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Cozy Authentic Borscht Beet Soup Recipe Easy Homemade Perfect for Winter

authentic borscht beet soup recipe - featured image

A hearty and authentic Eastern European beet soup that is perfect for winter, balancing earthy beets with savory broth and fresh herbs for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium-sized beets, peeled and grated or thinly sliced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 6 cups vegetable broth or beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 12 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 bay leaf
  • About 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or sunflower oil
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving (or dairy-free yogurt for vegan option)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: peel and grate the beets and carrots; chop the onion finely; dice the potatoes; shred the cabbage; mince the garlic cloves. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the grated beets and carrots. Stir and cook for about 7-10 minutes until the vegetables soften and their natural sweetness blooms.
  4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  5. Add the broth, diced potatoes, shredded cabbage, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and cabbage is softened but still slightly crisp.
  6. Season with salt, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Start with 1 tablespoon vinegar, taste, and add more if desired for tanginess.
  7. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve hot, ladling into bowls and topping with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh dill.

Notes

[‘Use fresh beets for best flavor and color; pre-cooked vacuum-packed beets can be used but flavor will be less vibrant.’, ‘Slowly sauté onions and beets to bring out natural sugars and deepen flavor.’, ‘Keep broth at a gentle simmer to avoid mushy vegetables.’, ‘Adjust vinegar gradually to balance tanginess.’, ‘Beets stain hands; use gloves or wash promptly.’, ‘For smoother texture, mash some potatoes in the pot before serving.’, ‘Reheat gently with added broth or water if soup thickens.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: borscht, beet soup, authentic borscht, winter soup, Eastern European soup, beet recipe, comfort food, easy soup