Description
If you’ve never tried Authentic Ukrainian Borscht Soup, you’re in for something truly comforting and nourishing. This bold, hearty soup is rich with earthy beets, tender beef, sweet carrots, potatoes, and fragrant dill — all in a deep red broth that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for a quick dinner, a healthy lunch, or an easy recipe to batch prep and freeze, this is one of those food ideas that always hits the spot. A warm bowl of borscht topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs is the kind of meal that feeds the soul. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas, breakfast-for-dinner nights, or a healthy snack that satisfies — borscht fits beautifully.
Ingredients
1 lb beef chuck or short ribs
3 medium beets, peeled and cubed or grated
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 medium potatoes, cubed
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Sour cream, for serving
Instructions
1. Place the beef in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, skim off any foam, add bay leaves and salt, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until meat is tender.
2. Peel and chop all vegetables. Grate the beets if preferred.
3. In a skillet, sauté onion in oil until translucent. Add garlic, tomato paste, and beets. Cook for 5–7 minutes to deepen the flavor.
4. Remove cooked beef from the pot, shred or chop, and strain broth if desired.
5. Add potatoes and carrots to the broth and simmer until nearly tender, about 10 minutes.
6. Add shredded cabbage and beet mixture. Simmer another 15–20 minutes until cabbage is tender.
7. Return beef to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and vinegar or lemon juice to taste. Simmer another 5 minutes.
8. Serve hot, garnished with sour cream and fresh dill.
Notes
Let the soup sit overnight in the fridge — it tastes even better the next day.
Don’t skip sautéing the beets with tomato paste — this locks in color and flavor.
Always add vinegar or lemon juice at the end to keep the beet color vibrant.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: borscht, authentic borscht, beet soup, Ukrainian recipes, easy dinner, healthy soup, quick meal, traditional soup