Beet and Cabbage Borscht

Borscht is an Eastern European soup that takes on many forms. This version is a hot soup that makes great use of winter vegetables. Replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock to make it vegan!

Ingredients:

1 onion, peeled

1 carrot, peeled

1 celery stalk

6 beets, peeled

1/4 head of cabbage, purple, green or savoy

3 cloves garlic, peeled

3 tbsp cooking oil or butter

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)

6 cups chicken or vegetable stock

1 14-ounce can of white beans (navy or cannellini), drained and rinsed

Optional garnish:

sour cream, plain yogurt, or crème fraîche

chopped fresh dill

 

Equipment:

Kitchen knife

Cutting board

Peeler

Box grater OR food processor with the grating attachment

Garlic press

Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients:

1 onion, peeled

1 carrot, peeled

1 celery stalk

6 beets, peeled

1/4 head of cabbage, purple, green or savoy

3 cloves garlic, peeled

3 tbsp cooking oil or butter

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)

6 cups chicken or vegetable stock

1 14-ounce can of white beans (navy or cannellini), drained and rinsed

Optional garnish:

sour cream, plain yogurt, or crème fraîche

chopped fresh dill

 

Equipment:

Kitchen knife

Cutting board

Peeler

Box grater OR food processor with the grating attachment

Garlic press

Measuring spoons and cups

Directions:

  1. Prep the vegetables. Dice the peeled carrot, peeled onion, and celery. Using the side or a box grater with large holes (or a food processor with a grating attachment), grate the peeled beets. Thinly slice the cabbage. Mince the peeled garlic or pass through a garlic press.
  2. Heat the cooking oil or melt the butter in a large soup pan over medium heat. Add the carrot, onion, and celery and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the grated beets and cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the cabbage and cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional caraway seeds, and cook for a few minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the stock and bring to a boil over medium heat and then reduce heat so that the soup simmers gently. Cook uncovered until all the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Add the rinsed and drained beans, bring to a simmer, and cook another 10 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt and some fresh dill, if desired.