Simple Borsch

Simple Borsch Recipe from Ukraine | Beef, Beets, Cabbage, Potatoes, Carrots, Tomatoes, Vinegar, Salt, Parsley

Region / culture: Ukraine | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Borsch is a traditional Eastern European soup that is known for its vibrant red color and rich flavor. This simple borsch recipe is a classic version of the soup that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal.

History

Borsch has been a staple in Eastern European cuisine for centuries, with variations of the soup being enjoyed in countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Poland. The soup is typically made with beets, cabbage, potatoes, and meat, and is often served with a dollop of sour cream on top.

Ingredients

400 g of beef
2 average-sized red beets
200 g of cabbage
4 small potatoes
1 carrot
2 tomatoes
1 tsp of vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
parsley, dill, and spring onions

How to prepare

Preparing meat broth

Place beef into a large saucepan and cover with 3 liters of cold water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and skim off the grease and froth from the surface of the broth using a spoon.
Add one onion.
Cook over low heat for 1–2 hours.

Simmering red beets

Melt 1 tbsp of margarine in a saucepan.
Cut red beets into thin sticks and add them to the saucepan.
Add tomato paste or sliced tomatoes.
Simmer over low heat for 1 hour.
If there is not enough liquid, add some broth.
Add vinegar.

Pan-frying vegetables

Melt 1 tbsp of margarine in a frying pan.
Add chopped onions and carrots cut into thin sticks.
Cover and sauté for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Heat broth until boiling.
Add chopped cabbage and potatoes cut into bars.
Cook for 5 minutes, then add the sautéed vegetables and cook for another 10 minutes.
Add simmered red beets and cook for another 5 minutes.
Add salt and black pepper.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead.
Add a can of kidney beans for extra protein and fiber.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the broth, try adding a bay leaf and a few peppercorns while simmering the meat.

- For a vegetarian version of borsch, simply omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead.

- To save time, you can use pre-cooked beets instead of simmering them from scratch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the borsch hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill on top.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering, pan-frying, and boiling are the main cooking techniques used in this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use pre-cooked beets instead of simmering them from scratch.

- Substitute the beef with chicken or pork for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Borsch tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time and reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the borsch in a rustic bowl with a swirl of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.

Pairing Recommendations

Borsch pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover borsch in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

25g per serving

Fats

10g per serving

Proteins

20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Borsch is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like potassium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains beef and may not be suitable for those with meat allergies.

Summary

This borsch recipe is a nutritious and hearty soup that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Summary

This simple borsch recipe is a delicious and nutritious soup that is perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with vegetables, meat, and flavor, this classic Eastern European dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Simple Borsch. It was a cold winter day, the kind that makes your bones ache and your nose freeze. I had just come back from a long walk in the snow, craving something warm and comforting to fill my belly. As I rummaged through my pantry, I stumbled upon a faded and tattered piece of paper tucked away in the corner. It was the recipe for Simple Borsch, a dish I had never tried before but had heard so much about.

I could tell it was an old recipe, passed down through generations. The handwriting was elegant and delicate, a stark contrast to the worn and stained paper it was written on. I could almost imagine the hands that had carefully transcribed these words, the love and dedication that had gone into creating this dish.

I sat down at my kitchen table, the warmth of the stove radiating through the room. I read through the recipe, taking in each step and ingredient with care. It was a simple recipe, one that didn't require any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Just the basics - beets, cabbage, potatoes, and broth. But I could sense the magic in those simple ingredients, the way they came together to create something truly special.

As I gathered the ingredients and started cooking, I could feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. I thought of my own grandmother, the one who had taught me how to cook and had instilled in me a love for food and family. I remembered the countless hours we had spent in the kitchen together, her hands guiding mine as we chopped, stirred, and tasted our creations.

I thought back to the stories she would tell me as we cooked, tales of her own childhood and the recipes she had learned from her mother and grandmother. I could almost hear her voice as I stirred the pot of borsch, her laughter floating through the air like a sweet melody.

As the borsch simmered on the stove, filling the air with its rich and earthy aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. This dish was more than just a meal - it was a connection to my past, a link to the generations of women who had come before me. I knew that with each spoonful, I was tasting not just the flavors of the borsch, but the love and history that had been passed down through the years.

When the borsch was finally ready, I ladled it into a bowl and took a tentative sip. The flavors exploded on my tongue - the sweetness of the beets, the tanginess of the cabbage, the heartiness of the potatoes. It was everything I had hoped for and more, a symphony of tastes and textures that warmed me from the inside out.

As I sat down to enjoy my simple borsch, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the recipe that had brought me so much joy. It was more than just a dish - it was a story, a memory, a piece of my family's history. And as I savored each spoonful, I knew that this recipe would be one that I would pass down to future generations, just like my grandmother had done for me.