Christmas Borscht

Christmas Borscht Recipe from Poland - Traditional and Flavorful

Region / culture: Poland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Christmas Borscht is a traditional Eastern European soup that is often enjoyed during the holiday season. This hearty and flavorful soup is made with beets, vegetables, and seasonings, creating a vibrant and festive dish that is perfect for celebrating Christmas.

History

Borscht has been a staple in Eastern European cuisine for centuries, with variations of the soup being enjoyed in countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania. The addition of beets gives the soup its signature deep red color, while the combination of vegetables and seasonings adds layers of flavor to this comforting dish.

Ingredients

32 oz (907 g) of diced canned beets
3 cups of water
1 stalk of celery
1 quartered carrot
1 bay leaf
1 peeled garlic clove
0.25 tsp of whole peppercorns
1 tbsp of lemon juice
1 tsp of sugar
Dairy sour cream or dill sprigs as needed
0.25 tsp of salt
pepper to taste

How to prepare

Drain the beets, reserving the liquid.
Set the beets aside.
In a large saucepan, combine the beet liquid, water, celery, carrot, bay leaf, garlic, peppercorns, and salt.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove the vegetables and seasonings using a slotted spoon.
Stir in the reserved diced beets, lemon juice, and sugar.
Continue cooking for 10 minutes or until heated through.
Serve the dish topped with sour cream and/or dill sprigs.

Variations

Add cooked shredded chicken or beef for a heartier version of the soup.
Include potatoes or cabbage for added texture and flavor.
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh and herbaceous touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the beets and reserve the liquid for the soup base.

- Simmering the vegetables and seasonings in the broth helps to infuse the soup with flavor.

- Adding a touch of sugar and lemon juice helps to balance the earthy flavors of the beets.

- Serving the soup topped with sour cream and dill sprigs adds a creamy and fresh element to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Christmas Borscht can be served as a starter or main dish, accompanied by crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the vegetables and seasonings in the broth helps to develop the flavors of the soup.

- Stirring in the diced beets, lemon juice, and sugar towards the end of cooking ensures that the beets are heated through and retain their vibrant color.

Ingredient Substitutions

Fresh beets can be used instead of canned beets, but will require longer cooking time.

- Vegetable broth can be used in place of water for added flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Christmas Borscht can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Christmas Borscht in individual bowls, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprig of fresh dill for a festive and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Christmas Borscht pairs well with a glass of red wine or a crisp lager, as well as with traditional Eastern European dishes such as pierogi or kielbasa.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Christmas Borscht can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

100

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 22g

- Dietary Fiber: 5g

- Sugars: 15g

Fats

- Total Fat: 0g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 2g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20%

- Vitamin C: 15%

- Iron: 6%

- Calcium: 4%

Alergens

Dairy

Summary

Christmas Borscht is a low-fat and low-calorie soup that is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and nutritious option for the holiday season.

Summary

Christmas Borscht is a flavorful and festive soup that is perfect for celebrating the holiday season. Made with beets, vegetables, and seasonings, this hearty dish is a comforting and nutritious option for Christmas dinner. Serve topped with sour cream and dill sprigs for a traditional touch that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this classic Eastern European soup as a starter or main dish, and savor the flavors of the holiday season with every spoonful.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. I remember it like it was yesterday, even though it was many years ago. It was a cold winter day, just a few weeks before Christmas, and I was visiting my dear friend Olga.

Olga was a wonderful cook, and she always had the most delicious recipes up her sleeve. On that particular day, she invited me into her warm and cozy kitchen, where the scent of simmering vegetables and spices filled the air. She had a twinkle in her eye as she told me she was going to teach me how to make her famous Christmas Borscht.

I had never tried borscht before, let alone made it from scratch. But I was eager to learn, and Olga was a patient teacher. She guided me through each step of the recipe, from chopping the vegetables to simmering the broth for hours on end. As we cooked together, she shared stories of her own grandmother and the traditions they had passed down through the generations.

I was captivated by her words and the love and care she put into every dish she made. By the time the borscht was ready, I was practically drooling with anticipation. And when I took my first sip of the rich, flavorful broth, I knew I had found a new favorite dish.

From that day on, Christmas Borscht became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for my family and friends during the holiday season, and it always brought smiles to their faces. The bright red color of the beets and the hearty chunks of vegetables made it a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to Olga's original recipe, adding my own special touch here and there. I have shared it with countless people, passing on the tradition just as Olga did for me. And every time I make it, I feel a connection to her and to all the women who came before us, sharing their love and wisdom through the simple act of cooking.

Christmas Borscht has become more than just a recipe for me. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and traditions that last a lifetime. And as I stir the pot on a cold winter day, I am grateful for the warmth and nourishment it brings to my heart and soul. Thank you, Olga, for sharing this gift with me.