Name: Classic Borscht Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 3 medium beets (peeled and grated); 4 Tbsp olive oil (divided); 8 cups chicken broth (plus 2 cups water); 3 medium Yukon potatoes (peeled and sliced into bite-sized pieces); 2 carrots (peeled and thinly sliced); 2 ribs celery (trimmed and finely chopped); 1 small red bell pepper (finely chopped (optional)); 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 4 Tbsp ketchup (or 3 Tbsp tomato sauce); 1 can white cannellini beans (with their juice); 2 bay leaves; 2-3 Tbsp white vinegar (or to taste); 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste); 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 1 large garlic clove (pressed); 3 Tbsp chopped dill

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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can warm the heart and soul quite like a steaming bowl of borscht. This classic Eastern European soup, known for its vibrant ruby-red color and rich flavor profile, is a delightful balance of earthy beets, savory vegetables, and a hint of acidity. Whether served as a starter or a main dish, this Classic Borscht Recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

The allure of borscht lies not only in its stunning color but also in its versatility. This soup is perfect for any season—enjoy it hot during winter or chilled in summer. It’s a fantastic way to use up seasonal vegetables, and the flavor only gets better as it sits, making it ideal for meal prep. Plus, it’s hearty enough to serve as a complete meal on its own or can be paired with a slice of crusty bread.

Ingredient Rundown

To create this Classic Borscht Recipe, gather the following ingredients:

3 medium beets, peeled and grated – The star of the show, providing that beautiful color and sweet earthiness.
4 Tbsp olive oil, divided – For sautéing vegetables and enhancing flavor.
8 cups chicken broth, plus 2 cups water – A flavorful base for the soup; feel free to use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
3 medium Yukon potatoes, peeled and sliced into bite-sized pieces – Adding heartiness and texture.
2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced – Sweetness and vibrant color.
2 celery ribs, trimmed and finely chopped – For depth of flavor.
1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped (optional) – Adds sweetness and color.
1 medium onion, finely chopped – A classic aromatic base.
4 Tbsp ketchup or 3 Tbsp tomato sauce – For a touch of sweetness and acidity.
1 can white cannellini beans with their juice – Adding protein and creaminess.
2 bay leaves – Essential for flavor infusion.
2-3 Tbsp white vinegar, or to taste – Balances the sweetness of the beets.
1 tsp sea salt, or to taste – Enhances all flavors.
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground – For a hint of spice.
1 large garlic clove, pressed – For aromatic depth.
3 Tbsp chopped dill – A fresh herb that complements the soup beautifully.

Hardware & Gadgets

To make your cooking experience easier, here are a few tools you’ll need:

Large pot – A heavy-bottomed pot is best for even heat distribution.
Cutting board – For chopping all those fresh vegetables.
Sharp knife – A good knife makes prep work faster and safer.
Vegetable peeler – To easily peel the beets and potatoes.
Grater – For shredding the beets (a box grater works well).
Measuring cups and spoons – For accuracy in your ingredient amounts.

Directions: Classic Borscht Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In your large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and red bell pepper (if using), and sauté until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the grated beets and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Next, add the sliced carrots, potatoes, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth

Carefully pour in the chicken broth and water, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Season the Soup

Stir in the ketchup (or tomato sauce), cannellini beans with their juice, garlic, vinegar, sea salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more vinegar for acidity or salt for flavor.

Step 5: Final Touches

Allow the borscht to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors together. Just before serving, stir in the chopped dill for a fresh burst of flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the borscht into bowls, and if desired, garnish with additional dill and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. Enjoy it hot, or let it cool and serve it chilled!

Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas

Borscht is a year-round dish, and here are some ideas to celebrate it through the seasons:

Spring: Add fresh spring peas and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Summer: Serve chilled with a dollop of yogurt and fresh herbs.
Fall: Incorporate roasted squash for a cozy, seasonal twist.
Winter: Add hearty greens like kale or Swiss chard for extra nourishment.

Mistakes Even Pros Make

Even seasoned cooks can falter when making borscht. Here are some common missteps:

Overcooking the beets: Make sure to add them at the right time for optimal texture.
Not balancing flavors: Taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to achieve the perfect sweet and sour balance.
Skipping the vinegar: This is crucial for brightening the soup; don’t omit it!
Not letting it sit: Borscht tastes even better the next day, so allow it to rest before serving.

Storage Pro Tips

To keep your borscht tasting fresh, consider these storage tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Borscht freezes well! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Flavor improvement: Like many soups, the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Handy Q&A

Can I make borscht vegan?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the cannellini beans if desired.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the borscht?

If you find your borscht too sweet, add more vinegar or a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Can I use other beans instead of cannellini?

Yes! Navy beans or chickpeas can also work well in this recipe.

What’s the best way to serve borscht?

Borscht is traditionally served with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh dill. Pair it with crusty bread or rye for a complete meal.

Desserts to Finish

To round out your meal, consider these delightful desserts:

Chocolate Cupcakes – A rich and moist treat.
Lemon Pudding Cake – Light and refreshing.
Vegan Chocolate Mousse – Decadent and rich, yet surprisingly simple.
Blueberry Crumble Bars – A sweet and tangy finish.

The Last Word

This Classic Borscht Recipe is more than just a soup; it’s a celebration of flavor, color, and comfort. With its hearty ingredients and rich history, borscht brings people together, whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or a warm summer day. It’s a dish that invites experimentation, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on what’s in season or on hand. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and immerse yourself in the joy of cooking this timeless recipe. You’ll find that borscht is not just a meal—it’s a tradition worth sharing.

So why wait? Dive into this Classic Borscht Recipe today, and discover why it has captured the hearts and palates of so many!