Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup)

Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup) is a delightful and vibrant dish that brings warmth to any table. This hearty beet soup is perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners, or meal prep for the week. With its rich flavor profile and colorful presentation, it stands out as a nutritious option. You can enjoy Classic Borscht with a dollop of sour cream or real mayo for added creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With all ingredients prepped in advance, this borscht recipe comes together smoothly.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of beets, vegetables, and spices creates a deep, satisfying taste.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it warm or cold; it’s great for any season!
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables, it’s a healthy addition to your meal rotation.
• Great for Meal Prep: This recipe makes enough to serve a crowd or provide leftovers for busy days.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup), you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot (5 1/2 Qt or larger)
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Grater or food processor
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Ideal for cooking large quantities of soup evenly.
• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing vegetables to enhance their flavors before adding them to the soup.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Grater or food processor: Saves time when preparing beets and other veggies.

Ingredients

Our family’s go-to recipe for Borscht (Red Beet Soup). It’s best to have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go which makes this soup super easy and carefree. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or real mayo.

For the Soup Base:

• 3 medium beets (peeled and grated)
• 4 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 8 cups chicken broth (+ 2 cups water)
• 3 medium yukon potatoes (peeled and sliced into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 carrots (peeled and thinly sliced)
• 2 celery ribs (trimmed and finely chopped)
• 1 small red bell pepper (finely chopped, optional)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)

For Flavoring:

• 4 Tbsp ketchup or 3 Tbsp tomato sauce
• 1 can white cannellini beans with their juice
• 2 bay leaves
• 2-3 Tbsp white vinegar (or to taste)
• 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 large garlic clove (pressed)
• 3 Tbsp chopped dill

How to Make Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup)

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

• Peel, grate, and slice all vegetables as directed above.
• Keep sliced potatoes in cold water until ready to use to prevent browning.

Step 2: Sauté Beets

• Heat a large soup pot over medium/high heat.
• Add 2 Tbsp olive oil.
• Add grated beets; sauté for 10 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add Broth & Vegetables

• Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth along with 2 cups of water.
• Add sliced potatoes and carrots; cook for 10–15 minutes until easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

• In a large skillet over medium/high heat, add remaining 2 Tbsp olive oil.
• Sauté chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper until softened and lightly golden, about 7–8 minutes.
• Stir in ketchup; cook for an additional 30 seconds before transferring mixture to the soup pot.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

• Once potatoes reach desired softness, add white cannellini beans with their juice, bay leaves, vinegar, salt, black pepper, pressed garlic clove, and chopped dill.
• Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with more salt and vinegar if needed.

This Classic Borscht Recipe is sure to impress at any gathering! Enjoy your delicious beet soup!

How to Serve Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup)

Serving your Classic Borscht adds an extra touch of flavor and presentation. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this vibrant beet soup.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Dill: Sprinkle fresh dill on top for a burst of flavor and color.
• Chopped Parsley: Add parsley for a fresh, peppery taste that complements the beets.

Accompaniments

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream enhances the creaminess and balances the soup’s earthiness.
• Real Mayonnaise: For a richer texture, consider adding real mayo instead of sour cream.

With Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread pairs perfectly, adding another layer of flavor.

As a Cold Soup

• Chilled Borscht: Enjoy borscht cold in warmer months. Garnish with herbs and serve as a refreshing starter.

How to Perfect Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup)

Achieving the perfect Classic Borscht takes attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to enhance your soup-making skills.

• Use Fresh Beets: Freshly grated beets provide better flavor and vibrant color compared to pre-packaged or canned options.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Start with less vinegar and salt; you can always add more to suit your taste preferences.
• Opt for Homemade Broth: Using homemade chicken broth can elevate the overall taste significantly compared to store-bought versions.
• Cook Slowly: Allowing the soup to simmer slowly helps meld flavors together beautifully, making it richer in taste.

Best Side Dishes for Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup)

Pairing side dishes with your Classic Borscht can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. Potato Pancakes: Crispy potato pancakes offer a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the soup.
2. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles provide a sharp contrast, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
3. Salad with Vinaigrette: A light salad dressed with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the hearty soup.
4. Cheese Blintzes: Soft cheese blintzes are rich and creamy, making them an excellent accompaniment.
5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad provides crunch and coolness alongside hot borscht.
6. Steamed Dumplings: Fluffy dumplings filled with vegetables or meat pair well, soaking up the borscht’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup) even better. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the prep work: Not preparing all ingredients beforehand can lead to a chaotic cooking experience. Ensure everything is prepped and ready to go for a smooth cooking process.
• Overcooking the beets: Cooking the beets too long can cause them to lose their vibrant color and texture. Sauté them just enough until they soften but remain firm.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings can result in bland soup. Taste your borscht throughout cooking and tweak vinegar, salt, and pepper as needed.
• Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality chicken broth can affect the soup’s flavor. Choose a good-quality broth or make your own for the best results.
• Not allowing flavors to meld: Rushing the simmering process may leave flavors underdeveloped. Let your borscht simmer for a bit longer to enhance its depth of flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup)

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave a little space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup):

Can I customize my Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup)?

Yes! Feel free to add different vegetables or adjust seasonings based on your taste preferences.

How do I serve Classic Borscht?

Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or mayonnaise on top for added creaminess and flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip any animal-derived toppings.

How long will Classic Borscht last in the fridge?

It will last up to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I use canned beets instead of fresh?

Yes, canned beets can be used, but they may alter the texture slightly. Drain them well before adding.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup) is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs, making each batch uniquely yours. Try this comforting soup today!