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!

Ingredients

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:
2
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
3
Sauté Root Veggies:
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.
5
Build the Soup Base:
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.
7
Season and Finish:
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.
9
Serve:
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.

Nutrition Facts

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

Read it online: https://alinashomesteadkitchen.com/recipe/crimson-comfort-ukrainian-red-borscht-with-a-zesty-lemon-twist/

Alina's Homestead Kitchen

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