Immerse yourself in the rich flavors and vibrant hues of this traditional Ukrainian Barszcz Ukraiński, a hearty beet soup that has been passed down through generations. With its perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, this comforting dish is a true celebration of Ukrainian culinary excellence.
.jpg)
Preparation Details
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 6
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Total Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) beef bone or beef shank
- 8 cups (1.9L) water or beef broth
- 1 pound (450g) beets, peeled and grated
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 parsnip, peeled and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Sour cream for garnish
- Fresh dill for garnish
Detailed Method of Preparation
- In a large pot, combine the beef bone or beef shank with 8 cups of water or beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes to create a rich broth.
- Remove the beef bone or shank from the broth and set it aside. Discard any scum or impurities that rise to the surface.
- Add the grated beets, diced onion, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, sliced parsnip, minced garlic, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and bay leaf to the broth.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- If desired, remove any remaining beef from the bone or shank and add it to the soup.
- Adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar to taste.
- Ladle the hot borscht into bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill.
Tips for Culinary Success
- For a vegetarian version, omit the beef bone or shank and use vegetable broth instead of water or beef broth.
- Garnish with crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Adjust the thickness of the borscht by adding more broth or water, or by mashing some of the cooked vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use red wine vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?
A: Yes, you can substitute red wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste preference.
Q: Can I use canned beets instead of fresh?
A: While fresh beets are preferred, you can use canned beets if necessary. Drain and rinse them well before adding them to the soup.
Q: How long does borscht keep in the refrigerator?
A: Properly stored in an airtight container, Ukrainian borscht will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Embrace the vibrant colors and rich flavors of this traditional Ukrainian Barszcz Ukraiński, a hearty beet soup that has been lovingly passed down through generations. Each spoonful is a celebration of Ukrainian culinary heritage, with its perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that will warm your soul and delight your taste buds.