Beet borscht is a vibrant, hearty soup that has been a staple in Eastern European kitchens for centuries. a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
The deep red hue of the beets makes it visually stunning, while the medley of vegetables and herbs provide a rich, satisfying taste that warms you from the inside out.
Whether you’re looking for a nutritious lunch, a cozy dinner, or a way to impress guests with something unique, this vegetarian beet borscht recipe is sure to become a favorite. It’s easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and is adaptable to your taste preferences.
Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to love this vegetarian beet borscht recipe. First, it’s incredibly nutritious—beets are full of antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins.
The soup is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of diets. It’s also very filling without being heavy, perfect for warming up on chilly days or after a long day at work.
The preparation is straightforward, and you can have a large pot simmering in under an hour. The flavors develop beautifully the longer it sits, so it’s even better as leftovers.
This recipe also invites creativity—you can tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Finally, it’s a wonderful way to explore traditional Eastern European cuisine with a fresh, modern twist.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Beets, peeled and grated | 3 medium (about 2 cups) |
Carrots, peeled and grated | 2 medium |
Potatoes, peeled and diced | 3 medium |
Green cabbage, shredded | 3 cups |
Yellow onion, finely chopped | 1 large |
Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
Vegetable broth | 6 cups |
Apple cider vinegar | 2 tbsp |
Bay leaves | 2 |
Fresh dill, chopped | ¼ cup |
Salt | to taste |
Black pepper, freshly ground | to taste |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Sour cream or vegan sour cream (optional, for serving) | as desired |
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Vegetable peeler
- Grater or food processor (for grating beets and carrots)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Ladle for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Peel and grate the beets and carrots. Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Shred the cabbage and finely chop the onion and garlic.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the grated beets and carrots: Stir them into the pot, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Incorporate tomato paste: Add the tomato paste and stir well to coat the vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Add the broth and potatoes: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced potatoes along with the bay leaves. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer until tender: Let the soup simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add cabbage and vinegar: Stir in the shredded cabbage and apple cider vinegar. Continue simmering for another 10-15 minutes until the cabbage is soft but still slightly crisp.
- Season and finish: Remove the bay leaves. Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the fresh dill for a bright finish.
- Serve warm: Ladle the borscht into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream or vegan sour cream if desired. Garnish with extra dill or chopped green onions for added freshness.
Tips & Variations
“For a richer flavor, roast the beets before grating them to add a smoky depth to your borscht.”
- Add beans: For extra protein, add cooked white beans or kidney beans towards the end of cooking.
- Make it creamy: Blend a portion of the soup for a creamier texture or add a splash of coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle heat.
- Use fresh herbs: Besides dill, fresh parsley or chives can add delightful flavor and color.
- Prepare in advance: Borscht tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
---|---|
Calories | 150 kcal |
Protein | 4 g |
Fat | 5 g |
Carbohydrates | 25 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Sugar | 10 g (natural) |
Vitamin A | 120% DV |
Vitamin C | 40% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This beet borscht is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Enjoy it hot with a slice of crusty rye or sourdough bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside a fresh salad such as the Kosher Sushi Salad Recipe to balance the earthiness of the soup with crisp textures.
For a traditional touch, add a dollop of sour cream or vegan sour cream on top to introduce a creamy tang. You can also serve it chilled on warm days, making it a refreshing, nutrient-dense option.
If you want to add a protein boost, consider pairing it with a plate of hearty grain dishes or a savory bread like the Marzipan Challah Recipe.
Leftover borscht can be transformed into a delightful stew or used as a base for vegetable casseroles, making it an economical and delicious staple in your kitchen.
Conclusion
This vegetarian beet borscht recipe is a wonderful celebration of flavors, colors, and health benefits. It offers a hearty, comforting meal that is both simple to prepare and deeply satisfying.
The vibrant beets combined with fresh vegetables and herbs create a balanced dish that suits all seasons and occasions.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Eastern European cuisine or trying borscht for the first time, this recipe provides a delicious, approachable version that everyone can enjoy. Its flexibility allows you to customize it to your taste or dietary needs, ensuring a perfect bowl every time.
For more creative recipes to complement your cooking journey, check out the Magic Dough Recipe, a versatile staple that pairs beautifully with soups like this one.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Beet Borscht
Description: A vibrant and hearty Eastern European soup made with fresh beets and vegetables. This vegetarian version is rich in flavor and perfect for a comforting meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H5M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets, peeled and grated
- 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add grated beets, carrot, and potato; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add shredded cabbage and cook for 10 more minutes.
- Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 25 g
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