How to Make Borscht – An Authentic Borscht (Recipe Guide)

Our full recipe guide on how to make Borscht one of the most popular in Eastern Europe.

Borscht is a beloved beet soup that originates from Eastern Europe, particularly celebrated in countries like Ukraine, Russia, and Poland.

There are many variations of this soup, but the most traditional version is known for its deep red color and savory-sweet flavor profile, typically served with a dollop of sour cream. Here’s a recipe guide to making an authentic Borscht.

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How to Make Borscht

Borscht Recipe Ingredients

4-5 medium beets, peeled and grated
1 large onion
2 carrots, peeled and grated
1 stick of celery
1 large potato, peeled and diced
1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
3-4 tomatoes, peeled and chopped or 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes
1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
6 cups of beef or vegetable broth
2 tbsp of vegetable oil
1 tbsp of vinegar (to preserve the color of the beets)
1 tsp of sugar
Salt and pepper
Sour cream, for serving
Fresh dill

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Step By Step How to Make Borscht

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Peel and grate the beets, carrots, and chop the onion, celery, cabbage, and potato. Keep the beets separate to add later to preserve their color.

2. Sauté the Onions

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until they become translucent.

3. Add Carrots and Celery

Add the grated carrots and chopped celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.

4. Add the Beets

Stir in the grated beets, and add the vinegar and sugar. The vinegar helps maintain the bright red color of the beets. Cook for another 5 minutes.

5. Add Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the broth and add the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes). Bring the mixture to a boil.

6. Simmer the Soup

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the diced potatoes and shredded cabbage. Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.

7. Season the Soup

Near the end of cooking, add the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

8. Serve

Ladle the hot borscht into bowls. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill on top.

Tips To Make Borscht

For a non-vegetarian version, you can add chunks of beef stew meat at the step where you add the broth. Cook until the meat is tender. Some like their borscht to be more broth-like, while others prefer it almost as a vegetable stew. Adjust the amount of broth according to your preference. Besides vinegar, some like to add a bit of lemon juice for extra tanginess.

How Many Calories Has A Borscht

A typical serving of borscht contains about 100 to 150 calories for a vegetable-based borscht that includes beets, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and a small amount of vegetable oil.

If the borscht includes meat, such as beef, the calories are from 200 to 300 calories per cup.