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Borscht Recipe

Hearty Borscht Recipe: A Warm Hug in a Bowl

This borscht recipe offers a vibrant tradition of Ukrainian kitchens with hearty flavors that warm the soul.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Soups
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Broth
  • 2 lbs Beef Chuck Roast (bone-in) Provides a rich flavor base for the broth
  • 1 medium Onion (quartered) Enhances broth complexity
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Adds aromatic depth
  • 10 whole Black Peppercorns Increases spice profile
  • 8 cups Cold Water Acts as the base for the broth
For the Sautéed Vegetables
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Used for sautéing vegetables
  • 1 medium Onion (finely chopped) Enhances texture and flavor
  • 2 medium Beets (peeled and grated) Provides the soup's signature color
  • 1 medium Carrots (peeled and grated) Adds sweetness to balance beets
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste Contributes umami and thickness
For the Soup
  • 2 medium Yukon Gold Potatoes (peeled and diced) Adds heartiness and texture
  • 4 cups Green Cabbage (finely shredded) Adds crunch
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced) Provides aromatic flavor depth
  • 3 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Balances sweetness with acidity
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar Enhances sweetness
  • 1 tbsp Kosher Salt Essential for flavoring
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground) Adds heat and flavor
For Garnish
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Adds creaminess to the soup
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Dill Enhances freshness and brightness

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • skillet
  • Fine-Mesh Sieve

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Borscht Recipe
  1. In a large Dutch oven, combine the beef chuck roast with quartered onion, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is tender, skimming off any foam for a clear broth.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add finely chopped onion, sautéing until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the grated beets and carrots, cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes until they soften. Mix in the tomato paste for another few minutes.
  3. Carefully strain the beef broth into another pot, discarding the solids. Return the clear broth to medium heat. Shred the cooked beef and return it to the pot, allowing flavors to meld.
  4. Add diced Yukon Gold potatoes to the simmering broth and cook for about 10 minutes. Stir in the sautéed vegetable mixture and finely shredded cabbage, simmering for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
  5. In the last minutes, stir in minced garlic, red wine vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Let sit off heat for at least 20 minutes before serving.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with sour cream and fresh dill. Pair with dark rye bread or garlic rolls.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 15mg

Notes

For richer taste, refrigerate overnight and reheat before serving. You may also experiment with different vegetables or try a vegetarian version with vegetable broth.

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