Country Borsch
A hearty Eastern European-inspired borscht featuring tender beef, vibrant beets, and fresh vegetables, perfect for comforting winter meals or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. cubed stewing beef ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can beef broth
- 1 soup can water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can beets, cut in strips and drained ⓘ
- 1 medium potato, diced ⓘ
- 1 carrot, cut in sticks ⓘ
- 2 celery stalks, sliced ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 1 cup canned tomatoes
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dill seed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- croutons (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large covered saucepan, simmer the cubed stewing beef in beef broth and water for 45 minutes or until tender.
- Stir in salt, chopped onion, drained beets, diced potato, carrot sticks, and sliced celery; cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Add shredded cabbage to the pot and cook until just tender.
- Combine flour and lemon juice to form a slurry; slowly add it to the soup, stirring constantly.
- Stir in canned tomatoes, garlic powder, pepper, dill seed, and sour cream. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional sour cream and croutons if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the stewing beef before simmering it in the broth. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with mushrooms or additional vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead. You can also enhance the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. If beets are out of season, canned beets are a great alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the borsch hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of hearty homemade rolls. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside dishes like Braised Kielbasa And Potatoes or a simple salad to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the borsch on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup thickens too much during storage, you can add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Borsch contains roughly 385 calories, with 11g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (144% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1149mg per serving (50% 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 borsch ahead of time?
Yes, this borsch can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve after a day in the fridge. Simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just remember to adjust the consistency if it has thickened too much while stored.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you're looking for a substitute for sour cream, Greek yogurt works well and offers a similar texture and tanginess. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut cream or a cashew cream blend, which can still provide richness to the dish.
How can I make the borsch spicier?
To add heat to the borsch, consider incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. You can also serve it with a side of pickled peppers for those who enjoy an extra kick. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
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).