A Hearty Ukrainian Borscht Recipe You’ll Want to Try Today
Are you craving a hearty and flavorful soup that’s both satisfying and deeply comforting? Look no further than our authentic vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht recipe.
Borscht is a beloved dish in Ukraine, where it’s been enjoyed for centuries as a staple of winter cuisine. Traditionally containing meat, this iconic soup is made with beets, root vegetables, cabbage, and a variety of other ingredients that create a depth of flavor that is unmatched.
Our recipe offers a vegan twist on the classic dish that still delivers all the deliciousness of the original. Packed with nutrient-dense veggies and aromatic herbs, our vegetarian borscht recipe is perfect for warming up on a cold winter day or serving to your friends and family during holidays like Christmas Eve.
With its vibrant color and rich texture, this soup will transport you to Eastern Europe with every spoonful. So roll up your sleeves and join us in making traditional Ukrainian borscht with a plant-based twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of eating bland and uninspired vegetarian meals? Look no further than this Authentic Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht recipe! This hearty soup is perfect for a chilly day and will warm both your body and soul with its rich flavors.
What makes this borscht recipe so special? First and foremost, it’s a traditional Ukrainian dish that has been enjoyed for generations. By following this recipe, you’ll be transported to the picturesque countryside of Ukraine as you savor each spoonful of the delicious soup.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to be Ukrainian to enjoy this meal! The combination of root vegetables like beets, potatoes, and carrots make this borscht hearty and filling while still being light on calories.
Plus, this vegetarian borscht is loaded with nutrients from the fresh tomatoes, garbanzo beans, and green cabbage. And let’s not forget about the flavor boosters like caraway seed and bay leaf.
So whether you’re a die-hard vegan or an occasional meat eater looking to switch up your diet, this Ukrainian borscht recipe is perfect for you. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how comforting it is to eat. So why not give it a try today? Your taste buds will thank you.
Ingredient List
Here is a detailed list of the fresh and flavorful ingredients you’ll need to create this authentic Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht recipe:
For the Broth:
- 12 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium white potatoes, peeled and cut into matchsticks
- 1 small green cabbage head, shredded (about 6 cups)
- 3 medium beets, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and shredded
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 hot chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped
(Note: omit if you prefer a milder taste) - 4 garbanzo beans, cooked
(Note: cans of cooked garbanzo beans can also be used) - 3 fresh tomatoes, diced coarsely or blended till smooth
(Note: canned tomatoes are an alternative) - 1 tablespoon caraway seed
(Note: lightly roasted and coarsely ground seeds are recommended)
To Serve:
- Fresh dill
- Sour cream (optional)
You may already have some of these ingredients on hand in your pantry or fridge! Check your supply for caraway seeds or garbanzo beans before hitting the grocery store.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get cooking! This vegetarian Ukrainian borscht is the perfect meal for a cozy evening. It is hearty, full of root vegetables, and contains garlic cloves, bay leaf, and caraway seed for a unique flavor. Here is how to make this delectable dish:
Ingredients
- 2 medium beetroot, peeled and diced small cubes
- 3 medium white potatoes, peeled cut into matchsticks
- 1 onion
- 1 green cabbage head, shredded
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 hot chili pepper, seeded and chopped (optional)
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 medium fresh tomatoes, peeled and shredded
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 8 cups of water or vegetable broth
- 2 tsp. sea salt
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp. dried dill (or more if desired)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 tsp. caraway seed
- 1 tbsp. apple cider or pure maple syrup
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large pot, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onions, minced garlic, hot chili pepper (if using), shredded green cabbage, and diced beets.
- Saute until vegetables are fragrant and softened for about ten minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Add the tomato paste and shredded fresh tomatoes to the pot and stir until combined.
- Then pour in eight cups of water or vegetable broth.
- Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low-medium heat and add diced potatoes, bay leaves, caraway seed, salt, black pepper,and apple cider or pure maple syrup (if you have it handy).
- Simmer for about thirty minutes or until vegetables are cooked through and tender.
- Lastly, add the drained garbanzo beans and dried dill seasoning to the pot.
- Turn off the heat and let everything simmer together with pot covered for another five minutes so that all of the ingredients meld together.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream or vegan alternative for added creaminess.
