Beef or Pork Borscht with Beets and Cabbage
Beet, cabbage and potato soup with tender meat, dill and sour cream.
This hearty borscht simmers beef or pork with beetroot, potato, cabbage and tomato for a deep, earthy broth. Cook the meat until tender, soften the vegetables separately and finish with dill and a spoonful of sour cream. Place meat, water, half the onion, one carrot and bay leaves in a large pot. Bring to a boil, skim foam, then simmer 75 to 100 minutes until tender. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet. Cook grated beets and remaining carrot 8 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook 5 minutes. Remove meat to a plate and strain broth if desired. Add potatoes and cabbage to broth; simmer 15 minutes. Return meat to pot. Add beet mixture, thyme, salt and pepper. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Recipe card
Beef or Pork Borscht with Beets and Cabbage
Equipment: Measuring tools, mixing bowl and suitable pan
Ingredients
Instructions
Simmer meat
Place meat, water, half the onion, one carrot and bay leaves in a large pot. Bring to a boil, skim foam, then simmer 75 to 100 minutes until tender.
Cook beets
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet. Cook grated beets and remaining carrot 8 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook 5 minutes.
Cook vegetables
Remove meat to a plate and strain broth if desired. Add potatoes and cabbage to broth; simmer 15 minutes.
Combine
Return meat to pot. Add beet mixture, thyme, salt and pepper. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Serve
Remove thyme stems and bay leaves. Serve with sour cream and dill.
How to tell when it is ready
Cook until tender and evenly heated as described.
Tips
- Measure ingredients before beginning.
- Use evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning near the end.
- Cool and store leftovers promptly.
Troubleshooting
- If mixture is too wet, add binder gradually.
- If browning too quickly, lower the heat.
Substitutions
- Use a compatible neutral oil if needed.
- Choose suitable alternatives for dietary needs.
Variations
- Adjust herbs or spices to taste.
- Add a suitable seasonal ingredient.
Serving suggestions
- Serve with a fresh seasonal side.
- Pair with bread, rice or another suitable accompaniment.
- Offer a complementary sauce or topping.
- Serve warm or chilled as directed.
Make ahead
Prepare components ahead and refrigerate perishable ingredients; finish shortly before serving.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.
Food safety
Contains meat and dairy. Cook meat until tender and refrigerate soup within 2 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare this ahead?
Prepare components ahead and refrigerate promptly; finish close to serving.
How should I store christmas eve borscht?
Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.
Serve promptly and refrigerate leftovers safely.
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