Borscht
Borscht is the great soup of the Slavic east, a dish so deeply embedded in both Russian and Ukrainian culture that its origins predate the national borders drawn around it — UNESCO inscribed Ukrainian borscht as intangible cultural heritage in 2022. The defining technique is the vinegar: acid added with the raw grated beetroot locks in the garnet-red colour that would otherwise fade to a dull brown. Served with a generous spoonful of cold smetana and fresh dill, it is a complete winter meal in a single bowl.
Vinegar is the trick
Acid added with raw beetroot locks in the garnet-red colour
Grated, not boiled
Raw grated beetroot gives earthier flavour and deeper colour than pre-cooked
Better on day two
Borscht improves overnight as the flavours meld in the fridge
Smetana is non-optional
Cold sour cream swirled in at the end is half the experience
Ingredients 4 servings
- 500g raw beetroot, peeled and coarsely grated
- 300g white cabbage, thinly shredded
- 300g waxy potatoes, cut into 2cm cubes
- 2 medium carrots, julienned
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1.5 litres beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp sunflower oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (to fix the deep red colour)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Sour cream and fresh dill to serve
How to make it
- 1Heat oil over medium heat, add onion and carrots, and sauté 7–8 minutes until softened.
- 2Stir in tomato paste and garlic; cook 2 minutes.
- 3Add the grated beetroot and apple cider vinegar; cook 5 minutes — the vinegar fixes the deep red colour.
- 4Pour in the hot broth and add potatoes.
- 5Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
- 6Add shredded cabbage and simmer another 10 minutes until the cabbage is just tender and the potatoes are soft but not falling apart.
- 7Taste for salt, add pepper and extra vinegar if the soup needs brightness.
- 8Ladle into deep bowls and top with a generous spoonful of sour cream and fresh chopped dill.
Nutritional info
per serving (~400 ml)
Estimated nutritional values.
Pairs perfectly with
