When it comes to comfort food, few things can beat a warm bowl of soup. And as someone who loves experimenting with different flavours and ingredients, I’m always on the lookout for new soup recipes to try.

The Perfect Borscht Soup for a Healthy and Low-Calorie Satisfying Meal or Appetizer: A Recipe You’ll Love

This colourful and flavorful dish of beet soup is not only delicious, but beet soup is also packed with a variety of nutritious vegetables. Made with beets, cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables, this beet soup is a staple in Eastern European countries and has been enjoyed for centuries. To learn more about the history of borscht, check out this article “A Cultural History Of Borscht“.

This Ukrainian borscht is definitely a recipe worth sharing! When I first tasted it, I was blown away by its combination of sweet, tangy, and savoury flavours; all simmered together in a rich and nourishing broth. Oh, I love beets !

I love how the beets and cabbage give it a bright and vibrant colour, while the carrots and potatoes add a satisfying texture. And the fresh dill or finely chopped parsley, along with sour cream takes it to the next level, creating a comforting and refreshing taste.

Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this vegan borscht soup is a recipe that you’ll love.

What Ingredients do I need to make this Vegetarian Borscht?

Vegetarian borscht soup is a flavorful and healthy dish perfect for any time of the year.

To make this delicious soup, you will need some essential ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store. Start by sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent.

Then, add some shredded cabbage, beets, shredded carrots, and diced potatoes to the pot, along with some vegetable broth, canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, a bay leaf, salt and pepper some dried thyme.

Let everything simmer until the vegetables are tender, and then season with salt and black pepper to taste. You can also add some fresh or chopped dill or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for garnish.

This soup can be customized to suit your taste preferences, so feel free to add in some extra greens or protein if you like. With its vibrant colours and delicious flavours, vegetarian beet borscht with soup is a great addition to any meal plan.

Vegetarian-Borscht-Soup-A-Colorful-And-Flavorful-Dish beets

Nutrition Serving

Calories: 209

Total Fat: 7g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 1174mg

Total Carbohydrates: 32g

Dietary Fiber: 7g

Sugar: 10g

Protein: 6g

Vegetarian vs. Meat-Based Borscht Soup: Which One is Right for You?

Vegetarian borscht soup is a great choice for those who are looking for a healthy and low-fat meal option. By using a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices, this version of vegetarian borscht recipe that, the soup is packed with flavor and nutrients that can support overall health and well-being.

Additionally, vegetarian borscht soup can be an excellent option for those looking to manage their weight or follow a plant-based diet.

If you add meat to your borscht soup, there are a few things to remember. Traditionally, beef is the meat of borscht soup, but you can also use other meats like pork or chicken. To incorporate meat into your soup, boil the meat in a pot with oil. Once the meat is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.

Next, add the vegetables to the pot and cook them until tender. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the meat to the pot, broth, and any additional seasonings. Bring the soup to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the meat is cooked and tender.

It’s important to note that adding meat to your borscht soup will increase the fat and calorie content of the dish. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, you can use leaner cuts of meat or reduce the amount of meat you add to the soup. Alternatively, you can use plant-based meat substitutes like tofu or tempeh to add a similar texture and flavour to your soup.

The Health Benefits of Vegetarian Borscht Soup: Why You Should Add it to Your Meal Plan

Vegetarian borscht soup is not only a delicious and comforting dish but also packed with health benefits that make it a great addition to any meal plan. The key ingredient in vegetarian borscht soup is beets, which are rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, folate, iron, and potassium.

These nutrients can help boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy blood pressure levels.

In addition to beets, borscht soup also contains a variety of other vegetables like carrots, onions, and garlic that are full of fiber, antioxidants, and other essential vitamins and minerals. This combination of ingredients has been shown to improve digestion, promote heart health, and support healthy brain function.

One of the biggest benefits of vegetarian borscht soup is its ability to aid in weight loss. This is because the soup is low in calories and fat, but high in fiber and protein.

Fibre is known to help with satiety, which means it can help you feel full for extended periods, reducing the likelihood of snacking on unhealthy foods throughout the day.

Additionally, the protein in the soup can help build and maintain muscle mass, which can increase your metabolism and help you burn more calories overall.

By incorporating vegetarian borscht soup into your meal plan, you can enjoy a flavorful and filling meal that can help support your weight loss goals.

How to Make Vegetarian Borscht Soup in a Slow Cooker: A Convenient and Easy Method

Borscht soup is a traditional dish that is known for its rich and hearty flavor.

While it is typically cooked on the stovetop for hours, making borscht soup in a slow cooker is a convenient and easy.

To make slow cooker borscht soup, add the ingredients to the slow cooker, stir to combine, and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Once the vegetables are tender, blend the soup until smooth. Serve borscht with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill.

Serving Borscht Soup with Sides: Bread, Sour Cream, and More

Borscht soup is a satisfying and delicious meal, but it can also be enhanced by serving it with the right sides. In this article, we will share some ideas for serving borscht soup with complementary sides that will take the borscht taste in your meal to the next level.

