Traditional beet soup, a vibrant and comforting dish, is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. Growing up, my grandmother’s kitchen always smelled of simmering beets, garlic, and dill. The rich crimson broth, studded with tender vegetables, was a staple, especially during the cold winter months. Every spoonful transported me back to her warm embrace and stories of our family’s heritage. This classic borscht recipe shares that same heartfelt love of cooking and memories. I am so excited to share this traditional beet soup with you so you can recreate a memorable experience for yourself and your family.
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Why You Will Love This traditional beet soup Recipe
This traditional beet soup recipe is pure comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend lunch. It’s surprisingly simple to make and packed with flavor. The naturally sweet beets balance beautifully with the tangy vinegar and savory broth. What makes this classic borscht recipe special is how easily you can customize it: add more vegetables, adjust the sweetness, or top it with a dollop of sour cream. Plus, it is even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Ingredients Needed for This traditional beet soup Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful traditional beet soup:
- Beets: 3 medium, peeled and julienned
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and julienned
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Beef Broth: 8 cups (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- White Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (or lemon juice to taste)
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional, adjust to taste)
- Bay Leaf: 1
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Dill: Fresh, chopped, for garnish
- Sour Cream: For serving (optional)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
How to Make This traditional beet soup Recipe
Follow these steps to create a delicious and comforting traditional beet soup:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the julienned beets and carrots to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beets start to soften slightly.
- Stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. This allows the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and deepen the flavor.
- Pour in the beef broth (or vegetable broth). Add the bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the beets and carrots are tender.
- Stir in the white vinegar and sugar. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more vinegar or sugar to balance the sweetness and acidity.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh dill and a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
How to Serve This traditional beet soup Recipe
Traditional beet soup is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Serve it as a starter to a hearty meal, or enjoy it as a light lunch. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of mashed potatoes or pierogi. Toppings like fresh dill, chopped parsley, or a swirl of sour cream enhance the flavor and presentation.
How to Store This traditional beet soup Recipe
- Refrigeration: Store leftover traditional beet soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors often meld together and improve over time!
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make This traditional beet soup Recipe
- Beet Stains: Beets can stain, so wear an apron and consider using gloves when peeling and chopping them.
- Sweetness: The natural sweetness of beets varies. Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to balance the flavors to your liking.
- Vegetable Variations: Don’t be afraid to add other vegetables like cabbage, potatoes, or bell peppers to customize your traditional beet soup.
- Broth Quality: The quality of the broth significantly impacts the flavor of the soup. Use a good quality homemade or store bought broth for the best results. You can even use homemade chicken stock for added depth of flavor!
Helpful Notes for This traditional beet soup Recipe
- Beet Preparation: Pre cooked beets can be used to save time, but fresh beets will always deliver the best flavor.
- Vinegar Options: White vinegar is traditionally used, but you can substitute apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or lemon juice depending on your preference.
- Dill: Don’t skip the fresh dill! It adds a bright, distinct flavor that complements the beets perfectly. If you’re not a dill fan, a little fresh parsley can be used as a substitute.
- Serving Temperature: This classic borscht recipe is delicious served both hot and cold. Chill it down for a refreshing summer soup!
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Variation of This traditional beet soup Recipe
- Creamy Borscht: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier soup.
- Meat Borscht: Add cooked beef, pork, or sausage to the soup for a heartier meal. Brown the meat before adding it to the pot with the other vegetables.
- Vegan Borscht: Use vegetable broth and omit the sour cream for a delicious vegan version of this classic borscht recipe.
What is traditional beet soup called?
Traditional beet soup is most commonly known as borscht. The name varies slightly depending on the region or country, but borscht generally refers to a soup with beets as its primary ingredient.
What are the main ingredients in traditional beet soup?
The key ingredient is beets, which give the soup its characteristic color and flavor. Other common ingredients include beef or vegetable broth, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, and dill. Some variations may also include meat, beans, or a dollop of sour cream.
Is traditional beet soup served hot or cold?
Beet soup can be served either hot or cold, depending on the season and regional preference. Hot borscht is often enjoyed during colder months, while cold borscht is a refreshing summer dish.
How do you make beet soup taste better?
Adding a touch of acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar, can brighten the flavors. Also, be sure to roast the beets beforehand to bring out their sweetness. A dollop of sour cream or fresh herbs can also enhance the dish.
Conclusion
This traditional beet soup recipe truly embodies the warmth and comfort of home cooking. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a vibrant and flavorful dish. I hope this classic borscht recipe brings you as much joy as it has brought my family for generations. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!
Traditional Beet Soup: Ultimate Borscht Recipe, Easy & Proven
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A vibrant and comforting traditional beet soup recipe, perfect for a cozy meal. This classic borscht recipe combines sweet beets, tangy vinegar, and savory broth for a flavor packed experience.
Ingredients
- 3 medium beets, peeled and julienned
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 8 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar (or lemon juice to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh dill, chopped, for garnish
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add beets and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in tomato paste and garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in broth. Add bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Stir in vinegar and sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Remove bay leaf. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with dill and sour cream, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: borscht, beet soup, vegetarian, healthy, comfort food