This vegan borscht recipe is relatively easy to make but do not hesitate to experiment with spices like garlic cloves, caraway seed or celery seed as well different quantities of sea salt or pure maple syrup – until you find your perfect taste!
Substitutions and Variations
No two borscht recipes are the same, and this vegetarian Ukrainian borscht recipe is no exception. While the authentic ingredients make the dish taste incredible, you can always mix things up with some substitutions and variations to cater to your palate.
For instance, if you don’t have garbanzo beans, kidney beans make for an excellent alternative. Similarly, if you want a low-carb dish, substitute the potatoes with turnips or rutabagas. You could also throw in some carrots or parsnips to keep it hearty.
For those who love spicy food, feel free to add more hot chili peppers for an extra kick. You can also use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika to add a smoky flavor to the soup.
If you’re looking to add a slightly sweet flavor to your borscht, pure maple syrup is an ideal substitute for granulated sugar or honey. For some added acidity, replace the apple cider vinegar with white or red wine vinegar.
And finally, for a vegan twist on traditional Ukrainian borscht soup, skip the sour cream altogether or use non-dairy yogurt as a topping instead.
Remember that there’s no right or wrong way to make a borscht recipe. Experiment until you find your perfect blend of flavors and ingredients – that way, you’ll have your own unique version of this classic dish that can be enjoyed all year round!
Serving and Pairing
One of the best things about this authentic vegetarian Ukrainian borscht recipe is how versatile it is in terms of pairing and serving. This borscht soup is a hearty dish and can be served on its own as a complete meal. The traditional way to serve it is with a dollop of sour cream on top, which adds a cool and creamy texture to the soup while balancing the heat from the hot chili pepper.
This borscht recipe also pairs well with bread, preferably crusty artisan bread, which is perfect for soaking up every last drop of this delicious beet soup. You can also pair it with naan bread or pita bread, which complements the earthiness of the beets and root vegetables.
For an extra twist, you can go for some grated horseradish, which adds a refreshing and slightly spicy tang to this Ukrainian borscht. Another great pairing option is to serve it with boiled potatoes or even pierogi, a Ukrainian dumpling typically filled with savory ingredients like cheese, sauerkraut or mashed potatoes.
Whether you serve this vegetarian borscht recipe as an appetizer or main course, you can’t go wrong with some fresh parsley or dill on top before serving. These herbs provide a fresh boost of flavor that complements the sweetness of the beets perfectly.
In terms of pairings, you could try a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir, which balances the acidity in this dish. Alternatively, you could opt for something crisp and refreshing like hard cider or a light lager beer like Pilsner Urquell.
Overall, there are endless possibilities when it comes to serving and pairing this authentic vegetarian Ukrainian borscht recipe. Get creative and experiment with different flavors until you find your perfect combination!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve made and enjoyed your delicious vegetarian Ukrainian borscht recipe, you might be wondering how to store or reheat it. Not to worry, I’ve got you covered with some tips!
For storing this soup, I advise placing it in an airtight container and refrigerating it for up to five days. It’s important to let the soup cool completely before storing, to prevent the growth of bacteria. You can also freeze the borscht for up to three months in a freezer-safe container. Just make sure that the soup is fully defrosted before reheating.
When it comes time to reheat your borscht, there are a couple of ways to go about it. The simplest method is using a microwave-safe dish and reheating it in the microwave. Simply heat the soup on high for 1-2 minutes while stirring every 30 seconds.
If you’re using a stove, place your soup on medium heat and bring it to a boil while stirring occasionally. Once the soup is boiling, turn down the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes on low. This will ensure that your borscht is heated evenly without overcooking.
Before serving, add some fresh herbs such as dill or chopped parsley for extra flavor and aroma. Don’t forget to pair with a dollop of sour cream or vegan sour cream if desired!
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your leftover borscht will taste just as delicious as when you first made it. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking a perfect borscht requires patience and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results for your vegetarian Ukrainian borscht recipe.
Firstly, when cutting the vegetables for the soup, it is important to aim for uniformity in size. Vegetables cut into small pieces will cook quickly and be tender, while larger pieces will take longer to cook and may remain tough.
