Description
Our family’s go-to recipe for Classic Borscht (Beet Soup). A hearty and flavorful soup made with beets, potatoes, carrots, beans, and fresh dill. Serve with sour cream or mayo for an authentic touch.
Ingredients
3 medium beets, peeled and grated
4 Tbsp olive oil, divided
8 cups chicken broth + 2 cups water
3 medium Yukon potatoes, peeled and sliced into bite-sized pieces
2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
For Zazharka (Mirepoix):
2 celery ribs, trimmed and finely chopped
1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 Tbsp ketchup or 3 Tbsp tomato sauce
Additional Flavorings:
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 freshly ground black pepper
1 large garlic clove, pressed
3 Tbsp chopped dill
Instructions
1. Peel, grate, and slice all vegetables (keep sliced potatoes in cold water until ready to use, then drain).
2. Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat with 2 Tbsp olive oil. Add grated beets and sauté 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
3. Add 8 cups chicken broth and 2 cups water. Stir in sliced potatoes and carrots and cook 10–15 minutes, until fork tender.
4. In a separate skillet, heat 2 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened and golden, about 7–8 minutes. Stir in ketchup and cook 30 seconds. Transfer mixture to soup pot.
5. When potatoes and carrots are soft, add beans with juice, bay leaves, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic, and dill. Simmer 2–3 minutes longer.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or vinegar as needed. Serve hot with sour cream or mayo.
Notes
For best flavor, allow the soup to rest for a few hours before serving so the flavors meld together. Leftovers taste even better the next day. Serve with rye bread for a traditional meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Russian, Ukrainian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 181
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg