Eastern European beet soup with sour cream
Classic Borscht
Classic Borscht
1h 50mEasy
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
1 hr 30 min
Total Time
1 hr 50 min
Servings
8
10 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Classic Borscht
Eastern European beet soup with sour cream
A vibrant magenta beet soup with beef, cabbage, and root vegetables, finished with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill. Earthy, sweet, tangy, and deeply satisfying.
20m
Prep Time
90m
Cook Time
110m
Total Time
8
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Borscht is one of Eastern Europe's most iconic dishes—a stunning magenta soup that tastes as good as it looks. The earthy sweetness of beets balanced by tangy sour cream is a flavor combination like no other.
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets, peeled and grated
- 1 lb beef chuck, cubed
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 2 potatoes, diced, 1 carrot grated, 1 onion diced
- 6 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Sour cream, fresh dill for serving
Instructions
- 1
Brown beef cubes in a large pot, then add broth and simmer covered for 45 minutes until tender.
- 2
Add grated beets, potatoes, carrots, and onion. Simmer 20 minutes.
- 3
Add shredded cabbage and cook another 15 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
- 4
Stir in red wine vinegar, season with salt and pepper, and adjust acidity to taste.
- 5
Ladle into bowls and top each with a generous dollop of sour cream and a shower of fresh dill.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve alongside a fresh baguette and salted butter
Pair with a crisp green salad with Dijon vinaigrette
Substitutions
Beef chuckOmit for vegetarian, or use pork ribs
Pork ribs are traditional in some regional versions
Red wine vinegarLemon juice or sauerkraut juice
Sauerkraut juice is a traditional souring agent
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Add the vinegar at the end—it brightens the color and balances the sweetness of the beets.
Borscht tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat over medium heat. Add sour cream and dill fresh when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (50mg) · 8 servings
Calories220
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein18g
Carbohydrates8g
Fat22g
Fiber580mg
Sugar4g
Sodium8g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make vegetarian borscht?
- Yes, skip the beef and use vegetable broth. Add extra root vegetables for substance.
- Why did my borscht turn brown?
- Prolonged boiling dulls beet color. Add vinegar and don't overcook after adding beets.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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