Name: Authentic Ukrainian Borscht Soup
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Ingredients: 500g beef shank or short ribs; 2 medium beets, peeled and grated; 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 cups shredded green cabbage; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 tablespoons sunflower oil; 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 bay leaves; 6 cups water; Salt to taste; 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balance); Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish); Sour cream (for serving)

Description

This Authentic Ukrainian Borscht Soup is a comforting, traditional dish packed with sweet earthy beets, tender beef, and rustic vegetables. It’s a delicious option for a quick dinner, healthy lunch, or when you need new dinner ideas with bold flavor and heritage. This easy recipe combines Eastern European flavor with everyday ingredients for a nourishing and deeply satisfying soup—perfect for cold days, holidays, or hearty family meals.

Ingredients

500g beef shank or short ribs

2 medium beets, peeled and grated

1 large carrot, peeled and chopped

1 large onion, chopped

2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 cups shredded green cabbage

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 tablespoons sunflower oil

2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 bay leaves

6 cups water

Salt to taste

1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balance)

Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)

Sour cream (for serving)

Instructions

1. Simmer beef shank or ribs with bay leaves and peppercorns in water for 1.5 hours until meat is tender. Skim foam as needed.

2. In a skillet, sauté onions in sunflower oil until translucent. Add carrots and grated beets. Cook until softened, then stir in tomato paste and sauté briefly.

3. Strain the beef broth. Add potatoes and cook until just tender. Add shredded cabbage and the sautéed beet mixture to the pot.

4. Return cooked beef to the soup. Stir in vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Add a pinch of sugar if needed. Simmer for another 15 minutes.

5. Serve hot with sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill. Pair with rye bread or garlic rolls for a complete meal.

Notes

Sautéing the beets with vinegar before adding them to the soup helps preserve their vibrant color.

Use fresh dill and not dried—this makes a world of difference in flavor.

For even deeper flavor, let the Borscht sit overnight and reheat gently the next day.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Ukrainian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 210
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: authentic borscht, ukrainian borscht, beet soup, traditional borscht, easy soup recipe, hearty dinner, healthy soup