Crimson Comfort: Ukrainian Red Borscht with a Zesty Lemon Twist

This soul-warming Ukrainian red borscht is a vibrant, earthy beet soup packed with vegetables and a subtle zing from a secret splash of lemon juice. The tangy brightness lifts the rich flavors, creating a beautifully balanced dish that’s hearty, healthy and unforgettable. Perfect with a dollop of sour cream and a slice of rye bread!

Crimson Comfort: Ukrainian Red Borscht with a Zesty Lemon Twist

Author: Alina's Homestead Kitchen

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Ingredients

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• Ingredients:
• For the Soup:
• 2 medium beets, peeled and grated
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₄ head of green cabbage, shredded
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 5 cups vegetable or beef broth
• 2 tbsp sunflower oil or olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Secret Twist:
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (added at the end)
• To Serve:
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• Fresh dill or parsley, chopped
• Rye or black bread

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
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2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
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3. Sauté Root Veggies:
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4. Add grated beets and carrots. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add tomato paste and cook another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
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5. Build the Soup Base:
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6. Add diced potatoes, shredded cabbage, bay leaf, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
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7. Season and Finish:
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8. Add salt, pepper, and sugar to taste. Right before turning off the heat, stir in the lemon juice—this brightens the earthy beet flavor and ties everything together.
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9. Serve:
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10. Ladle hot borscht into bowls, top with a generous spoonful of sour cream, fresh herbs, and a slice of hearty bread on the side.
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Nutrition Facts

Calories:140kcalTotal Fat:5gTotal Carbohydrate:20gDietary Fiber: 4gSugars: 8gProtein:3gVitamin C: 20mgIron: 8mg

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