Ukrainian Green Borscht

If you’re looking for a vibrant, refreshing dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer, look no further than Ukrainian Green Borscht. This delightful soup is packed with healthy greens and offers a burst of flavor that will make your taste buds dance. It’s one of my all-time favorites—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome yet satisfying or for family gatherings where it can shine as a centerpiece.

What makes this soup so special is how easily it comes together while still delivering on deliciousness. Each spoonful is not just nourishing; it’s an invitation to savor the moment. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it an ideal recipe for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it a great option for those busy days.
• Packed with Nutrients: Full of fresh vegetables like spinach and zucchini, this borscht is a healthful choice.
• Family-Friendly: With its mild flavors and colorful presentation, everyone at the table will love this soup.
• Make- Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for an easy meal later on.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it hot or cold—it’s delicious either way!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Ukrainian Green Borscht, you don’t need any fancy ingredients—just simple, wholesome items that are easy to find! Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious soup:

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

One of the things I adore about Ukrainian Green Borscht is its flexibility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Add More Greens: Feel free to toss in other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for added nutrients.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the eggs with chickpeas for protein without any animal products.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re in the mood for a little heat!
• Change Up the Broth: Experiment with different types of broth, such as mushroom broth, for a unique depth of flavor.

How to Make Ukrainian Green Borscht

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring your choice of chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. When it’s bubbling away, add the cubed potatoes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let them cook for about 15 minutes until they’re tender. This forms the hearty base of your borscht.

Step 2: Sauté Veggies

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add minced onion and grated carrot. Sauté them for about 10 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This step is essential because it brings out their natural sweetness and deepens the flavor of your soup.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once your potatoes are cooked through, add the sautéed onion and carrot mixture along with cubed zucchini and chopped spinach into the pot. Continue cooking everything together for another 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! The colors will brighten up beautifully as they cook.

Step 4: Finish with Flavor

Stir in lemon juice, cubed hard-boiled eggs, and chopped parsley (or dill). These ingredients add layers of flavor that make this dish truly special. Remove from heat just before serving.

Step 5: Serve Warm with Cream

Ladle your Ukrainian Green Borscht into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream. This finishing touch adds creaminess that perfectly balances the tangy flavors of the soup. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Ukrainian Green Borscht

Making Ukrainian Green Borscht can be a delightful experience, especially when you know a few insider tips to enhance the flavors and textures.

• Use fresh greens: Fresh spinach or other greens not only add vibrant color but also pack in more nutrients and flavor. If possible, try to source organic greens for the best taste.

• Customize your broth: For a richer flavor, consider making your own vegetable broth. This allows you to control the seasoning and tailor it to your taste preferences.

• Adjust the acidity: The lemon juice is essential for that signature tangy flavor. However, feel free to adjust the amount based on how sour you like your soup!

• Don’t overcook vegetables: To keep the zucchini and spinach from getting mushy, add them towards the end of cooking. This helps retain their texture and bright green color.

• Chill before serving: Although it’s delicious warm, chilling the borscht in the refrigerator for an hour enhances the flavors even further. Serve it cold on hot summer days for a refreshing meal!

How to Serve Ukrainian Green Borscht

Presenting your Ukrainian Green Borscht can elevate your dining experience! Here are some creative ideas to make your dish shine.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped dill or parsley adds a burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
• Sour cream: A dollop of plant-based sour cream on top creates a creamy contrast that complements the tanginess of the soup.
• Lemon wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for guests who may want an extra squeeze of citrus.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A slice of hearty whole-grain or rye bread pairs perfectly with borscht, perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
• Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad seasoned with vinegar and dill balances out the warm soup beautifully, adding crunch and freshness.
• Potato pancakes (deruny): These crispy potato pancakes are a classic Ukrainian side that adds texture and heartiness to your meal.
• Grain salad: A light grain salad made with quinoa or farro tossed in lemon vinaigrette provides a nutritious complement that rounds out your meal perfectly.

Enjoy creating this delightful dish and sharing it with friends or family!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ukrainian Green Borscht is an excellent choice for meal prep! It not only tastes fantastic, but it also holds up beautifully when stored. You can easily make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze portions for later.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover borscht in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If you’re adding sour cream, consider serving it on the side to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Frozen borscht can last for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Ukrainian Green Borscht:

Can I make Ukrainian Green Borscht vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep this recipe vegetarian-friendly while still enjoying its delicious flavors.

How long does Ukrainian Green Borscht last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Ukrainian Green Borscht will last for about 3 days in the refrigerator.

What greens can I substitute in Ukrainian Green Borscht?

If you’re looking for alternatives, other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard can work well in this recipe, giving it a unique twist while maintaining that vibrant green color!

Can I add more vegetables to my Ukrainian Green Borscht?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables like green beans or peas. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly so everything is tender and delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Ukrainian Green Borscht is not only a delightful way to enjoy summer’s bounty of fresh greens but also a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to your table. I truly hope you find pleasure in making this recipe as much as I do! It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a nourishing solo meal. Enjoy every spoonful of this vibrant soup, and happy cooking!