Vegetarian Borscht Soup Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide

Borscht is a vibrant and comforting Eastern European soup traditionally made with beets, giving it that signature deep red color and earthy flavor. Our vegetarian borscht soup recipe is a delicious, meat-free twist on the classic dish, packed with fresh vegetables and wholesome ingredients.

Perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re craving something hearty and nourishing, this soup will warm your soul and delight your taste buds. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of diets.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a bowl of this vibrant soup in just over an hour. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and yields fantastic results.

Plus, homemade borscht tastes so much better than anything you’ll find in a can!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian borscht is a wholesome, flavorful soup that balances sweetness from the beets with the tanginess of vinegar and the earthiness of root vegetables. It’s incredibly versatile — you can enjoy it hot or chilled, making it a great option year-round.

Why choose this recipe?

• Uses fresh, simple ingredients that are easy to find
• Rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants
• Perfectly balanced flavors with a subtle tang and natural sweetness
• Gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free by default
• Great for meal prep and freezes beautifully

If you love experimenting with vegetable-rich meals, you might also enjoy our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals.

Ingredients

• 4 medium beets, peeled and grated or diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 small head of cabbage, shredded
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh dill, chopped, for garnish
• Optional: vegan sour cream or plain yogurt for serving

Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Vegetable peeler
• Grater (if grating beets and carrots)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender or immersion blender (optional, for smoother texture)

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Peel and grate or finely dice the beets and carrots. Peel and dice the potato. Chop the onion and shred the cabbage. Mince the garlic.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add beets and carrots: Stir in the grated or diced beets and carrots. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the vegetables release their natural sweetness.
4. Incorporate tomato flavors: Add the tomato paste and canned or fresh diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine and cook for 3-4 minutes to deepen the flavors.
5. Add broth and potatoes: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced potatoes. Increase heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
6. Simmer the soup: Let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes, uncovered, until the potatoes and beets are tender.
7. Add cabbage: Stir in the shredded cabbage and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes until the cabbage softens but still has a slight crunch.
8. Season and balance flavors: Add the apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The vinegar adds the classic borscht tanginess.
9. Optional blending: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
10. Serve: Ladle the hot borscht into bowls. Garnish with fresh dill and a dollop of vegan sour cream or plain yogurt, if desired.

Tips & Variations

“To bring out the natural sweetness of the beets, roast them before adding to the soup. This adds depth and a slightly caramelized flavor.”

– For a heartier meal, add cooked beans or lentils for extra protein.

– Swap out potatoes for sweet potatoes or turnips for a different twist.

– If you prefer a spicier soup, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper.

– Borscht is traditionally served with rye bread — try pairing it with our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for a perfect match.

– Leftovers taste even better the next day, making this soup great for meal prep.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vibrant soup is delicious on its own or paired with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

For a traditional touch, add a dollop of sour cream or vegan alternative and sprinkle chopped fresh dill on top.

You can also enjoy borscht chilled, especially during warm weather — it’s refreshing and just as flavorful. Consider pairing it with a light salad such as cucumber and tomato or some pickled vegetables for a classic Eastern European experience.

If you’re interested in other vegetable-based soups, check out our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating or explore more flavorful vegetarian options like our Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners.

Conclusion

Our vegetarian borscht soup recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a traditional Eastern European classic with a fresh, plant-based twist. It’s nourishing, colorful, and bursting with flavor, making it a perfect meal for any season.

The combination of beets, cabbage, and root vegetables creates a satisfying texture and taste that’s both comforting and healthful.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is sure to impress and keep everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, its simplicity and wholesome ingredients make it an excellent choice for a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend meal.

Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and serving suggestions to make it truly your own!

For more delicious vegetarian recipes, be sure to visit our blog and explore options like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Happy cooking!

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