Traditional Ukrainian Borscht with Beef: A Hearty and Flavorful Beet Soup Recipe (with Video)

Ukrainian borscht may seem intimidating to those who have never cooked it before but fear not – with a little bit of patience and practice, you can easily master this classic Ukrainian dish. Ukrainian borscht is a comforting and nutritious soup that is perfect for any time of year. There are many different recipes for Ukrainian borscht, each with their own twist and flavor. In this article, we would like to introduce you to the classic version of this beloved Ukrainian dish – borscht made with beef.

Borscht with beef
Borscht with beef is a traditional Ukrainian recipe

While Ukrainian borscht is a well-known dish worldwide, not so many people outside of Ukraine, have actually tasted it and know how to prepare it. One day, we had some Canadian friends over for dinner and decided to make borscht with beef. Our friends had never tried borscht before and were a bit skeptical at first. But as soon as they took their first spoonful, their eye widened in surprise and delight. “This is amazing! – they exclaimed. “We had no idea that borscht could taste so good! It is a pleasant surprise for us.” From that moment on, they were hooked. Whenever they came over to dinner, they would always ask if we were making borscht. We joked that we had converted them into borscht-lovers for life.

We loved seeing our friends enjoy borsch with beef for the first time, and it got us thinking – how many other people out there have never tried this scrumptious dish? As someone who have cooked borscht countless times, we are excited to share our recipe with you so you can also enjoy this unique traditional Ukrainian dish. When we cook this borscht with beef, the amazing smells fill our home, creating an atmosphere of warmth of comfort. It is no wonder that borscht is a beloved dish in Ukrainian cuisine – not only it is delicious and nutritious, but also has the power to create a sense of home and comfort that is hard to find in any other meal.

With its rich and savory broth, tender chunks of beef, and colorful array of vegetables, borscht is a dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So why not give it a try and see for yourself? Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite dish that you will want to make again and again.

Tips for making delicious borscht

To make borscht, which is full of flavors and rich in taste, we start by preparing a meat broth. Boil beef over medium heat with onion and bay leaves for about an hour. While the broth is cooking, simmer beets and carrots with onion and garlic in a skillet until they are tender. Then we add tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet and continue simmering until the mixture is thick and fragrant. Once the meat is fork-tender, we add the vegetables from the skillet and chopped potatoes, and finally, we add the cabbage to the meat broth. Cabbage is the softest of all vegetables and requires less time for preparation. This order ensures that all the vegetables are cooked to perfection without overcooking them.  Please watch the video that illustrates all the steps of preparation borscht with chicken. This recipe is very similar to the recipe with beef that we describe on this page:

The vegetables should remain slightly crispy. Once the borscht is cooked, it is important to let it rest for a while to allow all the flavors to blend. Please also follow our recipe, which gives step-by-step instructions on how to cook borscht. With all these tips in mind, you can make a pot of delicious borscht that will impress your family and friends!

Borscht with beef

Ukrainian borscht with beef

Lesya
Looking for a new and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion? Try our recipe for Ukrainian borscht with beef - a classic Ukrainian dish that is packed with flavor and nutrition. This recipe features tender chunks of beef, a colorful array of vegetables, and a rich and savory broth that is sure to comfort you at any time of year. 
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 1 hr 30 mins
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Ukrainian
Servings 6

Equipment

  • 1 Pot 4 quart
  • 1 Skillet
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Beef any lean cut
  • 2 cups Red beets chopped
  • 1 cup Carrots chopped
  • cup Potatoes chopped
  • 2 cups White cabbage finely sliced
  • 1 Onion chopped
  • 3 Mushrooms any brown mushrooms
  • 1 Tomato chopped
  • 3 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • Spring onions to taste
  • Fresh dill to taste
  • ½ tsp Dried dill
  • Fresh parsley to taste
  • ½ tsp Dried parsley
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 3 Bay leaves
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp Sunflower oil
  • 3 quarts Cold water

