Why Make This Recipe
Green Borscht is a traditional Ukrainian soup that brings comfort and nutrition to your table. With its vibrant green color and fresh flavors, it’s a delightful way to enjoy seasonal greens, particularly sorrel or spinach. This soup is not only tasty but also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a wonderful choice for a healthy meal. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family gathering.
How to Make Green Borscht
Ingredients
- 3-4 medium potatoes
- 1 large carrot
- 1 small onion (or half of a medium one)
- 10 sorrel leaves or chopped spinach + lemon (see notes below)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon ghee butter or olive oil
- 4 cups filtered water
- 2 teaspoons “Better than bouillon” (vegetable flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sour cream (for serving)
- ½ hard-boiled egg (for serving)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for serving)
Directions
- Cube the carrots and potatoes. Dice the onions. Chop the sorrel and dill finely and set them aside.
- In a large pot, add ghee butter and heat it over medium heat. Once melted, add the onions and cook until they become translucent, about 3 minutes, stirring often.
- Add the carrots and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Pour in the water, along with cubed potatoes, bay leaves, and bouillon base. Bring it to a boil, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are fully cooked.
- Stir in the chopped sorrel and dill. Cover the pot and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. If you’re not using sorrel, substitute with ½ cup of chopped spinach and a tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Serve the soup with a chopped or halved boiled egg and a dollop of sour cream.
How to Serve Green Borscht
Green Borscht is usually served hot. Ladle the soup into bowls and add a dollop of sour cream on top. You can also place a chopped or halved hard-boiled egg in each bowl for added texture and flavor. It pairs well with a slice of crusty bread or a simple salad.
How to Store Green Borscht
If you have leftover Green Borscht, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid boiling, as this may alter the texture of the soup.
Tips to Make Green Borscht
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice right before serving if you used spinach.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; you may want to add more salt or pepper based on your preference.
- If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill, but fresh will give the best flavor.
Variation
You can also make a meat version of the soup by adding cooked chicken or beef for additional heartiness. If you prefer, feel free to experiment with other greens like kale or Swiss chard.
FAQs
Can I freeze Green Borscht?
Yes, you can freeze Green Borscht for future meals. Just make sure to leave out the sour cream and egg when freezing, as these do not freeze well.
Is Green Borscht vegan?
Yes, you can make this soup vegan by using olive oil instead of ghee and ensuring that your bouillon is plant-based.
What if I can’t find sorrel?
If you can’t find sorrel, you can simply use baby spinach and add a bit of lemon juice to achieve a similar tangy flavor.