Russian Borscht

beets

🥗Healthier: golden beets

💰Cheaper: canned beets

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

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Homemade broth enhances flavor without added cost.

dill

🥗Healthier: parsley

💰Cheaper: frozen dill

Parsley offers a fresh taste, while frozen dill is budget-friendly.

Peel, grate, chop, slice, and dice all of the vegetables for borscht.

Thinly shred the cabbage.

Grate the carrots.

Peel and slice the beets into matchsticks.

Peel and slice potatoes, keeping them in cold water until ready to use.

Finely chop 1 onion, garlic, and red chili peppers.

Cook the broth by skimming off the scum when the water is just starting to bubble.

Add 1 onion and 1 carrot to the broth and continue skimming off the scum.

When the broth is ready, take out the meat and discard the onion and carrot.

Add 3-4 bay leaves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp ground cumin, and 2 tbsp sea salt to the broth.

When the broth starts boiling, add beets and let them boil for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, add chopped cabbage and let it boil for another 10 minutes.

When beets and cabbage are soft, add potatoes and black peppercorns and cook for about 15 minutes.

For the 'zazharka', heat a large sauté pan over medium/high heat and add olive oil.

Add chopped onion, garlic, and chili pepper to the pan and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.

Add grated carrots and sauté for 7-8 minutes until softened.

Add chopped tomatoes and sauté on low heat for about 10 minutes.

Carefully add chopped meat and stew, adding a little broth.

After about 15 minutes, let the meat chill for a couple of minutes.

Mix everything and let it boil for 2-3 minutes, adjusting the consistency with boiled water if desired.

Add salt to taste and 2 tbsp wine vinegar, then bring to a boil.

Season with herbs and serve with sour cream.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens