Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup) (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Ukrainian and Russian borscht? ›

It's standard for Ukrainian cooks to use pork in their Borscht and top it off with sour cream, whereas Russian cooks are more likely to use beef. Furthermore, Ukrainians will offer buns with their bortsch, and Russians will offer a native bread known as “black bread.”

Put simply, barszcz is a Polish name for a beetroot soup that is a shared staple in the whole of the Eastern Europe and the word borscht is an anglicised version of the Yiddish word for it. There are many many versions of this bright pink soup as it's eaten throughout the year.

Cooking Time and Temperature: Beets can lose their vibrant red color if they are overcooked or cooked at high temperatures for too long. If you cooked the beets for an extended period or at a high temperature, it could cause them to lose some of their color intensity, resulting in a more orange appearance.

Borscht is typically made with red meat. For a heart-healthy version, choose ground turkey, double the beans or use tofu. Tomatoes, parsnips and potatoes add potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.

As the home country of beetroot borscht, Ukraine boasts great diversity of the soup's regional variants, with virtually every oblast having its own recipe.

In Russian cuisine, borscht may be served with any of assorted side dishes based on tvorog, or the East European variant of farmer cheese, such as vatrushki, syrniki or krupeniki.

Serve the borscht with plenty of chopped dill, some sour cream on the side, and some good-quality bread for dipping. The soup will taste even better the next day.

Beets are also high in vitamins A, C and the minerals iron and magnesium. Looking at the amazing nutrients in this traditional soup, plus the tasty additions of fresh dill, parsley and sour cream, it's no wonder it serves as a staple.

Store leftover borscht in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

In addition to reducing dietary sodium, the DASH diet emphasizes filling your plate with more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, low-fat dairy products and lean meat. And when it comes to produce, one vegetable in particular is a standout star when it comes to lowering blood pressure: dark leafy greens.

Can I eat borscht every day? ›

Borscht is healthy but should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet. No strict consumption frequency exists.

The primary symptom of beeturia is discolored urine or stools. Urine appears red or pink after eating beetroot or foods and juices containing extracts or pigments of beetroot. The extent of discoloration varies from person to person and depends on what you ingested.

With such an assortment of variations, it's no surprise even Ukrainian borscht takes upon several forms. Most generally, it's divided into three types: the classic bright red variety with beets, a springtime herbal green version, and a cold version reminiscent of chłodnik.

Borscht is a beet soup that's warm, sweet, and sour all in one bowl. It has the umami and complexity of a well-developed chicken soup but the beets add a whole different flavor profile.

While “cultured” Americans are likely to spell it with a 't' (Borscht) and describe it as “a beet soup served chilled”, with a little detective work we learned that during the long Russian winters, Borshch is served piping hot and is spelled without the 't' (Borshch).

Like red borscht, green borscht features those same tender potatoes, golden onions and carrots, and the obligatory dollop of sour cream at the end. But that's where the similarities stop. A mountain of greens goes in, and just when you think the soup can't possibly take any more, a good deal of herbs is added as well.