Cold Creamed Borscht
Cooling and vibrant, this creamed borscht features tender beets, tangy sour cream, and fresh herbs, perfect for summer gatherings or sophisticated luncheons. Refreshing and hearty.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook beets until tender.
- Peel and slice the cooked beets.
- In a large pot, combine water, cooked beets, parsley, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for about 1 hour.
- Add vinegar and lemon juice toward the end of cooking.
- Remove the onion from the pot.
- Sieve out the vegetables, reserving the liquid.
- Process the vegetables in a blender with some of the liquid until smooth.
- Stir in the sour cream.
- Combine the sour cream mixture with the remaining liquid and refrigerate overnight.
- Serve cold, garnished with a dollop of sour cream, accompanied by small hot new potatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of dill along with the parsley. If you prefer a sweeter borscht, a small diced apple can be blended with the vegetables. For a vegan version, substitute sour cream with a plant-based alternative. This cold creamed borscht pairs beautifully with small hot new potatoes, making it a refreshing yet hearty dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cold creamed borscht in chilled bowls, garnished with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess. It works well as a starter for a summer meal or light lunch. Pair it with crusty bread or a light salad to balance the richness. Consider serving alongside small hot new potatoes for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and improve. If you want to reheat, gently warm the borscht on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, as it can separate if heated too quickly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cold Creamed Borscht contains roughly 344 calories, with 4g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1335mg per serving (58% 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 canned beets instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned beets for convenience. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the pot. However, fresh beets will give a more vibrant flavor and color to your borscht.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup while cooking. Adjust to your taste preference for a delightful twist on the traditional recipe.
Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by replacing the sour cream with a plant-based alternative. Additionally, ensure that the broth or any other added ingredients align with a vegan diet for a delicious vegan 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).