Borscht recipe is more than just soup—it’s a symbol of home comfort and warmth. Its rich flavor, aroma, and unforgettable color make it a beloved dish on tables around the world. While preparing borscht is easy, it’s essential to follow the steps carefully and use fresh ingredients to create a true culinary masterpiece.
MAKING CLASSIC BORSCHT
Ingredients (for 6 servings):
- Beef on the bone (or pork) – 500 g
- Beets – 2 pcs.
- Potatoes – 3–4 pcs.
- Carrot – 1 pc.
- Onion – 1 pc.
- White cabbage – 300 g
- Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
- Bay leaves – 1–2 pcs.
- Garlic – 2 cloves
- Vegetable oil – 2–3 tbsp
- Salt, ground black pepper – to taste
- Dill or parsley – for garnish
- Sour cream – for serving
Step-by-Step Preparation of Borscht
1. Cooking the Broth:
- Wash the meat, place it in a pot, and pour in 2.5–3 liters of water.
- Bring to a boil, skim off the foam, and add bay leaves and a pinch of salt.
- Reduce the heat and simmer the broth for 1–1.5 hours until the meat becomes tender.
2. Preparing the Vegetables:
- Peel and grate the beets on a coarse grater.
- Grate the carrot and finely chop the onion.
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes.
- Finely shred the cabbage.
3. Making the Borscht Base:
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and sauté the onion and carrot until golden.
- Add the grated beets and tomato paste, and cook for another 5–7 minutes.
- For a vibrant beet color, optionally add 1–2 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice.
4. Assembling the Borscht:
- Add the potatoes to the broth and cook for 10 minutes.
- Next, add the shredded cabbage and cook for another 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in the beet mixture, mix well, and simmer the borscht for an additional 10 minutes on low heat.
- Finally, add minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Letting It Rest:
Remove the borscht from the heat and let it sit covered for 15–20 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together.
Serving:
Pour the borscht into bowls, add a dollop of sour cream, and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with rye bread or garlic rolls (pampushky).
Extras:
- For a richer flavor, you can add beans or smoked meats.
- Borscht tastes even better the next day after it has had time to settle.
This borscht recipe is filled with tradition and soul and is sure to delight you and your loved ones!
USEFUL TIPS FOR COOKING BORSCHT
Borscht recipe is one of the most recognizable and beloved recipe of Slavic cuisine, a symbol of home comfort and culinary artistry. This hearty and aromatic dish has a rich history and a unique flavor that provides warmth and satisfaction. Here are some helpful tips for making borscht, along with fun facts about this dish.
Helpful Tips for Making Borscht
- Choosing Ingredients:
Use only fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best borscht. The key components are beets, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, and tomatoes or tomato paste. Meat—whether pork, beef, or poultry—is an essential element.- Secrets to a Flavorful Broth:
The broth is the soul of borscht. For classic borscht, simmer the meat on low heat, adding bay leaves, peppercorns, and parsley root for aroma. Skim the foam to keep the broth clear.- Caramelizing Vegetables:
Sautéing the beets, carrots, and onions before adding them to the broth enhances their flavor and makes the dish more robust.- Adding Acidity:
Acidity helps preserve the bright beet color. Add a bit of vinegar, lemon juice, or pickle brine during cooking.- Letting It Rest:
Classic borscht tastes even better the next day. Allow it to sit for at least a few hours for the flavors to develop fully.- Herbs and Garlic:
Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or green onions are a must. Adding garlic at the end gives the borscht a special kick.
Nutritional Value of Classic Borscht Recipe
Classic borscht is a traditional dish of Slavic cuisine, known for its rich flavor and nutritional value. Made with beets, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, as well as meat (often pork or beef) and spices, it is both simple and nourishing.
Calorie Content of Classic Borscht (per 100 g):
Calories: 40–60 kcal
Protein: 2–4 g
Fat: 1–3 g
Carbohydrates: 8–12 g
What Affects the Calorie Content of Borscht?
- Beets:
Beets are the key ingredient, giving borscht its iconic red color. Low in calories, they are rich in vitamins A, B, and C, as well as potassium and magnesium. Beets aid liver health and digestion. - Meat:
Meat (usually pork or beef) adds calories, being a source of protein and fat. Leaner meats like chicken or vegetarian versions can reduce calorie content. - Cabbage and Potatoes:
These carbohydrate-rich vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Potatoes add calories but in moderation, they don’t significantly impact the dish. - Carrots and Onions:
These add flavor and extra vitamins without substantially increasing calories. - Toppings:
Adding sour cream significantly raises the calorie content. Garlic, herbs, or vinegar enhance the flavor without adding calories.
How to Reduce the Calorie Content of Borscht Recipe:
- Use lean meat or prepare borscht without meat.
- Limit the amount of oil used for sautéing vegetables.
- Skip or minimize sour cream.
- Increase the amount of low-calorie vegetables like cabbage and carrots.
The Benefits of Borscht
Classic borscht is not only hearty but also nutritious. It is rich in vitamins B and C and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron. Beets, cabbage, and carrots strengthen the immune system, improve digestion, and support metabolism. The balanced combination of carbs, proteins, and fats makes borscht an excellent source of energy.
Interesting Facts About Borscht
- Ancient Roots:
The word “borscht” comes from the plant “hogweed” (borshevik), initially used to make soups. The modern recipe developed later with the introduction of beets to Europe. - Recipe Variations:
There are countless borscht variations. The classic version includes meat, but vegetarian borscht is also popular. Green borscht, made with sorrel, and cold borscht (similar to beetroot soup) are other variations. - Health Benefits:
Borscht is rich in fiber, vitamins C and B, and minerals. Beets improve blood circulation, while garlic and onions boost immunity. - Borscht in Space:
Borscht is part of the astronaut menu. It has been developed into a concentrate, allowing cosmonauts to enjoy this beloved dish even in space.
Conclusion
Classic Borscht Recipe is a true work of art passed down through generations. Its secrets and interesting facts make this dish even more special. Mastering the recipe will allow you to create a culinary masterpiece that becomes a cherished part of your family traditions and celebrations.
