Beet and Cabbage Borscht

Everyone should have more borscht - but what is it and where do you find it? Here’s what you need to know about borscht and why you should make this recipe.

‍

Borscht is an eastern European soup that’s a bright pink color due to the beetroot it contains. It also has vegetables like onion, carrots, and tomatoes. This recipe includes potato, which adds creaminess without saturated fat. With fresh herbs and dried spices, this borscht recipe may become your new favorite soup recipe.

‍

If you don’t want to peel the beets, potato, and carrots, you can use cubed vegetables instead. Then use an immersion blender or a regular blender at the end to make the soup smooth. 

‍

Serve it topped with plain yogurt, if desired. To make it a full meal, serve it with a side of chicken or tofu atop a salad.

‍

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium beets, peeled and grated
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced
• ½ head of cabbage, shredded
• 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or beef broth
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar
• 1 bay leaf
• (Optional) 1 teaspoon of dried dill or 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill
• (Optional) ½ teaspoon of caraway seeds
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• (Optional) Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
• (Optional) plain Greek yogurt for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
2. Stir in the beets and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they start to soften.
3. Stir the potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, and broth into the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the bay leaf, dried dill, caraway seeds (if using), and salt and pepper. 
4. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Remove from heat.
5. Stir in the vinegar and remove the bay leaf. Serve with any optional garnishes.

Nutrition information per serving: 130 kcal; 4 g total fat; 1 g saturated fat; 450 mg sodium; 0 mg cholesterol; 22 g total carbohydrates; 5 g dietary fiber; 9 g sugar; 5 g protein

‍