Authentic Ukrainian Borscht Soup

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Few dishes are as soul-warming and storied as a bowl of authentic Ukrainian borscht. With its signature ruby red color and rich layers of flavor, this beloved soup is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of heritage, harvest, and home. Whether enjoyed piping hot in winter or served cool in the summer, borscht brings people together around a shared pot of nourishment and nostalgia.

Rooted deeply in Ukrainian culinary traditions, borscht is a soup that highlights the best of simple, earthy ingredients. The magic lies in how those humble beets, cabbage, and potatoes meld with savory aromatics and a tangy edge from vinegar or lemon. Each spoonful carries the warmth of home cooking, often passed down from babushka’s well-worn recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Authentic Ukrainian Borscht Soup

This borscht is hearty, healthy, and absolutely comforting. Its bold color is matched by bold flavor: sweet from beets, savory from beef or broth, tangy from tomatoes and vinegar, and finished with a creamy swirl of sour cream. It’s a one-pot wonder that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or big family dinners.

You can enjoy it as a main course with fresh rye bread or as a starter to a festive Eastern European meal. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be easily made vegetarian or vegan. The best part? It’s deeply satisfying without being heavy.

What Kind of Beets Should I Use?

Fresh, red beets are traditional and provide the iconic color and natural sweetness that defines borscht. Medium-sized beets are ideal since they have a balanced flavor. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked vacuum-packed beets can work in a pinch, but roasting fresh beets at home brings out the best earthy notes. Avoid canned beets if possible, as they lack the depth needed for a true homemade borscht experience.

Ingredients for the Authentic Ukrainian Borscht Soup

Ukrainian borscht is built on wholesome vegetables, rich broth, and just the right amount of acidity to brighten every bite. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this classic soup to life:

• Beets
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Onion
• Garlic
• Potatoes
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• Bay leaf
• Vinegar or lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil or sunflower oil
• Fresh dill
• Sour cream (for serving)

Each ingredient adds something essential: beets for sweetness and color, cabbage for crunch, broth for depth, and dill and sour cream to finish with traditional flair.

How To Make the Authentic Ukrainian Borscht Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash, peel, and grate the beets. Chop the cabbage, dice the carrots and potatoes, mince the garlic, and finely chop the onion. Prepping everything first makes the cooking flow smoothly.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and slightly golden. Stir in the tomato paste and let it caramelize briefly—this deepens the flavor.

Step 3: Add the Beets

Toss in the grated beets and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This releases their juices and begins to build the soup’s base.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the broth, add potatoes, carrots, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Cabbage and Finish

Add chopped cabbage and cook until tender, about 10 minutes more. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Taste and adjust the balance as needed.

Step 6: Serve with Garnishes

Ladle into bowls and top with a generous spoonful of sour cream and fresh dill. Serve hot with crusty bread or rye slices.

How to Serve and Store Ukrainian Borscht Soup

This recipe yields enough for about 6 to 8 servings, depending on portion size. Borscht can be served piping hot or enjoyed chilled, making it versatile across seasons.

To store, let the soup cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors continue to deepen, so it’s even more delicious after a day or two. It also freezes well; just leave out the sour cream and dill until serving.

What to Serve With Borscht?

Fresh Rye Bread

Dense, hearty rye or dark sourdough is a classic pairing that complements the soup’s rich broth.

Garlic Pampushky

These soft Ukrainian garlic rolls are a traditional side that are perfect for dipping.

Potato Varenyky

Ukrainian dumplings filled with mashed potato and onion bring comfort to the table.

Dill Pickles

A crunchy, vinegary pickle is a sharp counterpoint to borscht’s earthy sweetness.

Beet Salad

Why not double down on beets? A simple beet salad with vinegar and onion is a light, fresh side.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Slice them in halves and drop into the soup or serve on the side for added protein.

Smoked Sausage

If you’re not going vegetarian, this smoky, savory side adds a hearty twist.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If this Authentic Ukrainian Borscht Soup hits the spot, you might enjoy other warming and satisfying soups like:

• Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup
• Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup
• Thai Curry Chicken Noodle Soup
• Irresistible Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
• Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Avgolemono

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it whenever you need a warm, comforting bowl.

And if you try this borscht, let me know! Did you use beef broth or keep it vegetarian? How did your family like it? Share your spin on it in the comments below.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and wholesome meals on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next favorite recipe.

Conclusion

Authentic Ukrainian Borscht Soup is more than just a recipe. It’s a memory in a bowl, a taste of tradition, and a dish that brings comfort with every spoonful. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or returning to a family classic, this soup is a must-have in your kitchen repertoire.

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