Borscht with Smoked Sausage

Dive into the vibrant culinary traditions of Russia with Borscht, a beloved soup that captures the essence of hearty home cooking. This recipe combines earthy beets and aromatic vegetables in a rich broth, offering both depth and brightness to every spoonful. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with smoked sausage for extra flavor, this borscht is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

“Borscht: A bowl of comfort that brings warmth to the soul.”

Highlights

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Calories: 200kcal per serving

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beets, peeled and chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 6 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Fresh dill for garnish
• Sour cream (optional)

Optional Smoked Sausage

• 4 ounces smoked sausage, sliced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Start by peeling and chopping the beets into small chunks. Peel and slice carrots. Dice the onion and mince garlic.

2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Cook Beets and Carrots: Add chopped beets and carrots to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften slightly.

4. Simmer Borscht: Pour in the broth, add bay leaves, salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until beets are tender.

5. Blend if Desired: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot (or transfer portions to a regular blender) to puree part of the soup while leaving some chunks intact.

6. Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, or more vinegar for tanginess.

7. Serve: Ladle borscht into bowls. Garnish with fresh dill and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve with smoked sausage slices on the side.

Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for this recipe, keep in mind that it may vary based on ingredients selected or substituted:

• Serving: 1 bowl
• Calories: 200kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 8g (includes optional sausage)
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 12g

Indulge in this ruby-red delight that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or paired with fresh bread, Borscht offers comfort and nutrition in every spoonful. Perfect for sharing with family or friends, this recipe invites you to explore the rich tapestry of Russian cuisine from your kitchen. Enjoy!