Borscht | Definition, Ingredients, & Facts (2024)

FAQs

What are some interesting facts about borscht? ›

The name 'borscht' comes from the Old Slavonic 'borsht', meaning 'hogweed', an ingredient in the soup's earliest recipes. The Ukrainian version of borscht, distinguished by its use of red beetroots, cabbage, potatoes, meat or bone stock, and a variety of other vegetables and seasonings, is particularly renowned.

Borscht ingredients may include beef, pork, salo (fatback), beetroots, cabbage, carrots, celeriac, onions, potatoes, mushrooms, tomato paste, parsley, chives, dill, bay leaves, allspice and black pepper. The stock is typically made by boiling meat, bones, or both.

The stock starter is often mixed, whether it's with cured sausage, poultry, or vegetables. Texturally, Russian borscht often leans into thinner consistency, unlike the Ukrainian version. Vegetables, like cabbage, are added at the beginning of preparation, lending a softer result as opposed to the Ukrainian version.

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.

How healthy is borscht? This healthy borscht soup is packed with nutrients from the potatoes and beets. Potatoes are a good source of fiber, protein, and vitamin C, while beets are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, like folate and potassium.

The culture of borscht cooking has long been practiced and celebrated in all regions of Ukraine, with communities, families and restaurants developing their own versions of this traditional and popular dish, which is based on beetroot.

This big batch of a richly coloured, full-flavoured soup provides enough extras to freeze for hurry-up mid-week suppers. Serve with a dollop of yogurt and crusty bread. Cooled borscht can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Some varieties of beets have lighter flesh and may result in a more orange hue rather than a deep red color. 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.

Borscht should be a hearty, yet sophisticated dish: a bowlful of sweet, sour and savoury flavours, rather than simply a vehicle for beetroot. It takes a bit of work – but with a dollop of rich sour cream, and a sprig of aromatic dill, it's one of the world's great soups.

It is the Ukrainian traditional dish - being an unblended soup (soup puree is a new thing in my country, and older generations are not familiar with it at all) that involves beets and many other ingredients, depending on region, season, occasion, and taste.

What does borscht symbolize? ›

Borsch (beetroot soup) is not just a traditional Ukrainian daily meal, it's a symbol of unity – the basis of the culinary tradition of Ukraine, which is stronger than any modern experiments and overseas borrowings.

Its sweetness comes from the beets, onions, and cabbage, and its tartness from tomatoes and vinegar. Some meat can be added for richness. For a better borscht experience, many people enjoy adding sour cream, yogurt, or fresh herbs.

This gorgeous looking soup is packed with flavour and nutrition. Beets are great to support the liver, bone broth is healing and nourishing for the gut, and turmeric brings in its anti-inflammatory goodness.

If you don't know what is borscht, it is vibrant red color soup with cabbage, beets, potatoes, carrots, onion and garlic. It can be vegan or vegetarian, as well as made with beef, pork or chicken. Then served with sour cream and dill.

Beets have a variety of health benefits that are especially important for people with diabetes. Not only do these hearty vegetables contain anti-inflammatory compounds, but they're rich in antioxidants, too. Click below to watch chef Michel Nischan prepare this healthy, colorful soup.

In Russia, Poland, and other Eastern European countries, borscht simply means "sour soup," and the word comes from the Russian borshch, "cow parsnip." Definitions of borscht. noun. an Eastern European soup usually containing beet juice as a foundation, originating in Ukraine.

Borscht is one of the most well-known Ukrainian meals – a traditional, hearty soup with multiple layers of ingredients held together by a savory beet broth. To make borsht the traditional way, it takes hours to simmer all the ingredients properly.