If you’re looking for a bowl full of comfort, color, and soul, Ukrainian Beet Soup is your answer. This beloved classic, often called borscht, is a vibrant medley of beets, tender vegetables, and fresh dill, finished with a swirl of creamy tang. Ukrainian Beet Soup is not only visually stunning but also brimming with hearty flavors and wholesome goodness. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or reliving childhood memories, this soup is a cozy invitation to the heart of Ukrainian cuisine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Ukrainian Beet Soup so special is how it transforms humble, everyday vegetables into something extraordinary. Each ingredient, from earthy beets to a handful of fresh dill, brings its own personality to the pot, resulting in a soup that’s as nourishing as it is beautiful.
- Olive oil or butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatic base for extra depth of flavor.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Sweet and savory, onions build the soup’s aromatic foundation.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A little garlic brings warmth and a subtle pungency that wakes up the vegetables.
- Carrots (2 medium, grated): Carrots add sweetness and a pop of orange to balance the beets.
- Potato (1 medium, peeled and diced): Creamy potato pieces make each bite more satisfying and filling.
- Beets (3 medium, peeled and grated): The star of Ukrainian Beet Soup, beets create its signature color and earthy-sweet flavor.
- Green cabbage (1/4 small head, thinly shredded): Shredded cabbage gives a delicate crunch and rounds out the veggie medley.
- Diced tomatoes with juice (1 can, 14.5 oz): Tomatoes bring acidity and brightness, tying all the flavors together.
- Beef or vegetable broth (6 cups): Use beef broth for a heartier, traditional taste, or vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
- Bay leaf (1): Just one leaf infuses the soup with subtle, herbal notes.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Deepens the soup’s tomato flavor and adds body.
- Vinegar (1 tablespoon, white or apple cider): A splash of vinegar brightens the flavors and preserves the soup’s vibrant color.
- Sugar (1/2 teaspoon): Just a pinch balances the acidity and enhances the beets’ natural sweetness.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in every ingredient.
- Fresh dill (2 tablespoons, chopped): Nothing says “Ukrainian Beet Soup” like a handful of dill for a fresh, herbal finish.
- Sour cream (for serving): The classic garnish, adding a creamy, tangy swirl to each bowl.
How to Make Ukrainian Beet Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil or butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, grated carrots, and grated beets. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes, stirring often, allowing the vegetables to soften and their flavors to meld. This early sauté builds the foundation of flavor for your Ukrainian Beet Soup.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Now, it’s time to add the heartier veggies and liquids. Toss in the diced potatoes, shredded cabbage, and the can of diced tomatoes (juice included). Stir in the tomato paste for that rich tomato undertone. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, drop in the bay leaf, and add the vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly, making sure all the veggies are submerged and the seasonings are evenly distributed. This is where the magic of Ukrainian Beet Soup really starts to happen.
Step 3: Simmer and Develop Flavors
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 30 to 35 minutes. The vegetables will become tender and the flavors will blend into a harmonious, ruby-red masterpiece. Be sure to check occasionally and give it a gentle stir so nothing sticks to the bottom. The aroma filling your kitchen is a sure sign you’re on the right track!
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Dill and Adjust Seasoning
Carefully remove the bay leaf and stir in the freshly chopped dill. Taste your Ukrainian Beet Soup and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt or pepper if needed. The finishing touch of dill adds an unmistakable freshness that’s traditional and utterly delicious.
Step 5: Serve with Classic Garnishes
Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s piping hot. Top each serving with a generous dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of extra dill. These classic garnishes are the signature finish for Ukrainian Beet Soup, adding creamy tang and fresh green contrast to every spoonful.
How to Serve Ukrainian Beet Soup
Garnishes
No bowl of Ukrainian Beet Soup is complete without a swirl of cool, tangy sour cream and a shower of fresh dill. These garnishes not only look beautiful against the bright red soup but also add layers of flavor—creamy, herbal, and just a little tangy. Feel free to add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or even a few thin slices of green onion for extra color and zip.
Side Dishes
The best companions for Ukrainian Beet Soup are hearty and rustic. Thick slices of rye bread or traditional garlic pampushky (Ukrainian garlic rolls) are perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop. If you’re feeling extra traditional, serve with a side of salted herring or pickled vegetables. These sides round out the meal and enhance the flavors of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and modern twist, try serving Ukrainian Beet Soup in small mugs or espresso cups as an appetizer at a dinner party. You can also top each bowl with a drizzle of infused olive oil or a scattering of microgreens for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Layering some chopped cooked beef or a poached egg on top can turn this soup into a show-stopping main course.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Ukrainian Beet Soup is one of those wonderful dishes that tastes even better on the second day. Let the soup cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, and the flavors will deepen and mellow over time.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, Ukrainian Beet Soup freezes very well. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour the desired amount into a pot and warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave. Be sure to stir well and add a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens too much. Always add fresh dill and sour cream after reheating for the brightest flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Ukrainian Beet Soup vegan?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth and skip the sour cream, or substitute with a plant-based alternative. The soup still delivers all the classic flavor and color without any animal products.
Is it better to use fresh beets or can I use pre-cooked ones?
Fresh, raw beets give the soup its signature color and earthy sweetness, but pre-cooked beets can work in a pinch. If using pre-cooked, add them later in the simmering process so they don’t become mushy.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Yes! For a heartier, more traditional Ukrainian Beet Soup, add a meaty soup bone or chunks of cooked beef when you add the broth. The meat adds richness and turns the soup into a full meal.
Why do you add vinegar and sugar?
The splash of vinegar keeps the beets bright and lively, and a pinch of sugar balances the acidity and enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables. This classic combination makes the flavors pop.
What’s the difference between borscht and Ukrainian Beet Soup?
Borscht is the traditional name for this dish, but Ukrainian Beet Soup is essentially the same recipe. Both terms refer to this iconic, beet-based soup that’s beloved across Ukraine and much of Eastern Europe.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Ukrainian Beet Soup at home, now’s your chance to experience a bowlful of tradition, comfort, and color. It’s a recipe that’s as much about sharing as it is about savoring, so gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and let this beautiful soup warm your table and your heart.
