Bold Spicy Beef Jerky
◷ 5 hr 10 min
Main Course
Sasha's Meatless Borscht
This vibrant and hearty beet soup is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting meal without meat. Packed with fresh vegetables and rich flavors, it’s a delicious way to warm up on a chilly day.
◷
1 hr 15 min
Total Time
♜
4
Servings
▥
Hard
Difficulty
Ingredients
4
servings
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Instructions
1
Step 1
Start by trimming the beet greens off the beets—discard the tough stems, then wash and chop the leaves. Set those aside for later. Give the beets a good scrub, then place them in a pot and cover with water. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let them cook, covered, until you can easily poke a knife through them—about 30 to 40 minutes. Drain the beets and rinse under cold water until cool enough to handle, then peel and grate them coarsely.
2
Step 2
Next, heat some olive oil in a large pot over low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently, stirring often, until it’s soft and translucent, around 3 to 5 minutes. Toss in the garlic and cook just until you can smell it—about a minute—being careful not to brown it. Add the carrots, rutabaga, and parsnip, cooking over medium heat until they start to soften, which should take 12 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle in the brown sugar and keep cooking until the veggies have a little color in spots, about 3 to 5 more minutes.
3
Step 3
Pour in about 2 quarts of water, then add the cabbage, salt, and a bay leaf. Give everything a good stir, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the beet greens during the last couple of minutes of cooking—leave the pot uncovered so they stay bright and fresh-looking.
4
Step 4
Finally, mix in the grated beets and take the pot off the heat right away to keep that beautiful color. Taste and adjust seasoning with vinegar, salt, and pepper. Serve it up with a sprinkle of parsley and a spoonful of sour cream on top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vibrant soup is full of fresh vegetables and rich flavors without any meat. It’s comforting, healthy, and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy traditional borscht in a lighter way. The natural sweetness of beets balances beautifully with the tanginess of vinegar or lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or a vegan alternative. Fresh dill or parsley on top adds a lovely touch. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
Keep the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. Stir before serving to redistribute the flavors.
