Hot Borscht
A hearty Eastern European beet soup with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and tangy sour cream, perfect for warming winter days or comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. beef brisket, cut into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 lb. beef marrow soup bones ⓘ
- 2 qt. water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can slivered beets ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can chopped tomatoes
- 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 3 cups shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded carrots ⓘ
- 5 sprigs parsley ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar
- sour cream ⓘ
- sprig of dill ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine beef brisket, beef marrow bones, water, and salt in a large saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Skim off foam, reduce heat, and simmer, covered, for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Drain liquids from the canned beets and set aside.
- Stir the beet liquid, chopped tomatoes, and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce into the broth.
- Add shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped onions, parsley sprigs, bay leaves, and sugar.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Stir in the drained beets and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
- Serve in bowls topped with a tablespoon of sour cream and a sprig of dill.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the dish. If you’re short on time, you can substitute fresh beets with additional canned beets for ease. For a vegetarian option, replace beef with mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth instead. This borscht pairs beautifully with Cabbage Rolls(Galombke) for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the hot borscht in bowls, topped with a generous dollop of sour cream and a sprig of dill for added freshness. This hearty soup is perfect alongside crusty bread or a simple side salad. For a more filling meal, consider serving with a side of Brunswick Stew For A Crowd, which complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm on the stove over low heat to preserve the flavors, adding a splash of water if necessary. This soup also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Borscht contains roughly 1169 calories, with 44g protein, 215g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (268% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (241% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1003mg per serving (44% 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 fresh beets instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh beets! Just peel and cube them, then boil until tender before adding them to the soup. This will enhance the freshness and flavor of your borscht.
How can I adjust the spice level of the borscht?
If you prefer a spicier borscht, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when simmering the broth. Adjust to your taste for the perfect heat level.
What can I add for extra protein?
For added protein, consider stirring in some cooked beans or lentils toward the end of cooking. This not only boosts nutrition but also makes the soup heartier, perfect for a complete meal.
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).