Instructions
 

  • Start by preparing the beef. Wash it under cold running water and cut it into small cubes. In a large pot, add cold water, bay leaves, a piece of white onion, and add the meat. Put the water to boil, reduce the heat to medium, and boil it for an hour. 
    cut beef into small pieces
  • Use a skimmer (a large, flat spoon with holes) to remove the fat from the surface of the water. Simply scoop off the fat, put it in a bowl, and then discard it. 
    scoop off the fat and remove
  • While the meat is boiling, you can start preparing the vegetables. Wash and peel the beets, carrots, and onion. Then, chop them into small pieces. Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
    chop beets carrots and onion
  • Preheat the skillet, add one tablespoon of vegetable oil, reduce the heat. Add the onion and garlic and simmer them until golden. Then add the chopped beets and carrots to the skillet and sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring them well.  
    simmer beets and carrots on the skillet
  • Add a sliced tomato and three tablespoons of tomato paste or ketchup to the vegetables on the skillet. Mix well, add paprika, dried dill and dried parsley. Cover with the lid and continue to sauté over low heat until tender. This will take about 10-15 minutes. 
    add tomato and tomato paste to the mixture
  • Wash, peel and chop potatoes. If you want to add mushrooms, chop them finely too. 
    chop potatoes
  • Wash the cabbage, remove the tough outer leaves. Then, cut the cabbage in half and slice one half into thin strips using a sharp knife.
    slice cabbage into thin strips
  • After the beef has been boiling for a while, add the chopped potatoes and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Let them cook for about 5 minutes. Then, add the sautéed vegetables from the skillet to the pot too and stir everything together. Let the borscht simmer for another 10 minutes, until all the vegetables are cooked well. 
    add sauteed vegetables and potatoes to the meat broth
  • Once all the vegetables in the pot are tender, it is time to add the sliced cabbage to the pot. Stir your borscht well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the cabbage is cooked tender. 
  • Chop finely spring onions, fresh parsley and dill. Add them to the borscht at the very end. Season with black pepper and add 3/4 of a tablespoon of salt or to taste. 
    chop spring onions and herbs
  • Reduce the heat to very low heat and let the borscht simmer for another 10 minutes, until all the ingredients and flavors have melted together.
  • Turn off the heat and let the borscht sit on the stove for about half an hour. You may want to cover the pot with a towel to keep the warmth. 
    let the borscht simmer until all ready
  • When serving the borscht, top it with a dollop of sour cream, fresh dill or parsley, and enjoy it with a slice of fresh bread. You can use either white or dark rye bread, and you can even season it in Ukrainian style with garlic and add slices of salo (cured pork fat) for extra flavor. Bon appetite! 
    serve borscht with sour cream
Keyword borscht, borscht with beef, Ukrainian borscht

What is Ukrainian borscht?

Ukrainian borscht is a traditional beet soup popular in Ukraine and other Eastern European countries. The beets give the soup its characteristic deep red color. In addition to beets, the recipe for Ukrainian borsht typically includes carrots, cabbage, onions, potatoes, and tomatoes, as well as meat and sometimes beans and mushrooms. Borscht is often flavored with garlic, dill, and other herbs and spices. The soup is often served with sour cream, which provides a creamy contrast to the soup’s bold flavors. Borscht is considered a staple of Ukrainian cuisine and is enjoyed both at home and in Ukrainian restaurants.

What are the traditional ingredients in Ukrainian borscht?

The traditional ingredients in Ukrainian borscht include red beets, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and onions. The beets are a key ingredient in borscht, giving the soup a deep red color and a slightly sweet flavor. Some variations of this soup include fermented beets. Meat is commonly used, with beef and pork being the most popular choices. Some recipes for borscht include beans or other vegetables, such as red bell peppers and mushrooms. Although some recipes may include vinegar, it is not considered a traditional ingredient in Ukrainian borscht. Instead, tomatoes or tomato paste can be used to add a slightly sour flavor to the soup. Another option for adding sourness is beet kvass – a fermented beet juice. Borscht is usually seasoned with garlic, dill, parsley, and other herbs and spices and is finished with a dollop of sour cream. The mixture of vegetables, meat, and spices creates a hearty and flavorful soup that is cherished by many in Ukraine and beyond.

