Ukrainian Red Borscht Soup – A Culinary Delight

Amid the patchwork of European cuisines, a vibrant ruby elixir emerges, celebrated as much for its rich heritage as for its robust flavor. The Ukrainian Red Borscht Soup, a harmonious meld of beets, vegetables, and spices, tells a tale of tradition and togetherness.

Originating from the heart of Ukraine, each spoonful captures the country’s history, evoking memories of babushkas preparing the soup for family gatherings. 

But the charm of this iconic dish extends beyond its roots; its bold, tangy flavors and inviting crimson hue make it universally beloved. For the uninitiated, diving into a bowl of borscht is an exploration – a delightful blend of earthy, sweet, and sour sensations. 

What Is Ukrainian Red Borscht Soup?

Ukrainian Red Borscht Soup is a vibrant, hearty dish emblematic of Eastern European cuisine. Its signature deep red hue comes from beets, which are simmered alongside an array of vegetables such as cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. 

Often flavored with a touch of garlic, bay leaves, and sometimes meat, the soup achieves a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and savory notes. 

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

Keto

• Replace potatoes with radishes or turnips, which have a lower carb count.
• Ensure the tomato paste and canned diced tomatoes are sugar-free or low-carb.
• Omit sugar completely.
• Increase the amount of pork sausage or consider adding other meats like beef for higher fat content.

Paleo

• Omit white sugar and use natural sweeteners like honey.
• Ensure your pork sausage doesn’t contain any additives or grains.
• Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones to ensure no additives.

Gluten-Free

• The basic borscht recipe is inherently gluten-free. Just ensure all processed ingredients, like sausages and tomato paste, don’t contain any gluten or have been processed in a facility with gluten products.

Whole30

• Replace white sugar with approved sweeteners or omit completely.
• Ensure pork sausage, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes are compliant without any additives or sugars.
• Avoid dairy, so skip the sour cream or replace with Whole30 compliant alternatives.

Vegetarian

• Omit the pork sausage.
• Add more veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added depth.
• For a protein boost, consider adding legumes like white beans (though this makes it non-traditional).

Vegan

• Follow the vegetarian alterations.
• Replace sour cream with vegan alternatives like cashew cream or coconut cream.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Meat Choices: Swap pork sausage for beef, chicken, or even fish for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit meats and enhance with mushrooms, bell peppers, or lentils.
• Vegan Twist: Use plant-based sausages and top with vegan sour cream.

Add-Ons

• Legumes: Incorporate white beans or chickpeas for added protein.
• Greens: Stir in spinach or kale for a nutrient boost.
• Grains: Add barley or quinoa for a heartier texture.
• Spices: Introduce a bay leaf, dill, or caraway seeds for more depth in flavor.
• Heat: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Toppings

• Dairy: Apart from sour cream, consider Greek yogurt or crème fraîche.
• Herbs: Fresh dill, chives, or cilantro can offer a refreshing touch.
• Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle pumpkin seeds or walnuts for a crunchy contrast.
• Condiments: Offer mustard or horseradish on the side for an extra zing.
• Breads: Serve with rye bread, garlic croutons, or a slice of pumpernickel.

Can I Make Ukrainian Red Borscht Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker

• Browning: In a separate skillet, crumble and brown the sausage. You can also sauté onions in vegetable oil until translucent.
• Layering: Transfer the browned sausage and onions to the slow cooker. Add beets, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water.
• Cooking: Cover and set the slow cooker on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking melds the flavors wonderfully.
• Finishing: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar. Adjust seasoning to taste.
• Serving: Once done, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with sour cream and fresh parsley.

Instant Pot

• Sauté Mode: Using the Instant Pot’s sauté function, crumble and brown the sausage. Add onions and cook until translucent.
• Adding Ingredients: Turn off the sauté function. Add beets, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Ensure you don’t exceed the pot’s maximum fill line.
• Pressure Cooking: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to Manual or Pressure Cook on HIGH for about 15-20 minutes.
• Natural Release: Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10-15 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure.
• Finishing: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar. Adjust seasoning to taste.
• Serving: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sour cream and fresh parsley.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Store-bought Broth

• Convenience: It’s quick and easy, especially if you’re in a hurry or don’t have the ingredients to make your own.
• Consistency: Store-bought broths usually have a consistent flavor.
• Variety: They come in various options – beef, chicken, vegetable, low-sodium, organic, bone broth, and more.

