Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup Base

• Beets: The star ingredient. Beets give borscht its deep ruby color, earthy flavor, and natural sweetness.
• Cabbage: Adds texture, body, and a classic vegetable soup feel.
• Potatoes: Make the soup hearty and filling.
• Carrots: Add sweetness and balance the tangy finish.
• Onion: Builds a savory base for the broth.
• Garlic: Adds warmth and depth.
• Tomato paste: Adds richness, color, and a lightly sweet tomato note.

For the Broth and Seasoning

• Vegetable broth: Great for a vegetarian borscht soup.
• Beef broth or chicken broth: Adds a richer flavor if you prefer a non-vegetarian version.
• Bay leaf: Adds subtle depth while the soup simmers.
• Salt and black pepper: Bring out the natural vegetable flavor.
• Sugar: Optional, but a small pinch balances the earthy beets and tangy vinegar.
• Vinegar or lemon juice: Adds the classic bright tangy finish.

For Serving

• Fresh dill: Adds a fresh herbal finish and classic borscht flavor.
• Sour cream: Adds creaminess and balances the earthy beets.
• Greek yogurt: A lighter alternative to sour cream.
• Crusty bread: Perfect for serving with the warm soup.
• Extra black pepper: Adds a simple finishing kick.

Optional Add-Ins

You can add cooked beef, shredded chicken, white beans, kidney beans, celery, parsnips, or extra cabbage if you want the soup heartier. For a fully plant-based borscht, use vegetable broth and skip the sour cream or use dairy-free yogurt.

Best Beet Tip

Peel and grate or thinly slice the beets so they cook faster and release more color into the broth. If you want a chunkier soup, dice the beets instead.