Borscht | Definition, Ingredients, & Facts (2024)

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Also known as: borsch, borsht, bortsch

Borscht | Definition, Ingredients, & Facts (1)

borscht, beet soup of the Slavic countries. Although borscht is important in Russian and Polish cuisines, Ukraine is frequently cited as its place of origin. Its name is thought to be derived from the Slavic word for the cow parsnip, or common hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), or from a fermented beverage derived from that plant. The more-palatable cultivated beet eventually replaced the wild cow parsnip as the basis of the soup.

Borschts are eaten hot or cold. Some are clear and light, others thick and substantial. Many recipes counterbalance the sweetness of the beets with the addition of kvass (also spelled kvas). The term kvass may refer to a sour, slightly alcoholic beer made from bread or to a concoction of fermented beets; both are used. Vinegar, lemon juice, or citric acid can be added to achieve a similar effect.

Borscht | Definition, Ingredients, & Facts (2)

Britannica Quiz

What’s on the Menu? Vocabulary Quiz

Ukrainian borscht is a hearty soup of beef and a variety of vegetables in which root vegetables and cabbage predominate, and the soup takes its characteristic deep red colour from beets. The soup is often eaten with a sour cream garnish and with pirozhki, turnovers filled with beef and onions. A meatless beet soup is made with a stock flavoured with forest mushrooms; this Polish version is served with tiny mushroom-filled dumplings, uszka.

Borscht | Definition, Ingredients, & Facts (2024)

FAQs

Borscht | Definition, Ingredients, & Facts? ›

Ukrainian borscht

borscht
In ethnic Mennonite cuisine, borscht refers to a whole range of seasonal vegetable soups based on beef or chicken stock—from spring borscht made with spinach, sorrel and chard to summer borscht with cabbage, tomatoes, maize and squash to fall and winter borscht with cabbage, beets and potatoes.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › borscht
is a hearty soup of beef and a variety of vegetables in which root vegetables and cabbage predominate, and the soup takes its characteristic deep red colour from beets. The soup is often eaten with a sour cream garnish and with pirozhki, turnovers filled with beef and onions.

What is the difference between Russian and Ukrainian borscht? ›

The stock starter is often mixed, whether it's with cured sausage, poultry, or vegetables. Texturally, Russian borscht often leans into thinner consistency, unlike the Ukrainian version. Vegetables, like cabbage, are added at the beginning of preparation, lending a softer result as opposed to the Ukrainian version.

What are some interesting facts about borscht? ›

The name 'borscht' comes from the Old Slavonic 'borsht', meaning 'hogweed', an ingredient in the soup's earliest recipes. The Ukrainian version of borscht, distinguished by its use of red beetroots, cabbage, potatoes, meat or bone stock, and a variety of other vegetables and seasonings, is particularly renowned.

Is borscht healthy? ›

This soup from Eastern Europe is rich in essential nutrients that provide numerous benefits. Additionally, it's a low-calorie option that can be easily adapted to fit various dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. Is borscht healthy for you? Rest assured, it certainly is.

What do Russians eat with borscht? ›

It is often served with smetana or sour cream, hard-boiled eggs or potatoes, but there exists an ample choice of more involved garnishes and side dishes, such as uszka or pampushky, that can be served with the soup.

What's the difference between beet soup and borscht? ›

Hence, my beet soup is called just that, soup, not borscht, even though it shares certain ingredients - potatoes, carrots, parsnips, beef stock and vinegar - with the traditional soup. But there's no cabbage and no caraway seed, two ingredients I consider essential in a borscht.

Which country has the best borscht? ›

"Ukraine is frequently listed as borscht's country of origin, and Puzata Hata in Kiev has some of the best in the city."

Why is my borscht not red? ›

Cooking Time and Temperature: Beets can lose their vibrant red color if they are overcooked or cooked at high temperatures for too long. If you cooked the beets for an extended period or at a high temperature, it could cause them to lose some of their color intensity, resulting in a more orange appearance.

Do you eat borscht hot or cold? ›

Borscht can be hot or cold, meaty or light, dairy-laden or broth-based, depending on your mood.

Do Jews eat borscht? ›

Borscht is one of many examples of a dish that took on Jewish significance because of immigration. The tart and tangy, ruby-hued, beet-based soup is considered the national dish of Ukraine, and has been enjoyed by non-Jewish and Jewish Ukrainians alike for generations.

Can diabetics eat borscht? ›

dLife - It's YOUR Diabetes Life! Borscht is a traditional beet soup recipe from Russia. Beets have a variety of health benefits that are especially important for people with diabetes. Not only do these hearty vegetables contain anti-inflammatory compounds, but they're rich in antioxidants, too.

Is borscht good for high blood pressure? ›

Borscht is typically made with red meat. For a heart-healthy version, choose ground turkey, double the beans or use tofu. Tomatoes, parsnips and potatoes add potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.

Why is borscht called borscht? ›

Although borscht is important in Russian and Polish cuisines, Ukraine is frequently cited as its place of origin. Its name is thought to be derived from the Slavic word for the cow parsnip, or common hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), or from a fermented beverage derived from that plant.

What is the color of borscht? ›

SW 7578 Borscht paint color by Sherwin-Williams is a Red paint color used for interior and exterior paint projects. Visualize, coordinate, and order color samples here.

Who invented borscht? ›

Most likely, beetroot borscht was made by ethnic Ukrainians living under Russian rule east of the Dneiper in the late 17th or early 18th century. Their method was relatively simple. Once the beet sour had been prepared, it was diluted with water, then put into a clay pot and brought to the boil.

Is borscht sweet or savory? ›

Borscht should be a hearty, yet sophisticated dish: a bowlful of sweet, sour and savoury flavours, rather than simply a vehicle for beetroot. It takes a bit of work – but with a dollop of rich sour cream, and a sprig of aromatic dill, it's one of the world's great soups.

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