Homemade Broth

• Flavor: Homemade broth often has a richer, deeper flavor, especially if you roast the bones or veggies beforehand.
• Control: You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing for customization based on dietary needs or flavor preferences.
• Nutrition: Making your own, especially bone broth, can result in a broth rich in nutrients and collagen.

How To Serve?

• Serve Hot: Borscht is typically served hot, especially during cold months. Ensure it’s heated thoroughly before serving.
• Dollop of Sour Cream: A traditional and popular way to serve borscht is with a dollop of sour cream on top. The creaminess contrasts beautifully with the tangy and earthy flavors of the soup.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs, especially chopped parsley or dill, to enhance the soup’s color and add a burst of fresh flavor.
• Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Offer vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice for those who prefer a tangier flavor.
• Additional Garnishes: Some people like to add chopped scallions, radishes, or even sliced cucumbers as garnishes.
• Serving Bowls: Use deep bowls to showcase the rich color of the soup. White or light-colored bowls accentuate the vibrant red hue of the borscht.
• Pairing: You can pair borscht with traditional Ukrainian dishes like varenyky (dumplings) or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Perfect Side Dishes To Complement The Ukrainian Red Borscht Soup

• Rye Bread or Pampushky: A slice of hearty rye bread or Ukrainian garlic bread (pampushky) is a classic pairing. The bread can soak up the soup, adding a delightful texture contrast.
• Varenyky (Pierogi): These Ukrainian dumplings, filled with ingredients like potato, cheese, mushrooms, or meats, are an excellent side dish, providing a hearty complement to the soup.
• Pickled Vegetables: Traditional Eastern European pickles, such as pickled cucumbers or pickled tomatoes, add a tangy contrast to the borscht’s earthy flavors.
• Kotlety (Meat Patties): These are pan-fried ground meat patties that can be made with beef, chicken, or pork and seasoned with onions and spices.
• Cabbage Salad: A fresh cabbage salad with cucumbers, dill, and a light vinegar dressing can offer a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
• Holubtsi (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls): Cabbage leaves filled with a mix of rice and meat, then baked in a tomato sauce, are a hearty side that can complement borscht.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Make Ahead: Prepare the soup up to 2 days in advance to allow flavors to deepen.
• Storage: Cool the soup completely before storing it in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve flavors and prevent overcooking.
• Vegetable Integrity: While reheating, take care to not overcook vegetables, ensuring they retain their texture.
• Garnish Fresh: Add fresh herbs, sour cream, or a squeeze of lemon upon serving to refresh flavors and enhance presentation.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

• Chilled Appetizer: Serve it cold, garnished with fresh dill and a sour cream dollop for a refreshing starter.
• Borscht Stew: Reduce it over medium heat to thicken, and serve with crusty bread.
• Pasta Sauce Base: Blend to a smoother consistency and use as a base for pasta sauces.
• Pie Filling: Incorporate leftovers into a savory pie or pastry filling.
• Rice Mix-in: Stir into cooked rice for a flavorful side dish.
• Borscht Tacos: Use as a filling for tacos, topped with fresh herbs.

Tips

• Root Vegetable Variety: Include a variety of root vegetables like beets, carrots, and potatoes for depth of flavor and texture.
• Long Simmering Time: Allow the soup to simmer slowly for a rich, complex flavor profile.
• Sautéed Aromatics: Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots before adding them to the soup for enhanced depth.
• Vinegar Balance: Add a splash of vinegar like apple cider or white vinegar for tanginess, adjusting to taste.
• Garnish Traditionally: Serve with sour cream and chopped fresh dill for authenticity and a burst of freshness.

NUTRITION TABLE