Ukrainian Green Borscht

If you’re looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish that captures the essence of summer, Ukrainian Green Borscht is just what you need! This soup is not only packed with healthy greens, but it also offers a delightful balance of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, and I bet it will become a favorite in your home just like it is in mine.

What makes this recipe special is its versatility and the way it embraces fresh ingredients. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your tastes or what you have on hand! So whether you’re enjoying a cozy lunch or serving dinner to friends, Ukrainian Green Borscht will always shine on your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious soup ready in no time.
• Packed with Nutrients: This borscht is loaded with greens like spinach and zucchini, making it a healthy choice.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the bright colors and tasty flavors of this dish.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup keeps well in the fridge, so you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Deliciously Versatile: Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or herbs!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Ukrainian Green Borscht features simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Each one contributes to the delicious flavor and vibrant color of this beloved soup.

For the Soup

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

For Serving

• Sour cream

Variations

One of the best things about Ukrainian Green Borscht is how flexible it is! You can easily experiment with different ingredients based on your preferences or what’s available.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some chopped kale or beet greens for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Make It Vegan: Leave out the eggs and use vegetable broth along with your favorite plant-based cream for serving.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick if you enjoy some heat.
• Herb Swap: Try using cilantro instead of parsley or dill for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Ukrainian Green Borscht

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring your chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Once boiling, add the cubed potatoes. Reducing the heat to medium-low, let them cook for about 15 minutes until they are tender. This step creates a flavorful base for your soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

While the potatoes are cooking, heat olive oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add minced onion and grated carrot, stirring occasionally for around 10 minutes. Sautéing these vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and builds layers of flavor in your borscht.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Once your potatoes are ready, carefully add the sautéed onion, carrot, cubed zucchini, and chopped spinach into the pot. Continue cooking everything together for another 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The vibrant colors will make you smile!

Step 4: Finish It Off

Add fresh lemon juice along with cubed hard-boiled eggs and chopped parsley (or dill) to finish off your soup. Stir everything gently so that all those wonderful flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Remove from heat and serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream on top. Not only does this add creaminess but also gives that lovely finishing touch we all crave! Enjoy every spoonful of your delicious Ukrainian Green Borscht!

Pro Tips for Making Ukrainian Green Borscht

Making Ukrainian Green Borscht is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll elevate your cooking game!

• Use fresh greens: Fresh spinach and other greens not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant color and nutrients to your soup. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in achieving that authentic taste.

• Adjust the acidity: If you love a tangy flavor, feel free to increase the lemon juice slightly. This brightens up the dish and balances the flavors perfectly, especially on warm days.

• Customize with veggies: Don’t hesitate to throw in other seasonal vegetables like peas or kale. This adds variety and makes your borscht even healthier while keeping it colorful and appealing.

• Let it rest: If you have time, let the soup sit for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer taste.

• Experiment with herbs: While parsley and dill are traditional, try adding fresh basil or cilantro for a unique twist! These herbs can introduce new flavors that complement the soup’s freshness.

How to Serve Ukrainian Green Borscht

Serving Ukrainian Green Borscht can be as creative as you want it to be! Here are some ideas to present this delicious soup in style.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: Sprinkling chopped green onions adds a mild kick and enhances visual appeal.
• Lemon wedges: A few lemon wedges on the side allow guests to add a squeeze of fresh juice for extra brightness.
• Sour cream swirl: A dollop of sour cream swirled into each bowl not only looks beautiful but also adds creaminess that balances out the borscht’s acidity.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A slice of freshly baked crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, soaking up all those delicious flavors.

• Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad tossed with dill and a light vinaigrette complements the borscht by adding crunch and freshness.

• Potato pancakes: These crispy delights pair wonderfully with borscht, providing a hearty texture that rounds out your meal beautifully.

• Grilled vegetable platter: A colorful assortment of grilled vegetables makes for a great side dish, bringing smokiness and additional health benefits to your table.

Enjoy your cooking adventure with Ukrainian Green Borscht – it’s sure to bring warmth and joy to your dining table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ukrainian Green Borscht is a fantastic recipe for meal prep! It’s not only quick to make but also stores beautifully, allowing you to enjoy this delicious soup throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover borscht in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure to let it cool down before sealing the container.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the soup cool completely.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• You can also use a microwave; just heat in short intervals, stirring between, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Ukrainian Green Borscht!

Can I make Ukrainian Green Borscht vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a delightful vegetarian version of this classic soup.

What greens can I add to my Ukrainian Green Borscht?

Feel free to experiment with other greens such as kale or Swiss chard. They will add additional flavors and nutrients to your borscht!

How do I serve Ukrainian Green Borscht?

Serve your borscht hot with a dollop of sour cream on top. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley make a lovely garnish, adding both color and flavor!

Can I prepare Ukrainian Green Borscht ahead of time?

Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep. Make it ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer for easy meals later on.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about making this wonderful Ukrainian Green Borscht! It’s packed with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients that truly celebrate summer. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, this soup is bound to bring warmth and joy to your table. Enjoy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your experience with me—I would love to hear how your borscht turns out!