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Cozy Classic Russian Borscht Soup Recipe

Cozy Classic Russian Borscht Soup Recipe - featured image

A warm and comforting traditional Russian beet soup with a rich broth, fresh vegetables, and a touch of dill, perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups beef or vegetable broth (1.4 liters)
  • 1 lb (450g) beef chuck, diced (optional)
  • 3 medium beets, peeled and shredded (about 1 lb / 450g)
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage (about 200g), green or savoy
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for serving
  • Fresh rye bread or pumpernickel for dipping

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add diced beef chuck and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in shredded beets and julienned carrots. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor and slightly caramelize.
  5. Pour in beef or vegetable broth and return browned beef to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  6. Add cubed potatoes and shredded cabbage. Simmer for another 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender but still hold their shape.
  7. Stir in apple cider vinegar, sugar, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Let flavors mingle for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Optional: Ladle out about 2 cups of soup and blend until smooth. Stir back into the pot for a silky texture with chunks remaining.
  9. Stir in fresh dill off the heat.
  10. Ladle hot borscht into bowls, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and serve with rye bread.

Notes

Use gloves when peeling beets to avoid staining hands. Keep a gentle simmer to prevent toughening meat and vegetables. Adding vinegar towards the end preserves its bright tang. For a silkier texture, blend a portion of the soup and stir back in. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days refrigerated or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: borscht, Russian soup, beet soup, classic borscht, homemade soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe