Ukrainian Borscht with White Beans
A hearty and flavorful Ukrainian borscht featuring a rich beet broth, tender vegetables, and protein-rich white beans. This soup is a staple in Ukrainian cuisine, known for its vibrant color and nourishing qualities.
๐ง Ingredients
- 1 lb Pork ribs or beef (for broth)
- 2 liters Water
- 2 Bay leaves
- 4-5 Allspice berries
- 3 medium Beets(peeled and diced)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 0.5 lb Potatoes(peeled and diced)
- 0.5 lb Cabbage(thinly sliced)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp Canola oil or clarified butter
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 0.5 can Canned tomatoes(peeled and diced)
- 1 can White beans (Cannellini or similar)(drained and rinsed)
- 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar or beet kvass
- 1 tsp Sugar
- to taste Salt
- to taste ground Black pepper
- for garnish Fresh dill or parsley
- for serving Sour cream
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Prepare the broth: In a large pot, combine pork ribs or beef, water, bay leaves, and allspice berries. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the meat is tender. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Remove meat, discard bones, and set meat aside.
- 2
Add diced beets and sliced carrots to the broth. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
- 3
Add thinly sliced cabbage, diced tomatoes, and drained white beans to the pot. Cook for 10 minutes.
- 4
In a separate pan, heat oil over medium heat and sautรฉ the chopped onion until lightly golden. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add this mixture to the soup pot.
- 5
Add diced potatoes to the soup. Stir in vinegar and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6
Return the reserved cooked meat to the pot. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- 7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill or parsley and a dollop of sour cream.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โWear gloves when handling beets to avoid staining your hands.
- โFor a richer flavor, you can use a combination of beef and pork for the broth.
- โIf you prefer a thicker borscht, you can add a small amount of flour to the sautรฉed onions.
- โLeftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 4 months.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or celery root to the broth.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
- Some variations include adding a small amount of tomato paste for deeper flavor.