliant ruby-red color with a complex aroma of earthy beets and savory beef, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.