Ukrainian Green Borscht

If you’re looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish to brighten up your summer days, look no further than Ukrainian Green Borscht. This delightful soup is not just a feast for the eyes with its beautiful green hues; it’s also packed with healthy greens and wholesome flavors, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. I adore this recipe because it’s quick to whip up on busy weeknights, yet special enough to serve at family gatherings. Each spoonful brings a taste of home, warmth, and joy that I can’t resist sharing with friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a comforting bowl of Ukrainian Green Borscht ready in no time.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with spinach, zucchini, and other nutritious ingredients, this soup is a great way to get your daily greens.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the bright colors and delicious taste, making it an excellent choice for family meals.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This soup keeps well in the fridge, so you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of lemon juice and fresh herbs creates a refreshing taste that pairs perfectly with sour cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have on hand. Let’s gather what we need to create this delicious Ukrainian Green Borscht!

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
• Sour cream (for serving)

Variations

One of the best things about Ukrainian Green Borscht is its flexibility! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add More Greens: Toss in kale or Swiss chard for an extra nutrient boost.
• Go Vegan: Replace the eggs with tofu cubes for a plant-based option that still packs protein.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat!
• Switch Up the Broth: Use mushroom broth for an earthy flavor that complements the greens beautifully.

How to Make Ukrainian Green Borscht

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring your choice of chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Once boiling, add the cubed potatoes. Lower the heat to medium-low and let them cook for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it forms the base of your soup.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies

While the potatoes are cooking, heat olive oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add minced onion and grated carrot to the skillet. Cook them while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until they become tender and fragrant. Sautéing these veggies enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to your borscht.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Once the potatoes are cooked through, add the sautéed onion and carrot mixture into the pot along with cubed zucchini and chopped spinach. Stir everything together and continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. This step ensures all those wonderful flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Finish with Freshness

Remove your pot from heat and stir in lemon juice, cubed hard-boiled eggs, and chopped parsley or dill. The lemon juice will add brightness while balancing out the richness of the soup.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Ladle your warm Ukrainian Green Borscht into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream. This final touch adds creaminess that perfectly complements the vibrant flavors of your soup.

Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful dish!

Pro Tips for Making Ukrainian Green Borscht

Making Ukrainian Green Borscht is a delightful experience, and with a few insider tips, you can elevate your soup to perfection!

• Use fresh greens – Fresh spinach and herbs not only add vibrant color but also enhance the flavor profile of the borscht. Opting for seasonal greens will make your dish taste more authentic and wholesome.
• Sauté vegetables properly – Taking the time to sauté your onions and carrots until they are soft and fragrant allows their natural sugars to caramelize, adding depth to the soup’s flavor.
• Adjust acidity with lemon juice – Adding lemon juice at the end brightens up the dish. It balances flavors beautifully and gives a refreshing twist, making each spoonful more enjoyable.
• Customize with proteins – While hard-boiled eggs are traditional, feel free to experiment with other proteins like chickpeas or beans for an added texture and nutritional boost.
• Allow flavors to meld – If you have time, let your borscht sit for a few minutes after cooking. This resting period brings all the flavors together wonderfully.

How to Serve Ukrainian Green Borscht

Serving Ukrainian Green Borscht is as joyful as cooking it! With its vibrant green hue and hearty ingredients, this dish is perfect for both casual family meals and festive gatherings.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped dill or parsley not only looks beautiful but also adds a burst of freshness that complements the soup’s flavors.
• Lemon wedges: Offering lemon wedges on the side allows guests to add a little extra acidity to their bowls, enhancing the soup’s brightness according to personal preference.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread pairs perfectly with Ukrainian Green Borscht. The bread’s texture is ideal for dipping into the rich broth.
• Pickled vegetables: Offering a small plate of pickled cucumbers or radishes provides a crunchy contrast that cuts through the richness of the soup.
• Potato dumplings (vareniki): These soft dumplings can be filled with potato or cheese and make for an enticing accompaniment. They’re comforting and filling, making your meal feel complete.
• Salad with vinaigrette: A light salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette will balance the meal nicely. Consider using ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers for a refreshing crunch.

Enjoy crafting this delicious Ukrainian Green Borscht recipe, and don’t hesitate to personalize it according to your taste preferences! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ukrainian Green Borscht is a fantastic recipe for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy healthy and delicious meals throughout the week. With its vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients, it’s perfect for making in advance.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the borscht to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If you plan on storing leftovers, consider keeping the sour cream separate until serving.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool entirely before freezing.
• Pour it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
• Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• You may need to add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens during storage.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Ukrainian Green Borscht.

Can I make Ukrainian Green Borscht vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This soup is already packed with vibrant greens and veggies that make it hearty and satisfying.

What can I serve with Ukrainian Green Borscht?

Serving this dish with crusty bread or a side salad enhances your meal perfectly. Enjoying it with a dollop of sour cream adds a creamy touch that complements the flavors beautifully!

How long does Ukrainian Green Borscht last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your Ukrainian Green Borscht will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator, making it ideal for meal prep.

Can I add other vegetables to my Ukrainian Green Borscht?

Yes! Feel free to get creative by adding other seasonal vegetables like peas or green beans. Just ensure they are cooked sufficiently so they blend well with the other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Ukrainian Green Borscht as delightful as I do! Bursting with fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s a perfect dish for any time of year. Whether you’re enjoying it on a sunny afternoon or a breezy evening, I’m sure you’ll love every spoonful. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe out; feel free to share your experiences or any variations you come up with. Happy cooking!