Borch
Borch is a hearty Eastern European soup featuring tender potatoes, cabbage, and tomatoes, enriched with butter and cream for a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for cold days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Divide 3/4 pound butter into three pieces.
- Put one piece of butter and canned tomatoes in a pan.
- Heat and then simmer the tomatoes.
- Fry in a frying pan one piece of butter, minced onion, shredded cabbage, and cubed carrot until golden brown.
- Put water in a 6-quart pot and bring to a boil.
- Add 6 cups of cubed potatoes, the beet, and salt to the boiling water.
- When the potatoes are done, remove them and add the cooked tomatoes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil again.
- Mash the potatoes with the remaining butter and half of the whipping cream.
- Add the mashed potatoes and remaining cream to the pot.
- Boil for 1 minute.
- Add the cooked onions, cabbage, remaining raw cabbage, and potatoes to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Remove from heat and discard the beet.
- Serve the soup garnished with minced green pepper or dill leaves.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your borscht, consider adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, which can brighten the taste. If you don’t have fresh beets, you can substitute with canned beets for a quicker option. For a vegetarian version, replace butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
Borscht is traditionally served hot with a dollop of sour cream or whipping cream on top. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of dill pickles for added crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or some vegetarian recipes like Thai Egg Rolls.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover borscht can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Borch contains roughly 4361 calories, with 21g protein, 179g carbohydrates, and 397g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (81% of the Daily Value), potassium (76% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1934mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make borscht ahead of time?
Yes, borscht can be made a day in advance, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just reheat gently before serving. It can also be frozen for longer storage; just ensure it's cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
What can I use instead of cabbage?
If you're not a fan of cabbage, you can substitute it with kale or Swiss chard. Both options will add a different but delicious texture and flavor to your borscht.
Is it necessary to peel the beets?
Peeling beets is not strictly necessary, especially if they are organic. However, peeling them before cooking can help maintain a cleaner flavor and a more appealing color in your borscht.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).