Borscht Dr.
Hearty and comforting beet soup with tender meats, cabbage, and dill, perfect for cold days. Rich flavors complemented by sour cream topping make it a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef tips ⓘ
- 1 smoked pork hock ⓘ
- 4 cups water ⓘ
- 1 can beef broth ⓘ
- salt and pepper
- 1 can beets, chopped ⓘ
- 1 onion, sliced ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 potatoes, cubed ⓘ
- 3 cups shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons dill seed ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon pickling spice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 3/4 cup sour cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat beef tips, smoked pork hock, water, beef broth, salt, and pepper for 1 1/2 hours.
- Debone the pork hock.
- Add beef, pork, onion, garlic, potatoes, and cabbage to the pot.
- Tie dill seed and pickling spice in cheesecloth and add to the soup.
- Simmer the soup for about 2 hours.
- Stir in red wine vinegar and remove the spice bag.
- Serve hot, topped with sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of beef and chicken broth instead of just beef broth. You can also substitute the beef tips with chuck roast for a more tender bite. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meat with mushrooms and use vegetable broth. Fresh dill can be used instead of dill seed if available, just adjust the quantity to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the borscht hot, garnished with a generous dollop of sour cream. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside *Baked Dilled Salmon A La Maytag for a contrasting flavor profile.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover borscht can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup thickens, add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Borscht Dr. contains roughly 1793 calories, with 18g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 123g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (59% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2867mg per serving (125% 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 this recipe in advance?
Yes, borscht tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day ahead, let it cool, and refrigerate. Just reheat before serving, and it will be just as delicious.
What can I do if I don't have smoked pork hock?
If you don't have smoked pork hock, try using smoked sausage or ham hocks for a similar flavor. Alternatively, you can simply increase the amount of beef tips and add a bit of liquid smoke for that smoky depth.
Is it possible to freeze borscht?
Yes, borscht can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly on the stovetop.
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).