Simple Borscht Recipe (Instant Pot or Stove Top!) (2024)

A simple delicious Borscht Recipe -ahealthy,vegetarian beet and cabbage soup that can be made in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. Warming and nourishing, Borscht is full of flavor andnutrients! Vegan-adaptable and gluten-free. Video

Simple Borscht Recipe (Instant Pot or Stove Top!) (1)

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.― Hal Borland

The color of this soup almost feels therapeutic during the winter months! Bright and vibrant and full of healthy fresh veggies, Borscht nourishes body and soul. This version made by my friend Tonia is vegan, except for a dollop of sour cream (or yogurt ) on the top, but feel free to leave it off entirely or sub vegan yogurt. I find the little extra richness to be lovely.

Earthy, tangy and subtly sweet from the beets, Borscht is elevated with a generous sprinkling of fresh dill. A whisper of Spring.

Make it quickly in your instant pot or simmer it slowly on your stove – either way it is sure to delight. A little bit of color therapy, just when we need it most!

Craving more Beet Recipes? Take a peek at our collection of 20+ Best Beet Recipes, for more ways to cook this nutritious little gem!

How to make Broscht| Video

Simple Borscht Recipe (Instant Pot or Stove Top!) (2)

Where does Borscht Originate?

Borscht hails from Eastern Europe – Russia and Ukraine – and is traditionally made with beef bone broth, giving it delicious depth to balance the tartness. If so inclined feel free to use bone broth- or keep it vegan with veggie broth– up to you!

Simple Borscht Recipe (Instant Pot or Stove Top!) (3)

The fresh really dill elevates the Borscht – so be sure to include this!

Simple Borscht Recipe (Instant Pot or Stove Top!) (4)

We hope you enjoy thissimple Borscht recipe – made with colorful beets, cabbage and fresh dill. Share your adaptions and let us know what you think in the comments below!

Other Beet recipes you may like

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  • How to Make Beet Kvass!
  • Poke Beets!

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Simple Borscht Recipe (Instant Pot or Stove Top!) (5)

Simple Borscht Recipe

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star4.8 from 58 reviews

  • Author: Tonia Schemmel
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 1x
  • Category: soup, vegan, instant pot, vegetarian, gluten-free
  • Method: Instant pot, stove top
  • Cuisine: Russian
Print Recipe

Description

A simple delicious recipe for Borscht, a healthy, vegan-adaptable beet and cabbage soup that can be made in an Instant Pot or on the stove top. Warming and nourishing, Borscht is full of flavor andnutrients!

Ingredients

UnitsScale

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 6 large garlic cloves, rough chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced or diced small
  • 1 extra large beet, thinly sliced, or small dice (approx. 2 cups)
  • 2 cups red cabbage, shredded or chopped
  • 1 cup beet stems and greens, chopped (optional or add another cup cabbage)
  • 4 cups veggie broth (or chicken stock or traditional beef stock)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (more to taste)
  • 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped

Garnish: dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt or vegan yogurt

Instructions

Set Instapot to “saute” function.

Add the olive oil (or butter) and diced onions and sauté 4-5 minutes stirring often making sure onions do not stick.Add the rest of the veggies; garlic, celery, carrots, beets, cabbage, beet stems and greens and stir to coat with onions and oil.

Add the broth and tomato paste, spices, salt and pepper. Give and stir and press “cancel” button.

Place the lid on pot and lock, making sure steam release is pointed to Sealing.Press High Pressure and set to 10 minutes.When time is up, allow to naturally release for 5 minutes then place kitchen towel over the pressure release button and turn to manually release.Once the float valve drops, open the lid.

Stir in the apple cider vinegar.Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

To serve, top with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt ( or vegan yogurt) and ample amounts of fresh dill.

Enjoy!!!

Notes

This can also be made on the stove top, in a similar fashion. Heat oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the onions, stirring 4-5 minutes. Lower heat to medium and add garlic, saute 2 minutes, then add celery, carrots, beets, cabbage, beet greens, stirring to coat. Add broth and tomato paste. Add spices, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover and simmer on low heat 20 minutes or until beets and carrots are tender.

Continue with recipe above, adding vinegar, adjusting salt and pepper.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups -without sour cream
  • Calories: 106
  • Sugar: 7.6 g
  • Sodium: 491.4 mg
  • Fat: 5.1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14.7 g
  • Fiber: 3.8 g
  • Protein: 2.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Simple Borscht Recipe (Instant Pot or Stove Top!) (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between beet soup and borscht? ›

Put simply, barszcz is a Polish name for a beetroot soup that is a shared staple in the whole of the Eastern Europe and the word borscht is an anglicised version of the Yiddish word for it. There are many many versions of this bright pink soup as it's eaten throughout the year.

Why does borscht turn brown? ›

Martseniuk says the key to good borscht is acidity: “Either lemon juice or white vinegar is important to help keep the color.” Without it, your soup can turn slightly muddy and brown, a far cry from the brilliant characteristic hue you're going for.

Is borscht clear or thick? ›

A common opinion is that a good borscht should be thick enough for a spoon to stand upright in it.

What does Ukrainian borscht taste like? ›

Borscht is a beet soup that's warm, sweet, and sour all in one bowl. It has the umami and complexity of a well-developed chicken soup but the beets add a whole different flavor profile. Its sweetness comes from the beets, onions, and cabbage, and its tartness from tomatoes and vinegar.

What is the difference between Russian and Ukrainian borscht soup? ›

It's standard for Ukrainian cooks to use pork in their Borscht and top it off with sour cream, whereas Russian cooks are more likely to use beef. Furthermore, Ukrainians will offer buns with their bortsch, and Russians will offer a native bread known as “black bread.”

Should I peel beets for soup? ›

Sometimes beets are peeled before cooking. They may also be scrubbed and cooked until tender with their skins on; the skins slip off fairly easily after cooling. (Some people are happy to leave the skins on; they are fine to eat.)

Does borscht taste better the next day? ›

Serve the borscht with plenty of chopped dill, some sour cream on the side, and some good-quality bread for dipping. The soup will taste even better the next day.

Why is my borscht not red enough? ›

If you used different beets than usual or if they were not as deeply pigmented, this could be the reason for the change in color. 2. Cooking Time and Temperature: Beets can lose their vibrant red color if they are overcooked or cooked at high temperatures for too long.

Is borscht healthy? ›

This soup from Eastern Europe is rich in essential nutrients that provide numerous benefits. Additionally, it's a low-calorie option that can be easily adapted to fit various dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. Is borscht healthy for you? Rest assured, it certainly is.

What do you eat with borscht? ›

You can serve borscht with sides like Pumpernickel or rye bread, garlic toast, meat, salads, dairy, pickled foods, pierogi, grains, potato pancakes, mashed potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, deviled eggs seasoned with paprika or dill, gluten-free options, and accompany it with fermented Slavic beverages and Santa Carolina ...

Do Jews eat borscht? ›

Jews typically ate two main varieties: a hot, meaty version (of which knobl borscht is one sub-type) and a cold, vegetarian version for a refreshing summer treat. The cold would typically have sour cream stirred in right before serving, while the hot one traditionally featured homemade rosl.

How long does borscht last in the fridge? ›

Cooled borscht can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To freeze, pack into containers leaving 1-inch (2.5 cm) headspace. For the best results and to save energy, let frozen soup thaw in the refrigerator compartment on the day you plan to use it.

Which country has the best borscht? ›

"Ukraine is frequently listed as borscht's country of origin, and Puzata Hata in Kiev has some of the best in the city."

Is borscht Ukrainian or German? ›

Ukrainians began making a dish known as borsch from sour-tasting hogweed sometime between the fifth and ninth centuries CE. By the 15th century, the soup had spread widely across Eastern Europe.

Do Germans eat borscht? ›

A Smoky sweet and robust soup with interesting spices and hearty vegetables. German Borscht is a delicious and filling soup that is popular in Germany.

What is the name of the Russian soup made from beets? ›

Borscht is a classic beet soup that's so comforting and delicious. This recipe comes from my Ukrainian friend's mother, who taught me how to make it. This borscht recipe is delicious, nutritious, and full of flavor.

How healthy is beet borscht? ›

Beets are also high in vitamins A, C and the minerals iron and magnesium. Looking at the amazing nutrients in this traditional soup, plus the tasty additions of fresh dill, parsley and sour cream, it's no wonder it serves as a staple.

What defines borscht? ›

noun. any of various eastern European soups made with beets, cabbage, potatoes, or other vegetables and served hot or chilled, often with sour cream.

References

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