Name: Authentic Ukrainian Borscht Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Ingredients: 4 medium beets, peeled and grated; 2 cups cabbage, chopped; 2 medium carrots, diced; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 medium potatoes, diced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian); 1 bay leaf; 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil or sunflower oil; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; sour cream, for serving

Description

Authentic Ukrainian Borscht Soup is a hearty beet-based soup packed with cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and fresh dill, finished with a swirl of sour cream. This traditional Eastern European recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners, meal prep, and healthy comfort food. Vegetarian-friendly, freezer-ready, and rich in earthy flavor, it’s a must-try staple for soup lovers.

Ingredients

4 medium beets, peeled and grated

2 cups cabbage, chopped

2 medium carrots, diced

1 large onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 medium potatoes, diced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

6 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)

1 bay leaf

1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil or sunflower oil

1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

sour cream, for serving

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Instructions

1. Wash and prepare all vegetables. Grate beets, dice carrots and potatoes, chop cabbage and onion, and mince garlic.

2. Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until golden and fragrant.

3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to enhance its flavor.

4. Add grated beets and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to release color and juices.

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

6. Add chopped cabbage. Simmer for another 10 minutes until all vegetables are tender.

7. Season with salt, pepper, and vinegar or lemon juice. Adjust to taste.

8. Remove from heat. Serve with sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill.

Notes

This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

For a vegetarian version, simply use vegetable broth instead of beef.

Avoid using canned beets to maintain the authentic depth of flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Ukrainian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 185
Sugar: 8
Sodium: 420
Fat: 7
Saturated Fat: 2
Unsaturated Fat: 4
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 25
Fiber: 5
Protein: 5
Cholesterol: 10