Belarus Borscht is a traditional Eastern European soup known for its vibrant red color and sweet-sour flavor. Made with beets, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and beef or pork, it's a hearty dish perfect for cold days.
Borscht, a staple in Eastern European cuisine, has variations in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. The Belarusian version highlights beets for its deep red color and reflects the region’s agricultural heritage. Traditionally enjoyed in colder months, it represents Belarusian warmth and hospitality.
Ingredients:
1. 1 pound beef or pork, cut into small cubes
2. 4 medium-sized beets, peeled and grated
3. 1 large potato, peeled and diced
4. 1 cup shredded cabbage
5. 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and grated
6. 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
7. 2 cloves garlic, minced
8. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
9. 1 tablespoon tomato paste
10. 1 tablespoon sugar
11. 2 tablespoons white vinegar
12. Salt and pepper to taste
13. Sour cream and fresh dill for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the cubed beef or pork, browning on all sides, stirring occasionally.
3. Incorporate the grated beets, diced potatoes, shredded cabbage, and grated carrots. Stir well.
4. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients, approximately 8-10 cups. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1-2 hours until the meat is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, sugar, and white vinegar. Add this mixture to the pot, stirring well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill.
Notes:
- Adjust the sugar and vinegar to suit your taste preferences. Some variations are sweeter or more tangy.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of water.
- This recipe yields a large batch, ideal for serving a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
Nutrition Value:
1. 1 pound beef or pork, cut into small cubes
- Calories: 800
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 76 grams
- Fat: 56 grams
- Sodium: 70 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 240 milligrams
- Vitamins: B12, B6
- Minerals: Iron, Zinc
- Nutritional Benefit: High in protein and essential minerals like iron and zinc, which support muscle growth, immune function, and overall health.
2. 4 medium-sized beets, peeled and grated
- Calories: 160
- Carbohydrates: 37 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 80 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Folate, Vitamin C
- Minerals: Potassium, Manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in antioxidants and fiber, which support digestive health, reduce inflammation, and help regulate blood pressure.
3. 1 large potato, peeled and diced
- Calories: 160
- Carbohydrates: 37 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 10 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B6
- Minerals: Potassium, Magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy through carbohydrates and contributes to heart health and proper muscle function with potassium and magnesium.
4. 1 cup shredded cabbage
- Calories: 22
- Carbohydrates: 5 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 16 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Vitamin K, Vitamin C
- Minerals: Calcium, Potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Low in calories and high in vitamins and fiber, promoting digestive health and boosting the immune system.
5. 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and grated
- Calories: 50
- Carbohydrates: 12 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 50 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin K
- Minerals: Potassium, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: High in beta-carotene, which supports vision health and immune function, and provides essential vitamins for overall health.
6. 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- Calories: 45
- Carbohydrates: 11 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 5 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6
- Minerals: Manganese, Potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Contains antioxidants and sulfur compounds that support immune health and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
7. 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Calories: 9
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6
- Minerals: Manganese, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, garlic can boost the immune system and support cardiovascular health.
8. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Calories: 240
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 27 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides essential fats for energy and helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, but should be used in moderation.
9. 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Calories: 13
- Carbohydrates: 3 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin A
- Minerals: Potassium, Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and a small amount of nutrients, including antioxidants like lycopene, which supports heart health.
10. 1 tablespoon sugar
- Calories: 49
- Carbohydrates: 13 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides sweetness but should be used sparingly to avoid excessive calorie intake.
11. 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds acidity to balance flavors without adding significant calories or fat.
12. Salt and pepper to taste
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: Varies
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Varies
- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor; salt should be used in moderation to manage sodium intake.
13. Sour cream and fresh dill for garnish
- Sour cream (2 tablespoons)
- Calories: 60
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 5 grams
- Sodium: 15 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 20 milligrams
- Vitamins: Vitamin A
- Minerals: Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds creaminess and flavor; provides calcium and fat for energy.
- Fresh dill (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: 1
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 1 milligram
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin A
- Minerals: Calcium, Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Offers a fresh flavor and small amounts of vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health.
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