Borscht(Served Cold, Yields About 7 Cups)
A vibrant, chilled beet-based soup with fresh vegetables and herbs, perfect for hot days or as a refreshing starter for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced beets ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced carrots ⓘ
- 1 cup diced onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley ⓘ
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons margarine ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken or beef stock ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cabbage or collard leaves ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cider vinegar ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- sour cream or yogurt ⓘ
- cucumber, grated (optional) ⓘ
- fresh dill (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Place diced beets, carrots, onion, garlic, parsley, and water into a large saucepan or soup kettle.
- Bring to a boil and gently simmer, covered, for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Add margarine, stock, shredded cabbage, and vinegar, then simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve as is or blend the mixture until smooth using a blender.
- Chill the soup and serve garnished with a tablespoon of sour cream and cucumber or fresh dill, as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the beets before dicing them. If you're short on time, pre-cooked beets can be a convenient substitute. You can also swap out the cabbage for collard greens for a different texture. Adjust the acidity by adding more or less cider vinegar based on your taste preference. Fresh herbs like dill enhance the flavor, so don't skip them if you have them on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the borscht chilled, topped with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for creaminess. Add grated cucumber and fresh dill for a refreshing touch. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Chicken With Mushrooms And Tarragon, which complements the soup's flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover borscht in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, add a little extra stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Borscht(Served Cold, Yields About 7 Cups) contains roughly 432 calories, with 13g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (211% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 885mg per serving (38% 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 borscht vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this borscht vegan by substituting the chicken or beef stock with vegetable stock and omitting the margarine. You can use olive oil or a vegan butter alternative instead. The soup will still be delicious and hearty without the animal products.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the borscht?
If you find the soup too sweet, add a splash more cider vinegar or a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Conversely, if you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a bit of sugar or honey. Tasting as you go will help you achieve your desired flavor profile.
Can I freeze leftover borscht?
Yes, you can freeze borscht! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly from frozen over low heat, stirring occasionally.
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).