Bread: Serving bread with borscht soup is a classic combination. A hearty and crusty bread, such as a French baguette or sourdough, is perfect for dipping in the soup and sopping up the delicious broth.
Crème Fraîche: Similar to sour cream, crème fraîche is a French cultured cream that has a tangy and slightly nutty flavour. It is a decadent topping for borscht soup that adds a rich and creamy element.
Pickled Vegetables: Pickled vegetables, such as pickled beets or cucumbers, are a great side dish for borscht soup. The pickles’ acidity cuts through the soup’s richness and provides a refreshing flavour contrast.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as root vegetables or Brussels sprouts, can be served alongside borscht soup for a hearty and nutritious meal. The earthy and caramelized flavors of the roasted vegetables complement the rich flavours of the soup.
Potato Pancakes: Potato pancakes, also known as latkes, are a delicious and filling side dish that pairs well with borscht soup. The crispy and savory pancakes add a satisfying texture and flavor to the meal.
Smoked Salmon: Smoked salmon can be served alongside borscht soup as a protein-rich side dish. The salty and smoky flavor of the salmon pairs well with the earthy and slightly sweet flavors of the soup.
Crusty Croutons: If you don’t have bread on hand, you can still add a crunchy element to your borscht soup by serving it with homemade croutons. Simply dice up some bread, toss it with olive oil and seasonings, and bake until crispy.
Kielbasa Sausage: For a heartier and more substantial meal, you can add slices of kielbasa sausage to your borscht soup. The smoky and savory flavor of the sausage complements the earthy flavors of the soup and adds a protein-rich element to the meal.

Experiment with different sides to find the perfect combination for your taste preferences.

How to Store and Reheat Borscht Soup: Tips for Leftovers and Meal Prep

It’s important to store and reheat the soup properly to maintain its taste and texture. In this article, we will share some tips on how to store and reheat borscht soup to ensure it remains fresh and delicious.

Storage

Once the soup has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Borscht soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Reheating on the Stovetop

To reheat borscht soup on the stovetop, transfer the desired amount to a pot and heat it on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling the soup as this can change the texture and taste. Once the soup is hot, it’s ready to serve.

Reheating in the Microwave

Transfer the desired amount to a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap to reheat borscht soup in the microwave. Heat it on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the soup is hot.

Freezing

If you want to store them or freeze borscht soup for a longer period, you can cool completely or cool the soup in the fridge overnight and then freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Borscht soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Borscht Soup with a Twist: Creative Variations on the Classic Recipe

Borscht soup is a classic Eastern European soup that is loved by many for its tangy flavor and vibrant color. While the traditional borscht recipe often calls for red beets, green cabbage,, and beef broth, there are endless ways to put a creative twist on this dish.

Here are some unique variations on the borscht recipe and classic vegetarian borscht recipe and soup recipe suggestions that will impress your taste buds and bring some excitement to your dinner table.

Green Borscht: This variation of borscht soup is made with spinach and other leafy greens, giving it a bright green color and a refreshing taste. Simply substitute the red beets with spinach, and add in some green onions, dill, and parsley for added flavour.
Carrot and Ginger Borscht: For a warming and comforting twist on borscht soup, try adding some grated carrots and ginger. This combination gives the soup a slightly sweet and spicy flavour that is perfect for a chilly evening.
Mushroom Borscht: Mushrooms are a delicious and nutritious addition to borscht soup. Simply sauté some sliced mushrooms in a separate pan before adding them to the soup. This variation is perfect for vegetarians who want to add extra protein to their diet.
Tomato Borscht: If you love tomatoes, you will love this variation of borscht soup. Simply substitute the red beets with fresh or canned tomatoes and add in some basil and oregano for added flavor.
Sweet Potato Borscht: Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness to this variation of borscht soup. Simply substitute the red beets with sweet potatoes and add some cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar for flavour.

Chef Notes

To avoid staining your hands, wear gloves while peeling and chopping beets.
For a smoother soup, puree it in a blender or use an immersion blender to blend it in the pot.
Add more vegetable broth to thin out the soup if it’s too thick for your liking.
Customize the soup by adding other vegetables, such as celery or bell peppers.
Use coconut cream or cashew cream as a vegan substitute for sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Top the soup with a sour cream or Greek yogurt dollop for added creaminess and tang.
To save time, chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
Serve Russian beet soup with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

To learn more about the benefits of beets or how to cook more with beets, check out this article “10 Ways How To Cook Beets.

If you enjoy this healthy, low-calorie borscht, you may want to check out these other recipes as well:

Vegetarian Borscht Soup: A Colorful And Flavorful Dish

This vegetarian borscht soup recipe is a flavorful and colorful dish that is perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal or appetizer. Made with diced beets, potato, shredded cabbage, sliced mushrooms, and fresh dill, this soup is full of nutrients and has a delicious, tangy flavor thanks to the addition of lemon juice. Topped with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, this soup is a comforting and nourishing meal that can be enjoyed any time of the year.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine russian, ukrainian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 209 kcal

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
1 pc large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 pcs medium beets, peeled and shredded
2 pcs medium carrots, peeled and shredded
2 pcs medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups shredded cabbage
4 cups vegetable broth low sodium
1 can diced tomatoes, with juices 14 oz can
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 pc bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
fresh parsley or dill, chopped optional
salt and pepper to taste
sour cream or greek yogurt for serving

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the shredded beets, shredded carrots, diced potatoes and cabbage to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or dill, if desired.
Serve hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Notes

To make peeling and chopping beets easier, wear gloves to prevent staining your hands.
The cuts of the carrots and beets depend on your liking – I prefer to have them cut as strips using a slicer or mandoline. If you prefer dice, go for it, as it would give a different mouth-feel texture.
If you prefer a smoother soup, you can puree it in a blender or use an immersion blender to blend it in the pot.
Add more diced potatoes to the recipe if you prefer a thicker soup.
If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can add more vegetable broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Don’t skip the lemon juice! It adds a bright and tangy flavour that balances out the sweetness of the beets.
If you don’t have fresh dill, use 1 tsp of dried dill instead.
This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated. It will thicken up as it sits, so you may need to add some water or broth when reheating.
This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
This recipe is vegetarian, but you can easily make it vegan by omitting the sour cream or Greek yogurt topping.