Next, be sure to sauté the garlic and onion until translucent before adding other ingredients. This step brings out their flavor and adds depth to the soup.
Another tip is to toast the caraway seed in a dry pan before grinding it. The heat will release more flavor and fragrance from the seeds, which enhances the overall taste of the soup.
Additionally, if you want to add some heat to your soup, you can use hot chili peppers or red pepper flakes. However, it is best to add them gradually and taste as you go because too much spice can overpower other flavors.
When cooking with beets, note that they can stain hands or clothing easily. To avoid this, wear gloves while peeling and chopping them, and protect your work surface with paper towels or plastic wrap.
Finally, borscht tastes even better when reheated. After letting your soup cool completely, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat it on low heat on the stove or in the microwave until hot throughout.
By following these tips you’ll be able to enhance the flavor of your vegetarian Ukrainian borscht recipe and impress anyone who tries it!
FAQ
As someone who loves sharing culinary secrets and traditions, let me present you the frequently asked questions portion of our Ukrainian borscht recipe guide! On this section, we will be addressing some questions that are commonly asked about this iconic dish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone who’s trying to explore new horizons with their plant-based cooking, our goal is to navigate your way through the ingredients and steps with ease. So, let’s jump right in!
What is the difference between Russian and Ukrainian borscht recipe?
The traditional recipe of borsch, as suggested by Mikoyan, includes ingredients like meat, cabbage, beetroot, onions, root vegetables, tomato paste, vinegar and sugar. However, the “Ukrainian” variant of borsch involves a combination of meat, cabbage, potatoes, beetroot, tomato paste, carrot, parsnip, onion, bacon, butter, garlic, and topped off with a dollop of sour cream and garnished with chopped herbs.
What is the main component of traditional Ukrainian borscht?
Borscht is a popular Ukrainian dish that is often made with meat or bone broth, sautéed vegetables, and beet sour. However, variations of the recipe may exclude or exchange some of these ingredients.
What makes Ukrainian borscht unique?
Borscht is a filling soup that hails from Ukraine and includes a medley of veggies with a particular emphasis on root vegetables and cabbage. Beets are responsible for giving the soup its distinctive deep red hue, and it is typically served alongside pirozhki, which are turnovers filled with onions and beef. For added richness, it can be topped off with a dollop of sour cream.
What is the difference between borsch and borscht?
Have you ever heard of Borsch? It’s a soup that is commonly associated with beets and typically served chilled in America. However, after some research, I discovered that in Russia, where it originated, it is spelled Borshch and typically served piping hot during the cold winter months. So, let’s dive into the world of Borshch and learn how to prepare this traditional dish.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this authentic Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht recipe is not only healthy and packed with nutrients but also rich in history and culture. The combination of beets, white potatoes, fresh tomatoes, and a variety of root vegetables create a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
By using garbanzo beans or kidney beans instead of meat, this recipe transforms a traditionally meat-based dish into a vegan and vegetarian-friendly option for everyone to enjoy. The addition of dill and caraway seed provides distinctive flavors that are essential to the dish’s authenticity.
Not only is this dish comforting, but it also has an emotional connection to its Ukrainian roots that allows us to share in their experience. By following this recipe and using these ingredients, you can bring a taste of Ukraine to your kitchen and share it with your loved ones.
So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and indulge in some hearty Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht soup. You won’t regret it!
Authentic Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon caraway seed
- 1/2 medium green cabbage head, roughly shredded
- 2 organic carrots, roughly shredded
- 2 small white potatoes, cut to small bite size
- 1 large organic beet, roughly shredded
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
- 1 (13 1/2 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drain and rinse (chick peas)
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1 cup water
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons fresh organic dill
- 1 tablespoon organic gluten free apple cider
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 hot chili pepper, chopped and seeded (optional)
- sea salt
- fresh ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
Instructions
- Add olive oil into a large soup pot and heat, then add onions and sauté for 5 minutes on low heat, add caraway seeds and sauté another minute. Add balance of ingredients except garlic and topping and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and serve with a scoop of yogurt or sour cream and garnish with dill.
- For the topping ~ use scoop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream and garnish with fresh dill.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.