Borscht is a beet root soup well-loved in many Eastern European households. This simple version of vegetarian Polish borscht is healthy and extremely fast and uncomplicated to make. The vegetable’s deep red color makes it a lovely addition to any dinner table, especially during Wigilia, the Polish traditional dinner on Christmas Eve. Aside from taste, beet roots are also appreciated for their health benefits. According to the World’s Healthiest Food website, consumption of beet roots can help protect against certain diseases and cancers, particularly colon cancer.
Finding a Good Beet Root
Beet roots are usually harvested between mid summer and fall. Given the right storage, the roots can keep well until the following spring. Choose beet roots that feel firm and heavy. Firmness often indicates freshness and it also makes grating easier. For short-term storage, one to two weeks, place beet roots in a plastic or paper bag and refrigerate.
Ingredients for Borscht
- One large beet
- One large potato
- Two medium carrots
- One medium onion
- A few peppercorns
- A few bay leaves
- Two vegetable soup cubes
- Twelve to fourteen cups of water
- Salt
- Four hardboiled eggs (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
Note: Vegetable soup cubes and water can be substituted by vegetable soup stock.
Preparation of Polish Borscht
- Peel and wash beet root, potato, onion, and carrots. In a large bowl, grate beet root and carrots. It is best to wear an apron when grating as stains from the beet root can be hard to get rid of. Dice the onion and cut the potato into small chunks. Mix the four vegetables together and set aside. If grating is not an option, the vegetables can also be chunked. For those who want to save time, aim for smaller chunks as they will get cooked faster.
- In a large pot, bring twelve to fourteen cups of water to boil. Use less water if you like your soup thick. Add the vegetable soup cubes. Slowly add the vegetables, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Cook uncovered on medium-high heat for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, lower the heat and place the lid back on. Let the soup simmer for another 15 minutes. Remove lid and add salt as desired.
Traditional Ways of Serving Borscht
Some Polish people like to add boiled eggs and sour cream to their borscht. Take a hard-boiled egg and cut it into quarters or slices. Place the egg in a bowl and ladle borscht over it. Add a dollop of sour cream. Serve and enjoy immediately.
Another popular way of serving borscht is in a mug, to be enjoyed like a drink.
