Meatless Borsch
A hearty, meatless borscht packed with vibrant beets, cabbage, and vegetables, perfect for vegetarians seeking a comforting, flavorful soup full of natural goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the oleo (butter or margarine) in a large pot and add the chopped onion, shredded carrots, sliced celery, shredded cabbage, sauerkraut, tomato soup, and water.
- Cover the pot and simmer until the vegetables are soft, about 1 hour.
- Add 2 quarts of water and the shredded beets, and continue to cook until heated through.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, egg, and flour until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk mixture to the soup, stirring constantly.
- Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Serve hot, optionally with sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding a bay leaf while simmering the vegetables. You can substitute the canned tomato soup with homemade tomato puree for a fresher taste. If you prefer a thicker borsch, increase the flour in the milk mixture. Consider adding some chopped fresh dill for added flavor, which complements the beets beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatless borsch hot, optionally topped with a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of Cucumber And Potato Salad for a refreshing contrast. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy dinner and can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or starter.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatless borsch can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. You can also freeze the borsch for up to 3 months; however, the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatless Borsch contains roughly 544 calories, with 12g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2080mg per serving (90% 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, you can prepare the borsch a day in advance. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. It’s a great option for meal prep or a busy weeknight dinner.
What can I use if I don't have shredded beets?
If you don't have shredded beets, you can use canned whole beets and shred them yourself, or even try using pre-cooked vacuum-sealed beets for convenience. Just ensure that they are well-drained to avoid excess liquid in your borsch.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make this borsch vegan, replace the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and omit the egg or substitute it with a flax egg. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying without the animal products.
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).