Cabbage Borscht
A hearty Eastern European cabbage borscht with tender vegetables, tangy tomatoes, and fresh dill, perfect for warming up and enjoyed by vegetarians and soup lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 6 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 c. canned tomatoes with liquid ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. cabbage, shredded ⓘ
- 3/4 c. celery, sliced thin ⓘ
- 3/4 c. carrots, shredded ⓘ
- 3/4 c. onion, sliced thin
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. julienne raw beets ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped fresh dill ⓘ
- sour cream (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine broth, tomatoes, cabbage, celery, carrots, and onions in a sauce pot.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Stir in sugar and beets.
- Simmer, covered, for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls.
- Top with fresh dill and sour cream, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during simmering and removing it before serving. You can substitute the fresh dill with dried dill, but use only a third of the amount. If you want to add protein, shredded chicken from recipes like Wrapped Chicken Breasts(With Cranberry Sauce) can be incorporated for added heartiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the borscht hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side of Rosemary Carrots for a complete meal. For a lighter option, enjoy it alongside a simple green salad to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover borscht in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency if needed. It also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabbage Borscht contains roughly 204 calories, with 13g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (121% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (84% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (81% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 831mg per serving (36% 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 use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian version of this borscht. It will still provide a rich flavor. Just ensure that the broth is well-seasoned to enhance the overall taste of the soup.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this borscht vegan, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the sour cream or replace it with a plant-based alternative. The recipe will still be delicious and satisfying without the meat or dairy.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the borscht a day in advance. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious. Just reheat it gently before serving and add fresh dill and sour cream right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
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).