Russian Borscht with Beef, Beets, and a Dollop of Sour Cream
Savor hearty Russian borscht made with tender beef, earthy beets, and topped with sour cream. This warming soup takes about 1 hour to prepare.
About This Recipe
Borscht is a traditional Eastern European soup, rich in flavor and history. This version features tender beef and earthy beets, perfect for a comforting meal.
Originating from Eastern Europe, Borscht is a vibrant beet soup that has numerous variations. This version with beef adds a heartiness that makes it a full meal.
Cooking the beef first allows the flavors to develop, infusing the broth with richness. The addition of beets provides not only vibrant color but also a sweet earthiness.
Expect a complex soup with a balance of sweetness from the beets and richness from the beef. A common pitfall is overcooking the beets; they should retain some texture.
Borscht is typically served with a generous dollop of sour cream, which adds creaminess and tang. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Why This Recipe Works
Flavor development: Browning the beef first builds a deep flavor base for the soup.
Balanced texture: Grating the beets ensures they cook evenly and integrate well into the broth.
Rich color: The vibrant red of the beets not only adds visual appeal but also nutrients.
Chef's Pro Tip: For an extra depth of flavor, let the borscht sit for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
60 min
Servings
Ingredients
Handy tools while you cook
Directions
- 1
In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat and brown the beef cubes for about 5 minutes.
- 2
Add chopped onion and grated carrots, cooking until the onion is translucent, around 5 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the grated beets and tomato paste; cook for another 5 minutes to soften the vegetables.
- 4
Pour in the beef broth, add diced potatoes and bay leaf, then bring to a boil.
- 5
Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6
Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
fat
15g
carbs
30g
fiber
5g
sodium
600mg
protein
25g
calories
350
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