Borscht is one of those dishes that I honestly thought I wouldn’t like. When I was first introduced to the dish as a kid, the idea of a soup made out of beets just didn’t appeal. At all. Mostly likely because my introduction was likely those canned beets that you find on salad bars. And then I tasted borscht and loved it!
In this version the beets are roasted in advance, which caramelizes them and bring out the sweetness. The addition of beef or pork adds another level of flavor. And then the addition of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy element that takes the soup over the top.
The recipe calls for Ajvar, a thick roasted red pepper and eggplant sauce. It’s very common ingredient in the Slavic countries where the recipe originated. Ajvar can be found in the international section of some grocery stores, but if you can’t find it, just substitute either red pepper or tomato paste.
If you are a beet lover and want to increase the intensity of the beet flavor in your borscht, add some raw fresh grated beets at the same time the red cabbage is added during the cooking process. And if you want to make a vegetarian version, just omit the meat and use vegetable stock or vegetable bouillon cubes instead.
If you are a fan of international foods, head over to our International Recipes section and to view our full collection of recipes inspired by our ongoing travels around the world.
Beef Borscht - a hearty soup featuring lean chunks of beef joined with roasted beets, carrots and red cabbage. Top with sour cream and serve with crusty bread.Beef Borscht - Beetroot and Cabbage Soup
Ingredients
Instructions
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I love a good borscht, especially in the fall and winter. Yours looks amazing!
I need to try this recipe! My husband loves borscht but I haven’t found a version that’s my favorite yet–this looks like it would please us both!
Such a classic recipe for this time of year, unfortunately out beet crop got destroyed by a pest this year 🙁
I am loving all the cabbage recipes around at the moment and this looks super comforting.
Oh my gosh this sounds amazing! I have all the veg in my fridge, just need to get some beef. That’s dinner tomorrow sorted, thank you!
Let me know how it comes out!