AUTHENTIC UKRAINIAN BORSCHT

beets

🥗Healthier: golden beets

💰Cheaper: canned beets

Golden beets offer a milder flavor, while canned beets save prep time.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: chicken broth

💰Cheaper: water with bouillon

Chicken broth adds depth, while bouillon is budget-friendly.

fresh herbs

🥗Healthier: dried herbs

💰Cheaper: frozen herbs

Dried herbs are more concentrated, and frozen herbs are cost-effective.

Add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil to a pot.

Add one head of cabbage cut into bite-sized pieces and cover to let it steam until translucent.

Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot and cover again to cook with steam.

Add carrots and beets to the pot.

Add cooked meat separated from bones and bite-sized pieces of potatoes.

Add 1 tablespoon of salt, 0.5 tablespoon of black pepper, 0.5 tablespoon of red pepper, and crushed dried basil.

Add 3 tablespoons of tomato paste and 3 tablespoons of pepper paste to the pot.

Add bay leaves and water as needed to cover the ingredients.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for a long time until everything is cooked through.

Add cilantro as the last ingredient before serving.

Serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: