Belarusian Borscht Recipe

Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes  

   Prep Time: 35 minutes

Belarusian Borscht Ingredients

Belarusian Borscht Instructions

  1. Place the beef short ribs in a large pot and cover with the beef stock. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface. Reduce heat to low, add the bay leaf, and simmer gently for 1 hour, partially covered.
  2. While the beef is simmering, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the julienned beets and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add the tomato paste, sugar, and red wine vinegar to the beets. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
  4. In a separate skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Add the julienned carrot and continue to cook for another 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  5. After the beef has simmered for 1 hour, remove the short ribs from the pot. Discard the bay leaf. Cut the meat off the bones, trim excess fat, and chop the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the meat to the pot.
  6. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and simmer for 10 minutes.
  7. Add the sautéed onion, carrot, and garlic mixture to the pot. Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook for 5 minutes.
  8. Add the cooked beets with tomato paste mixture to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  9. Season the soup with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Simmer gently for 15 minutes, partially covered, until all vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
  10. Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh dill. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
  11. Ladle the borscht into bowls. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced scallion for garnish.

Estimated Calories: 73, Servings: 6

Recommended Dishes

Borscht Pairings

If you are looking for the best flavors to complement a bowl of Belarusian borscht, think earthy, tangy, and a little bit sweet. The good news is that borscht is already a flavor powerhouse, but you can make it even more delicious with a quick sprinkle of fresh dill or a dollop of sour cream. The tanginess of the sour cream is like a healthy high five for your taste buds, while the dill adds a fast burst of freshness. If you want to get fancy, a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten things up in a snap, making your borscht recipe taste like it just came from a five-star Belarusian grandma.
Now, let us talk about sides, because no one should eat borscht alone-unless you are hiding from your in-laws, in which case, carry on. The best sidekick for borscht is a slice of hearty rye bread, preferably slathered with a good amount of butter. If you are feeling extra, try some garlic pampushki, which are fluffy rolls that are easy to make and great for dunking. For a healthy twist, a quick cucumber and tomato salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing crunch to your meal, making you feel like you are winning at life (and at dinner).
When it comes to drinks, you have options that range from the fast and easy to the "I am here for a good time, not a long time." For a non-alcoholic choice, a glass of cold kvass is a classic and delicious pairing, with its slightly sweet, malty flavor that plays well with the tangy notes of borscht. If you are in the mood for something a little stronger, a shot of chilled vodka is the best way to channel your inner Belarusian-just remember, moderation is key if you want to remember the recipe tomorrow! For a healthy and quick option, try a mug of herbal tea, which is great for sipping and gossiping about who makes the best borscht in town.

Healthy Borscht Tips

If you're on a quest to make your Belarusian Borscht recipe not just the best, but also a health superstar, you're in for a treat! Let's talk health, because who says delicious, authentic, and homemade can't also be good for you? First, swap out fatty meats for leaner cuts or even go full veggie-your heart will thank you, and your taste buds won't even notice the difference. Load up on those vibrant beets and fresh ingredients; they're packed with vitamins, fiber, and all the health magic you need. For a quick and easy health boost, use low-sodium broth and skip the heavy cream-Greek yogurt is a tasty, creamy, and health-friendly alternative. Don't forget, the best tips for a perfect, healthy Borscht include using lots of garlic and fresh herbs, which add flavor and health benefits without extra calories. So, if you're wondering how to make your simple Borscht recipe both tasty and health-forward, just remember: a few smart swaps and a dash of love make all the difference. Your body (and your Belarusian grandma) will be proud!

Borscht Quick Mistake Fixes

If your borscht ends up tasting like a salt lick, do not panic! It is easy to get a little too enthusiastic with the salt, especially when you are aiming for that deep, savory flavor. The best way to fix this is to add a splash of water or a handful of raw, peeled potatoes to the pot and let them simmer for a bit. The potatoes act like little salt sponges, soaking up the excess and leaving you with a more balanced, healthy, and delicious soup. Remember, a good borscht should make you want to dance, not run for a glass of water!
Nobody wants a bowl of borscht that is as limp as a forgotten salad. Overcooking is a common pitfall, especially when you are trying to get everything done fast and easy. The beets and veggies can turn mushy if left simmering for too long, robbing your dish of that great texture and vibrant appearance. The best borscht has veggies that are tender but still have a bit of bite, so keep an eye on the pot and do not let your soup turn into a magenta mush. A quick taste test is your friend here!
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the flavors just do not pop. Maybe it is a little bland, or maybe the tang is missing. This is where last minute changes can save the day and turn your borscht into a great, crowd-pleasing recipe. A dash of vinegar, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can work wonders to brighten things up. Do not be afraid to experiment-borscht is forgiving, and a quick tweak can make all the difference between a good soup and a truly delicious one!

Borscht Story

The first time I served my version of this recipe, I was expecting polite nods and maybe a few compliments about how it was a good attempt. Instead, my friend Greg took one bite, paused dramatically, and then declared, "This is the best thing I have ever tasted, and I am not even exaggerating!" I thought he was joking, but he proceeded to eat three bowls in quick succession, all while humming a tune that sounded suspiciously like a victory march. It was the kind of reaction that makes you wonder if you accidentally swapped sugar for salt or if Greg had just finished a week-long juice cleanse.
Later that evening, Greg cornered me in the kitchen, demanding to know my secrets. He was convinced there was some ancient, mystical technique behind the delicious result. I tried to explain that it was actually a pretty easy and fast process, but he was having none of it. He insisted that no healthy dish could possibly taste this great without some sort of wizardry involved. I almost felt guilty for not having a more dramatic story to tell, like wrestling a bear for the last ingredient or consulting a wise old chef on a mountaintop.
That interaction has stuck with me ever since, mostly because Greg now refers to me as "the culinary sorcerer" at every gathering. It is a title I wear with equal parts pride and embarrassment. Every time I make this dish, I remember his over-the-top reaction and it reminds me that sometimes the simplest, quickest meals can leave the biggest impression. Plus, it is always good to have a friend who thinks you are a kitchen wizard, even if your only real magic trick is following a recipe.

About Borscht Recipe

If you're searching for the best homemade soup that's both easy and delicious, you have to try this authentic Belarusian borscht recipe! I've made this recipe so many times, I could probably do it blindfolded (but I wouldn't recommend that-beets are messy). The ingredients are simple, but the flavor is out of this world. Seriously, if you want to know how to make a tasty soup that'll impress your friends and make your kitchen smell amazing, this is the one. Plus, it's quick enough for a weeknight dinner, but special enough for a family gathering.
One of my favorite things about this Belarusian classic is how flexible it is. You can use whatever veggies you have on hand, but the best borscht always starts with fresh beets, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. The secret to the perfect, authentic flavor is a little bit of patience-let those ingredients simmer together and work their magic! I always get compliments and requests for my recipe, and I love sharing my tips for making it extra tasty. Want to know how to make it even better? Add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill on top. Trust me, it's the best way to enjoy this soup.
If you're worried about making borscht for the first time, don't be! This recipe is so simple, even my neighbor who once burned water managed to pull it off. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow, and you'll be amazed at how quick it comes together. The ingredients are easy to find, and you probably already have most of them in your kitchen. So grab your apron, channel your inner Belarusian chef, and get ready to make the most delicious, authentic, and perfect borscht you've ever tasted. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!