Borscht isn't merely a Ukrainian dish; it's a beloved national comfort food that offers warmth on a chilly day. Today, we're excited to share a vegetarian borscht recipe that retains the traditional flavors while catering to a plant-based lifestyle.
Ingredients
Ensure you have everything needed to create this savory borscht.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 beets, peeled and chopped
- 1 potato, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 cabbage, shredded
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup tomato juice
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 cups vegetable broth
Garnish:
- Sour cream
- Fresh dill
- Lemon wedges
Instructions:
Prep the Vegetables: Begin by prepping your vegetables. Chop beets, potatoes, carrots, onions, tomatoes, red pepper, and shred the cabbage.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the oil in a large saucepan over high heat. Sauté the onions until golden, then add the beets, potatoes, and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly browned.
Simmer: Add the tomatoes, red pepper, and cabbage. Pour in the tomato juice, vinegar, and vegetable broth. Season with sugar, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat and let the borsht simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Serve: Ladle the borscht into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh dill, and a wedge of lemon.
Nutritional Information:
This vegetarian version is not only delicious but also nourishing. Here's what each serving offers:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Vitamin C: 30% of daily value
- Iron: 10% of daily value
- Calcium: 6% of daily value
Cooking Tips:
- For enhanced flavor, consider adding fried onions to the borscht just before serving.
- Replace some of the oil with additional vegetable broth for a lighter version.
- Enjoying this vegetarian borscht allows you to savor a classic Ukrainian flavor while sticking to a vegetarian diet. This recipe is straightforward to prepare, and the vibrant result will bring both taste and color to your dining table.