How to serve Ukrainian borscht?

Ukrainian borscht is typically served hot and can be enjoyed as a main dish. Ukrainian borscht can also be served cold, often during summer, and is known as “holodnyk” (chilled borscht with beets). Borscht is often accompanied by a slice of crusty bread or a savory pastry, such as pampushky (garlic rolls with dill). It is also common to serve borscht with a piece of rye bread along with salo, a type of cured pork fat, or The Salo Spread (with garlic and Herbs). The common topping for borscht is sour cream. Chopped fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, can also be sprinkled on top for more vivid flavor and color.

Is Borscht a healthy and nutritional dish?

Ukrainian borscht can be a healthy and nutritious dish, as it contains wholesome vegetables and protein from the meat. Beets, a key ingredient in borscht, are high in fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamin C. Beets, fresh or fermented, can support brain health, lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation. Carrots, mushrooms, onions, and garlic are among other healthy ingredients commonly used in borscht. However, if you add sugar and vinegar and use fatty meat, the beet soup will lose its health benefits and nutritional value. Borscht can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet when prepared with wholesome ingredients. Opting for the vegetarian variation of borscht can be a healthy choice, as it eliminates the potential health risks associated with consuming meat.

Is Ukrainian borscht vegetarian/vegan?

Borscht can be either a vegetarian or non-vegetarian dish, depending on your recipe. Traditional Ukrainian borscht includes meat, such as beef or pork. However, vegetarian variations of borscht are also common and include beans and mushrooms, which are good substitutes for meat. Beans and mushrooms can provide a similar texture and flavor to meat when cooked properly. They are also a good source of protein, while mushrooms can be used to add a meaty texture. Combining beets, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, beans, and mushrooms creates a nutrient-dense soup high in vitamins and minerals. Vegetarian borscht can be tailored to suit individual dietary preferences, making borscht a versatile and healthy choice for many people.

let the borscht simmer until all ready

How long does it take to cook Ukrainian borscht?

The cooking time for Ukrainian borscht varies depending on the recipe and ingredients. Usually, it takes about one and a half hours to prepare borscht, including the time needed to chop and sauté vegetables and prepare the meat broth. Some recipes may require longer cooking time to allow the flavors to develop fully. If you cook vegetarian borscht, it can take only an hour to cook borscht. It is also recommended to let the beet soup rest for at least one day to allow the ingredients to blend. It is most enjoyable to consume borscht on the second or third day after it has fully matured. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Can I freeze Ukrainian borscht?

Borscht can be frozen for later use, and it won’t lose its nutritional value, although the texture of the vegetables will change slightly. To freeze borscht, allow it to cool and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Then label it and freeze it for up to 3-4 months. When you are ready to eat the borscht, thaw it in the refrigerator, put it in a pot, and reheat it on the stovetop until it is heated through. We’ve heard about this preservation method, but we prefer to enjoy our borscht fresh, either the same day or the day after.

What is the history of Ukrainian borscht?

Borscht is an ancient Ukrainian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries.  It was first known on the territory of Kyivan Rus in the 14th century. Over time, the beet soup became a staple of Ukrainian cuisine and spread to other parts of Eastern Europe. In Poland, it was also cooked with beet kvass, similar to how it was prepared in ancient Kyivan Rus. If you want to learn more about the history of borscht, we invite you to visit our page, “Ukrainian Borscht: Part of the Ukrainian Identity.” Borscht is just one of many delicious dishes that are part of Ukrainian culinary traditions. If you are interested in exploring Ukrainian cuisine, please check out our page on Ukrainian Culinary Traditions.

Traditional Ukrainian Borscht: Conclusion

Thank you for choosing to try our recipe for Traditional Ukrainian Borscht with Beef. We hope that you enjoyed the rich flavors that this nourishing soup has to offer. If you have any comments or thoughts, please feel free to share them with other readers and us. And if you are looking for more delicious Ukrainian recipes to try, be sure to check out our other pages. From appetizers to desserts, we have various Ukrainian dishes to suit every taste and occasion. Thanks again for choosing our recipe, and happy cooking!

 

Authors

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating