Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup)

Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup) is a delightful and vibrant dish that warms the soul. This traditional beet soup is perfect for cozy dinners, festive gatherings, or any occasion when you crave comfort food. The rich flavors of beets combined with fresh vegetables create a unique taste that’s both hearty and nourishing. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nourishing and Hearty: Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables, this soup is not only delicious but also provides essential vitamins.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this classic borscht in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it hot as a main course or chilled as a refreshing appetizer. Perfect for any meal!
• Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well, making it ideal for batch cooking and enjoying throughout the week.
• Colorful Presentation: The vibrant red hue of the beets makes this soup visually appealing, sure to impress your guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gathering the right tools will streamline your cooking process. Here are some essential items you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot (5 1/2 Qt or larger)
• Skillet
• Grater
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: This allows you to cook all ingredients evenly while providing enough space for the soup to simmer.
• Skillet: Ideal for sautéing vegetables to enhance their flavors before adding them to the soup.
• Grater: Perfect for quickly preparing beets and ensuring they cook down nicely in the soup.
• Knife & cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables efficiently and safely.

Ingredients

Our family’s go-to recipe for Borscht (Red Beet Soup). It’s best to have all of the ingredients prepped and ready to go which makes this soon super easy and carefree. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or real mayo.

For the Broth Base

• 3 medium beets (peeled and grated)
• 4 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 8 cups chicken broth (+ 2 cups water)

For the Vegetables

• 3 medium Yukon potatoes (peeled and sliced into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 carrots (peeled and thinly sliced)
• 2 celery ribs (trimmed and finely chopped)
• 1 small red bell pepper (finely chopped, optional)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)

For Flavoring

• 4 Tbsp ketchup or 3 Tbsp tomato sauce
• 1 can white cannellini beans with their juice
• 2 bay leaves
• 2-3 Tbsp white vinegar (or to taste)
• 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 large garlic clove (pressed)
• 3 Tbsp chopped dill

How to Make Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup)

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Peel, grate, and/or slice all vegetables.
2. Keep sliced potatoes in cold water to prevent browning until ready to use; then drain.

Step 2: Cook the Beets

1. Heat a large soup pot over medium/high heat.
2. Add 2 Tbsp olive oil.
3. Add grated beets and sauté for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.

Step 3: Add Broth & Vegetables

1. Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth along with 2 cups of water.
2. Add sliced potatoes and carrots.
3. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

1. While potatoes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium/high heat.
2. Add remaining 2 Tbsp olive oil.
3. Add chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper; sauté until softened and lightly golden (about 7-8 minutes).
4. Stir in ketchup or tomato sauce; cook for an additional 30 seconds before transferring to the soup pot.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Once potatoes reach your desired softness, add:
2. 1 can of beans with their juice,
3. 2 bay leaves,
4. 2-3 Tbsp white vinegar,
5. sea salt,
6. black pepper,
7. pressed garlic clove,

8. chopped dill.

9. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

10. Adjust seasoning with more salt or vinegar if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup)!

How to Serve Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup)

Serving classic borscht is a delightful experience that allows the rich flavors of this beet soup to shine. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy meal at home, here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your borscht experience.

With Sour Cream

• Adding a dollop of sour cream on top gives the soup a creamy texture and balances the earthy flavors of the beets.

With Fresh Dill

• Sprinkle fresh dill over your borscht for an aromatic touch that complements the soup’s ingredients beautifully.

Accompanied by Bread

• Serve with crusty bread or rye bread for dipping, which adds a satisfying crunch and helps soak up the delicious broth.

With Pickled Vegetables

• A side of pickled vegetables can provide a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the beets, elevating the entire meal.

Served Cold

• For a refreshing twist, try serving borscht cold during warmer months. This chilled version is equally delicious!

How to Perfect Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup)

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your classic borscht, consider these helpful tips.

• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have all vegetables peeled and chopped before starting. This makes cooking smoother and faster.
• Use Fresh Beets: Fresh beets yield better flavor than canned ones. Look for firm, vibrant beets at your local market.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook! Adjust salt and vinegar to match your flavor preference for a perfect balance.
• Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling vigorously; simmering gently preserves the vegetables’ textures and flavors.
• Let it Rest: Allowing borscht to sit for a few hours or overnight improves its taste as the flavors meld together.
• Serve Warm: While borscht can be enjoyed cold, serving it warm enhances its comforting qualities.

Best Side Dishes for Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup)

Pairing side dishes with your classic borscht can create a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Crusty Bread

2. Perfect for dipping into the soup, providing a crunchy texture that complements its smoothness.

3. Potato Pancakes

4. These crispy treats add a savory element that pairs well with the sweetness of the beets.

5. Cucumber Salad

6. A light cucumber salad with vinegar dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty borscht.

7. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

8. The gooey cheese and crispy bread make this classic combo irresistible next to warm soup.

9. Roasted Vegetables

10. A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings additional flavor while enhancing nutritional value.

11. Pickled Beets

12. Enhance your beet theme with tangy pickled beets that provide both taste and texture variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making borscht is simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the prep work: Not preparing all ingredients beforehand can lead to chaos in the kitchen. To avoid this, chop and measure everything before you start cooking.
• Overcooking the beets: If you overcook the beets, they lose their vibrant color and flavor. Sauté them just until softened for the best results.
• Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season properly can leave your soup bland. Taste as you go, and adjust salt and vinegar levels to enhance flavors.
• Using old vegetables: Freshness matters! Old or wilted vegetables won’t provide the same taste or texture. Always use fresh produce for optimal flavor.
• Not allowing time for flavors to meld: Rushing through cooking can prevent flavors from developing. Let your borscht simmer for at least a few minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Classic Borscht can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Freezing Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup)

• You can freeze borscht for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion as it freezes.

Reheating Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup)

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place borscht in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour borscht into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about our Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup):

Can I make Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup) vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace chicken broth with vegetable broth while maintaining all other ingredients.

How can I customize my borscht?

Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or cabbage for added texture and nutrients.

What can I serve with Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup)?

Serve with crusty bread, sour cream, or fresh dill on top for extra flavor.

How do I store leftover borscht?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup) is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily adapt it with seasonal vegetables or your favorite herbs. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade goodness!