Ukrainian Green Borscht
If you’re looking for a vibrant and nutritious dish to brighten your table, then Ukrainian Green Borscht is just the recipe to try! This delightful soup is not only a staple in Ukrainian cuisine but also a fantastic way to enjoy fresh greens during the summer months. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for both busy weeknights and family gatherings. I love how this soup brings everyone together, making it a beloved favorite in my home.
Ukrainian Green Borscht is filled with wholesome vegetables, offering a light yet satisfying meal. Whether you serve it hot or chilled, it’s sure to impress your loved ones. Plus, the zesty lemon juice adds the perfect touch of brightness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious soup ready in under an hour!
- Packed with Nutrition: This recipe is loaded with healthy greens like spinach and zucchini, making it a great choice for health-conscious eaters.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the comforting flavors of this borscht, from kids to adults!
- Make Ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge, so you can easily prepare it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or herbs to make it uniquely yours!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to bring this Ukrainian Green Borscht to life! You’ll find that these items are likely already in your kitchen or easy to find at the store.
For the Soup
- 64 oz chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion (minced)
- 1 medium carrot (grated on a large grater)
- 3 large potatoes (cubed)
- 4 cups spinach (chopped)
- 1 zucchini (cubed)
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 eggs (hard-boiled and cubed)
- 1/2 cup parsley or dill (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream (for serving)
Variations
One of the best things about Ukrainian Green Borscht is its flexibility! You can easily adapt this recipe based on what you have on hand or personal preferences.
- Add More Greens: Feel free to include kale or Swiss chard for even more nutrients.
- Swap the Protein: If you prefer something heartier, try adding shredded chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat if you’re looking for some added zing!
- Go Vegan: Omit the eggs and use vegetable broth along with your favorite plant-based sour cream alternative.
How to Make Ukrainian Green Borscht
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring your chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Once boiling, add in the cubed potatoes. Lower the heat to medium-low and let them cook for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it lays the base for our flavorful soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While your potatoes are cooking, heat olive oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add minced onion and grated carrot, cooking them gently while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes. Sautéing these vegetables brings out their sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of your borscht.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once your potatoes are tender, add in the sautéed onions, carrots, cubed zucchini, and chopped spinach into the pot. Continue cooking everything together for another 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper as desired. This step ensures all those lovely flavors meld together beautifully!
Step 4: Finish with Freshness
After simmering, stir in lemon juice, cubed hard-boiled eggs, and chopped parsley or dill. These ingredients add brightness and freshness that make Ukrainian Green Borscht so special!
Step 5: Serve It Up!
Remove from heat and serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream on top. Enjoying this soup hot or cold is entirely up to you—both ways are delicious!
I hope you enjoy making this lovely Ukrainian Green Borscht as much as I do!
Pro Tips for Making Ukrainian Green Borscht
Creating the perfect Ukrainian Green Borscht is all about balance and flavor, and these tips will help you achieve just that!
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Use fresh greens: Using fresh spinach and herbs makes a huge difference in flavor and nutrition. Fresh ingredients bring out the vibrant colors and earthy taste of the soup.
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Don’t skip the lemon juice: This ingredient adds a zesty kick that brightens the overall flavor of the borscht. It balances the richness of the broth and enhances all the other ingredients.
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Cook vegetables separately: Sautéing onions and carrots before adding them to the soup helps develop their flavors. This step adds depth to your borscht, making it taste even more delicious.
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Adjust seasoning gradually: Adding salt and pepper throughout the cooking process allows you to control the flavors better. Taste as you go to ensure your borscht has just the right seasoning.
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Let it cool before serving: Allowing your borscht to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together. It also ensures that it’s at a perfect temperature when served.
How to Serve Ukrainian Green Borscht
Serving Ukrainian Green Borscht is an opportunity to showcase its beautiful color and fresh ingredients. Here are some delightful ways to present this dish!
Garnishes
- Sour cream: A classic addition, creamy sour cream adds richness and a tangy contrast to the soup’s flavors.
- Chopped herbs: Sprinkle some additional parsley or dill on top for a burst of freshness and vibrant color.
- Hard-boiled egg slices: For an added touch, place slices of hard-boiled egg on top before serving, enhancing both presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
- Crusty bread: A loaf of rustic bread pairs perfectly with borscht, ideal for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Grated beet salad: This refreshing side dish complements the soup’s earthy flavors while adding a pop of color to your meal.
- Potato pancakes (deruny): Crispy potato pancakes offer a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the borscht.
- Pickled vegetables: A small serving of pickled cucumbers or radishes adds a tangy bite that balances out the soup’s richness.
Enjoy crafting this beautiful dish that not only feeds your body but also warms your heart! Your family and friends are sure to appreciate this wholesome bowl of goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Ukrainian Green Borscht is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a big batch and store it for later, making it a convenient option for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep the sour cream separate until you’re ready to serve.
Freezing
- Let the soup cool down completely.
- Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. For best quality, consume within a month.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen borscht in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Heat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Alternatively, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring between each one until hot.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about Ukrainian Green Borscht!
Can I make Ukrainian Green Borscht vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version that everyone will love.
How long can I store Ukrainian Green Borscht in the fridge?
You can store your Ukrainian Green Borscht in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be sure to keep it in an airtight container!
Can I add more vegetables to my Ukrainian Green Borscht?
Yes! Feel free to add any seasonal greens or vegetables you enjoy. Kale or Swiss chard would be fantastic additions!
What should I serve with Ukrainian Green Borscht?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad. It makes for a hearty meal on its own or as part of a larger spread.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this Ukrainian Green Borscht as I am! This vibrant soup is not just packed with flavor; it’s also loaded with nutritious ingredients that make it perfect for those warm summer days. Whether you’re serving it to family or enjoying it solo, it’s bound to bring a smile to your face. Enjoy making this delightful recipe and savor every spoonful!
Dinner
Ukrainian Green Borscht
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Ukrainian
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Ukrainian Green Borscht, a refreshing and nutritious soup perfect for warm summer days. This delightful dish showcases a medley of fresh greens, including spinach and zucchini, combined with hearty vegetables and a zesty hint of lemon juice. Whether served hot or chilled, this borscht is a family favorite that brings everyone together at the table. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s the ideal weeknight meal that can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 64 oz chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion (minced)
- 1 medium carrot (grated)
- 3 large potatoes (cubed)
- 4 cups spinach (chopped)
- 1 zucchini (cubed)
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 hard-boiled eggs (cubed)
- ½ cup parsley or dill (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Add cubed potatoes and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for about 15 minutes until tender.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced onion and grated carrot for around 10 minutes until softened.
- Stir in sautéed onion mixture, cubed zucchini, and chopped spinach into the pot with potatoes. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and add lemon juice, cubed hard-boiled eggs, and chopped parsley or dill before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
