How to Make Borscht: A Traditional Beetroot Soup Recipe

 

Looking for a warming, vibrant soup full of flavour and tradition? Borscht (also spelled borshch) is a classic Eastern European beetroot soup that’s hearty, healthy, and rich in colour. Loved in Russia, Ukraine, Poland, and beyond, this dish has many regional variations but is always deeply satisfying.

In this blog post, you'll learn how to make traditional borscht at home using ingredients easily found in British supermarkets. This version includes beef, root vegetables, and plenty of beetroot, giving it its signature ruby-red colour. Perfect for chilly evenings or as part of a homemade Eastern European meal.

--- published by foodie Parmod.

⭐ What Is Borscht?

Borscht is a beetroot-based soup that originated in Ukraine and is widely enjoyed across Eastern Europe. It’s typically made with beef or pork broth, beetroot, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and sometimes beans.

Borscht can be served hot or cold, and it's usually finished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill. In Slavic cultures, it’s more than just soup—it's comfort food and a symbol of hospitality.

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🛒 Ingredients for Traditional Borscht

Serves 6

For the broth:

400g beef with bone (such as shin or short ribs)

2 litres cold water

1 onion (peeled and halved)

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

For the soup:

3 medium beetroot (peeled and grated)

2 carrots (peeled and grated)

1 onion (finely chopped)

1 tbsp tomato purée

2 tbsp sunflower oil

2 potatoes (peeled and diced)

150g white cabbage (shredded)

1 tbsp vinegar (to preserve beet colour)

1 tsp sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)

Sour cream (for serving)

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Borscht – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth

Place the beef in a large saucepan with 2 litres of cold water. Add the halved onion, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

Simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and the broth is rich. Once cooked, remove the meat, discard the onion and bay leaf, and strain the broth. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In a frying pan, heat the sunflower oil. Add the grated beetroot and carrots, and cook gently for 5–7 minutes. Add the tomato purée, vinegar, sugar, and a ladle of broth. Simmer for another 10 minutes until soft and fragrant.

3. Assemble the Soup

Return the broth to the heat and add the diced potatoes. Cook for 10 minutes. Then add the cabbage and the sautéed beetroot-carrot mixture. Simmer for another 10–15 minutes until all vegetables are tender.

Add the chopped meat back into the pot, season with salt and pepper, and stir gently. Allow the soup to sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavours develop. It tastes even better the next day!

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🍽️ How to Serve Borscht

Borscht is traditionally served hot in deep bowls, topped with a generous spoonful of sour cream and a sprinkling of fresh dill. A slice of rye bread or garlic pampushky (Ukrainian bread rolls) on the side makes it even more authentic.

You can also enjoy borscht cold in the summer months. Simply chill and serve with sour cream and herbs for a refreshing twist.

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🌟 Tips for the Best Borscht

Use fresh beetroot: Vacuum-packed beetroot won’t deliver the same vibrant colour or earthy flavour as fresh, raw beets.

Add vinegar and sugar: These help balance the sweetness of the beetroot and preserve its rich colour.

Make it vegetarian: Omit the beef and use vegetable stock. Add kidney beans or mushrooms for protein and texture.

Let it rest: Borscht tastes even better the next day as the flavours continue to develop.

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🔍 

How to make borscht

Traditional beetroot soup recipe

Ukrainian borscht with beef

Easy borscht recipe UK

Homemade borscht soup

Borscht step-by-step guide

Eastern European soup recipes

Beetroot soup with sour cream

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📌 Final Thoughts

Borscht is a vibrant, flavour-packed soup that’s comforting, nourishing, and full of history. Whether you’re reconnecting with your heritage or trying something new, learning how to make borscht at home is a delicious way to bring Eastern European culture into your kitchen.

Try this recipe today and discover why borscht is one of the most beloved dishes across Slavic countries. Serve it to friends and family—it’s guaranteed to impress.

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.

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