Great Russian Borscht
A hearty, flavorful Russian beet soup with tender vegetables, mushrooms, ground beef, and a tangy tomato-syrup finish, perfect for comforting meals and cold days.
Ingredients
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- dash Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 5 medium raw beets, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon chervil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 2 carrots, grated ⓘ
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup ⓘ
- 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 cup cooking Burgundy wine ⓘ
- 3 quarts beef stock ⓘ
- 1/3 to 1/2 medium cabbage, grated ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 cup catsup ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute the chopped onions, sliced mushrooms, and ground beef with butter in a large pot until browned.
- Add beef stock, Burgundy wine, thyme, chervil, pepper, garlic salt, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover the pot and bring to a boil.
- Add grated beets, grated cabbage, chopped celery, and grated carrots to the pot.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in corn syrup and catsup until well mixed.
- Serve hot, garnished with sour cream and sprinkled with thyme or chervil.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade beef stock instead of store-bought. If you're short on time, pre-cooked beets can save you effort. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version. Adding a splash of vinegar can enhance the borscht's tanginess, balancing the sweetness of the beets. Pairing with Kay Becker'S Onion Soup can create a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the borscht hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of thyme or chervil for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of Meat Ball Bitochki for a hearty meal. A simple salad or pickled vegetables can complement the dish's richness, making for a well-rounded dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the borscht cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen and warm over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water can help adjust the consistency if it thickens.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Russian Borscht contains roughly 1265 calories, with 26g protein, 242g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (240% of the Daily Value), and iron (119% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1181mg per serving (51% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the beef with mushrooms or lentils and using vegetable stock instead of beef stock. You can also enhance the flavors with additional herbs and spices to maintain the depth of flavor.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the borscht?
If you find the borscht too sweet, reducing the amount of corn syrup or catsup can help. Additionally, adding a splash of vinegar or a bit of lemon juice can help balance the sweetness with acidity, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
What can I serve with borscht to make it a complete meal?
To make it a complete meal, consider serving the borscht with a side of crusty rye bread or pirozhki filled with meat or vegetables. A refreshing cucumber salad or pickled vegetables can also complement the flavors and add a nice crunch.
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).