Borscht Recipe (Beet Soup) (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Polish borscht and Ukrainian borscht? ›

According to Mikoyan's recipe, standard borsch contains meat, beetroot, cabbage, root vegetables, onions, tomato paste, vinegar and sugar, while “Ukrainian” borsch contains meat, cabbage, potatoes, beetroot, tomato paste, carrot, parsnip, onion, bacon, butter, vinegar and garlic, garnished with sour cream and chopped ...

Put simply, barszcz is a Polish name for a beetroot soup that is a shared staple in the whole of the Eastern Europe and the word borscht is an anglicised version of the Yiddish word for it. There are many many versions of this bright pink soup as it's eaten throughout the year.

The anthocyanins and betalains in beets are responsible for their scarlet hue, and are also immune-supporting antioxidants. Interestingly, beets contain natural nitrates, which can help increase blood flow to muscles for athletes and also help with lowering blood pressure.

Borscht is typically made with red meat. For a heart-healthy version, choose ground turkey, double the beans or use tofu. Tomatoes, parsnips and potatoes add potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.

I think the reason borscht has cemented itself as a national treasure in Ukraine is precisely because it is so multifaceted and readily adaptable. It has evolved over the centuries and made its way into every kitchen in the country without losing its essence and its roots.

It is often served with smetana or sour cream, hard-boiled eggs or potatoes, but there exists an ample choice of more involved garnishes and side dishes, such as uszka or pampushky, that can be served with the soup.

Borscht is healthy but should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet. No strict consumption frequency exists.

Beets are rich in antioxidants and nutrients that have proven health benefits for everyone. Consuming beets appears to be especially beneficial for people living with diabetes. Beets can help lower the risk of complications that may arise from an unmanaged condition, including nerve damage and eye damage.

Like many vegetables, the longer you cook beets—especially in water—the more the colorful phytonutrients leach out of the food and into the water. Retain the good-for-you nutrients in beets by roasting them or sautéing them instead.

Kale, spinach, cabbage, collards and other leafy greens are rich in dietary nitrates, which serve as a vasodilator that widens the blood vessels and improves blood flow.

Is it okay to eat beets every day? ›

Can you eat beets everyday? It's always best to follow a varied diet. Eating a small amount of beetroot every day is unlikely to do any harm, but a high intake could lead to low blood pressure, red or black urine and feces, and digestive problems for anyone with a sensitivity to the nutrients.

Although borscht is considered a high-calorie dish, the results were impressive: all participants lost weight. Approximately 50% of them managed to lose 5kg (11lb), and some even managed to get rid of 10kg (22lb).

Borscht, the traditional soup hailing from Eastern Europe, has been warming hearts and filling stomachs for centuries. This Ukraine's rich cultural heritage is reflected in the different versions, such as white borscht vs red borscht, which are popular in different regions.

Borscht – an authentic Polish soup, is also known as Barszcz Czerwony. It's a classic dish that is traditionally served on Christmas Eve.

Borscht is a beet soup that's warm, sweet, and sour all in one bowl. It has the umami and complexity of a well-developed chicken soup but the beets add a whole different flavor profile. Its sweetness comes from the beets, onions, and cabbage, and its tartness from tomatoes and vinegar.

Red borscht is the most popular borscht in Ukraine, it is prepared from cabbage, potatoes (from the second half of the 19th century), carrots, onions, parsley, dill, and beets. Green borscht is a sorrel or spring borscht. It is cooked in the spring, with young greens.