Beet borscht is a vibrant, hearty soup that has warmed tables across Eastern Europe for centuries. This vegetarian beet borscht soup recipe brings all the traditional flavors to your kitchen without any meat, making it perfect for vegetarians and anyone seeking a nourishing, plant-based meal.
The deep, earthy sweetness of fresh beets pairs beautifully with tangy vinegar and the richness of root vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors in every spoonful.
Not only is this soup visually stunning with its brilliant ruby color, but it also packs a nutritional punch. Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, beet borscht is as good for your health as it is for your palate.
Whether served as a comforting lunch or a light dinner, this recipe is simple to make and sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian beet borscht soup recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. It’s:
- Rich in flavor: The combination of beets, cabbage, and aromatic vegetables creates a deep, satisfying taste.
- Nutritious: Beets are high in fiber, folate, and antioxidants, supporting heart health and digestion.
- Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this soup is a breeze to make on any day.
- Versatile: Enjoy it hot or cold, and customize with your favorite herbs or toppings.
- Vegetarian and vegan friendly: It’s free from meat and dairy but full of wholesome goodness.
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets, peeled and grated or diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 small head of green cabbage, shredded
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill, chopped for garnish
- Sour cream or vegan yogurt for serving (optional)
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Vegetable peeler
- Grater (if grating beets)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
- Blender or immersion blender (optional, for smoother soup)
Instructions
- Prepare the beets: Peel and grate or finely dice the beets. This helps them cook quickly and release their vibrant color.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add root vegetables: Add the grated beets, diced carrots, and potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the soup’s flavor.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add cabbage: Stir in the shredded cabbage and continue simmering, uncovered, for another 10 minutes until the cabbage softens.
- Season the soup: Add apple cider vinegar, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust these seasonings to your taste. The vinegar adds a pleasant tang that balances the sweetness of the beets.
- Optional blending: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, or blend a cup in a regular blender and return it to the pot.
- Serve: Ladle hot borscht into bowls. Garnish with fresh dill and a dollop of sour cream or vegan yogurt if desired.
Tips & Variations
For a smoky twist, add a splash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the soup during step 5.
Here are some additional ways to customize your beet borscht:
- Make it vegan: Use vegan sour cream or skip the topping entirely.
- Add beans or lentils: For extra protein, stir in cooked kidney beans or lentils after adding the cabbage.
- Try different vinegars: Substitute apple cider vinegar with red wine vinegar or lemon juice for a different acidity profile.
- Serve chilled: Borscht also tastes fantastic cold, especially on warm days.
- Include fresh herbs: Experiment with parsley or chives alongside dill for fresh flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 110 |
Protein | 3g |
Carbohydrates | 22g |
Fiber | 5g |
Fat | 3g |
Vitamin A | 120% DV |
Vitamin C | 40% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian beet borscht soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or a light grain dish such as quinoa or buckwheat for a complete meal.
For a traditional touch, offer a side of rye bread with vegan butter or garlic spread. You can also complement the soup with pickled vegetables to enhance the flavors and add a crunchy texture contrast.
If you enjoy hearty soups, don’t miss out on our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating or explore more plant-based comfort foods like our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
For a delightful sweet finish to your meal, try the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Conclusion
Vegetarian beet borscht soup is a beautiful balance of bold flavors and nourishing ingredients that come together in a delightful, colorful bowl. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting meal that is both vegan-friendly and full of vital nutrients.
The process is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or planning a family dinner, this beet borscht will impress with its rich taste and inviting aroma. Enjoy experimenting with the variations and serving suggestions, and don’t forget to savor the vibrant color and health benefits of this timeless soup.
đź“– Recipe Card: Vegetarian Beet Borscht Soup
Description: A vibrant and hearty beet soup packed with fresh vegetables and rich flavors. Perfect as a comforting starter or main dish.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets, peeled and grated
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium potato, diced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons 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 25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add shredded cabbage and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Serve hot garnished with fresh dill.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 3 g | Carbs: 22 g
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