Where did Borscht Soup Originate?
Borscht is a traditional Russian soup made with beets and vegetables. The origins of borscht are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in Ukraine and spread to other parts of Eastern Europe and Russia.
What’s in Borscht Soup?
There are many variations of borscht, but the most common ingredients include beets, potatoes, carrots, onions, and cabbage. Some recipes also call for meat, such as beef or pork, or beans or other legumes. The vegetables are usually cooked in a broth or stock, and the soup is typically seasoned with dill, parsley, and other herbs.
Borsch is often served with sour cream or other dairy products, and it is typically accompanied by a variety of side dishes, such as pickles, rye bread, honey bread, or boiled potatoes.
One popular recipe for borscht soup is as follows:
Ingredients:
- 1-pound beets
- 1 pound of potatoes
- 1 cup chopped cabbage
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 pound beef or pork (optional)
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dill
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- Chopped green onions or dill for serving (optional)
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Peel and chop the *beets, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and onions into small pieces.
- If using meat, cut it into small pieces.
- In a large pot, combine the beets, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, onions, and meat (if using). Add enough broth to cover the vegetables.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the tomato paste, sugar, vinegar, dill, and parsley to the pot.
- Simmer the soup until the vegetables are tender, about 30-40 minutes.
- Serve the borsch hot, with a dollop of sour cream (or mayo) and chopped green onions or dill on top if desired. Enjoy!
*Note: You may want to use gloves and an apron when peeling beets as the red dye can transfer to skin and clothing and can be difficult to remove!
