Ukrainian Green Borscht

If you’re looking for a delightful and refreshing dish to brighten your summer days, then Ukrainian Green Borscht is just what you need. This classic soup is bursting with vibrant greens and feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a quick yet nutritious meal, or for family gatherings where everyone can enjoy something deliciously different.

What makes this recipe so special is its versatility and the wholesome ingredients that come together to create a beautifully balanced flavor. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some extra veggies! Whether you’re serving it hot or letting it chill for a light lunch on a warm day, this Ukrainian Green Borscht will surely become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious soup quickly!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Packed with flavors and nutrients, it’s something everyone will love.
• Make-Ahead Convenient: This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Healthy Ingredients: It’s loaded with greens and wholesome vegetables—great for nourishing your body!
• Deliciously Refreshing: The bright flavors from lemon juice and fresh herbs make every spoonful exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll need simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Each one adds its own unique flavor and nutrition to the borscht, making it both hearty and refreshing!

For the Soup Base

• 64 oz chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion (minced)
• 1 medium carrot (grated on a large grater)
• 3 large potatoes (cubed)
• 4 cups spinach (chopped)
• 1 zucchini (cubed)

For Flavor and Garnish

• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 4 eggs (hard-boiled and cubed)
• 1/2 cup parsley or dill (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sour cream (for serving)

Variations

This Ukrainian Green Borscht is wonderfully flexible! Here are some tasty variations you can try:

• Add More Greens: Feel free to throw in other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for added nutrition.
• Change Up the Veggies: Add bell peppers or green beans for extra crunch and color.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute hard-boiled eggs with chickpeas or tofu for protein without animal products.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce for an extra kick!

How to Make Ukrainian Green Borscht

Step 1: Boil the Broth

In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring your chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Once boiling, toss in the cubed potatoes. Lower the heat to medium-low and let them simmer for about 15 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the potatoes to soften perfectly before adding the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While your potatoes are cooking, heat olive oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add minced onion and grated carrot, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until they are tender. Sautéing these veggies adds depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of your borscht.

Step 3: Combine Everything Together

Once the potatoes are tender, carefully stir in your sautéed onion and carrot mixture along with cubed zucchini and chopped spinach into the pot. Cook everything together for another 5-7 minutes. This allows all those lovely flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add Zesty Finishing Touches

Next, pour in lemon juice, gently fold in cubed hard-boiled eggs, and sprinkle chopped parsley or dill on top. These final touches not only add brightness but also enhance the nutritional profile of your soup.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Remove your pot from heat once everything is well combined. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream on top if desired. Trust me; each spoonful will be both comforting and refreshing—a true delight!

Pro Tips for Making Ukrainian Green Borscht

Making Ukrainian Green Borscht can be a delightful experience, and a few tips can help elevate your dish to the next level!

• Use fresh greens: Opt for fresh spinach or other greens like kale or beet tops. Freshness enhances the flavor and nutritional quality of your borscht.

• Don’t rush the sauté: Take your time when cooking the onion and carrot mixture. A proper sauté caramelizes the vegetables, adding depth and sweetness to your soup.

• Adjust seasoning gradually: Start with a small amount of salt and pepper, then taste as you go. This allows you to balance flavors without overwhelming the dish.

• Experiment with herbs: While parsley and dill are traditional, consider adding other herbs like chives or basil. This can create a unique twist that personalizes your borscht.

• Let it rest: Allowing your borscht to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld beautifully before serving.

How to Serve Ukrainian Green Borscht

Serving your Ukrainian Green Borscht can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas that will make this dish even more inviting.

Garnishes

• Sour cream: A classic topping that adds creaminess and balances the tanginess of the lemon juice.
• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of additional parsley or dill on top adds color and enhances the flavor profile.
• Lemon wedges: Offering lemon wedges on the side provides an option for those who love a citrusy kick in their soup.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm slice of crusty bread complements the borscht perfectly, allowing you to soak up every last drop.
• Pickled vegetables: The acidity of pickled cucumbers or beets offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
• Potato pancakes: These crispy delights are an excellent side that brings extra texture and heartiness to your meal.
• Simple green salad: A light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance alongside the warm, comforting soup.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy a delightful bowl of Ukrainian Green Borscht! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ukrainian Green Borscht is not only a delight to eat, but it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, ensuring you have a healthy, delicious meal ready whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover borscht in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 3 days.
• Remember to let it cool down to room temperature before sealing it for storage.

Freezing

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Portion out the borscht into freezer-friendly containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen borscht overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until hot.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delicious recipe!

What makes Ukrainian Green Borscht special?

Ukrainian Green Borscht is special due to its vibrant colors and fresh flavors. It combines wholesome ingredients like spinach and zucchini, making it a nutritious option that’s perfect for summer meals. The addition of lemon juice gives it a delightful tang that sets it apart from traditional borscht.

Can I make Ukrainian Green Borscht vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian when made with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It’s packed with healthy greens and is a great option for anyone looking for a meat-free meal.

How long does Ukrainian Green Borscht last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Ukrainian Green Borscht can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just remember to reheat it thoroughly before serving!

Can I add more vegetables to my Ukrainian Green Borscht?

Definitely! Feel free to customize your borscht with other veggies such as peas, green beans, or even kale. Just keep an eye on cooking times as different vegetables may require varying amounts of time to cook through.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for Ukrainian Green Borscht finds its way into your kitchen and warms your heart just as it has mine! It’s not only a comforting dish but also a beautiful celebration of fresh ingredients that are perfect for those warm summer days. Enjoy making this delightful soup, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences with friends and family! Happy cooking!