Ukrainian Green Borscht

If you’re looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish that celebrates the flavors of summer, then let me introduce you to my beloved Ukrainian Green Borscht! This delightful soup is packed with wholesome ingredients like spinach, zucchini, and fresh herbs. It’s a dish that warms the heart while keeping things light and nourishing. Whether you’re enjoying a busy weeknight dinner or hosting a family gathering, this borscht is sure to impress everyone at the table.

What makes this Ukrainian Green Borscht truly special is how easily it comes together. You can savor a bowl of this deliciousness in just 35 minutes! Plus, it’s versatile enough to fit any occasion, making it a go-to recipe in my kitchen. Now, let’s dive into why you’ll love making this delightful soup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a hearty soup ready in no time!
• Packed with Nutrition: This borscht is full of greens and wholesome veggies, making it not only tasty but also good for you.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the bright colors and fun textures of this soup. It’s an easy way to sneak in some extra veggies!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This borscht tastes even better the next day! It’s perfect for meal prepping or leftovers.
• Deliciously Versatile: Customize with your favorite herbs or add in seasonal vegetables for a twist on the classic recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the simple and wholesome ingredients that come together to create this fantastic Ukrainian Green Borscht. You probably already have many of these items in your pantry or fridge!

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 (for serving)

Variations

One of the best things about this Ukrainian Green Borscht is its flexibility! Feel free to adapt it based on what you have at home or what flavors you love.

• Add more greens: Boost the nutrition by tossing in kale or Swiss chard along with the spinach.
• Switch up the protein: If you prefer meat, shredded chicken can be a great addition.
• Make it vegan: Omit the eggs and sour cream; instead, use coconut yogurt as a topping for creaminess.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce for a little kick!

How to Make Ukrainian Green Borscht

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring your choice of chicken broth or vegetable broth to a boil. Once boiling, toss in those diced potatoes! Lower the heat to medium-low and let them cook until tender—about 15 minutes. Cooking them first ensures they are soft enough to blend beautifully with all other flavors later.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

While your potatoes are cooking away, heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add minced onion and grated carrot, sautéing them until they soften—about 10 minutes. This step adds depth to your soup as it brings out their natural sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

Step 3: Combine Everything Together

Once your potatoes are tender, gently stir in the sautéed onion and carrot mixture along with cubed zucchini and chopped spinach. Cook everything together for another 5-7 minutes; this helps meld all those wonderful flavors into one delicious soup! Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Ingredients

Now for that zesty touch! Add lemon juice along with cubed hard-boiled eggs and chopped parsley or dill. These fresh ingredients elevate your Ukrainian Green Borscht’s flavor profile even more!

Step 5: Serve Up Your Creation

Finally, remove your pot from heat and ladle out generous servings of this vibrant soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy every spoonful of warmth and goodness!

And there you have it! A delightful bowl of Ukrainian Green Borscht that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Ukrainian Green Borscht

Making Ukrainian Green Borscht is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll create a soup that’s bursting with flavor!

• Use Fresh Greens: Opt for fresh spinach and herbs. They not only enhance the flavor but also provide essential nutrients, making your borscht healthier and more vibrant.

• Adjust the Broth: If you want a richer taste, consider using homemade broth. It adds depth and enhances the overall profile of the soup.

• Perfect Your Eggs: Hard-boil your eggs to perfection by simmering them gently. This ensures they are easy to peel and have that lovely creamy yolk without any green ring around it.

• Experiment with Acidity: Adjust the lemon juice to your taste preference. A bit more acidity can brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the olive oil.

• Let It Rest: Allow your borscht to sit for a few minutes after cooking. This resting time helps meld the flavors together, resulting in an even tastier soup!

How to Serve Ukrainian Green Borscht

Presenting Ukrainian Green Borscht can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas to make it visually appealing and irresistible.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or dill on top before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness.

• Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for those who love an extra zing of citrus!

Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the borscht, complementing its flavors beautifully.

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables such as carrots or beets add earthy sweetness that pairs well with the soup’s tanginess.

• Salad: A light cucumber salad can provide a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the warmth of the borscht.

• Rice or Quinoa: Serving a scoop of rice or quinoa on the side creates a wholesome meal that’s filling and nutritious.

Enjoy your delicious Ukrainian Green Borscht with these serving suggestions to make every bowl special!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ukrainian Green Borscht is not only a delightful dish to serve fresh, but it’s also perfect for meal prep! Making a batch ahead of time can save you effort in the kitchen throughout the week, allowing you to enjoy this nutritious soup whenever you like.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the borscht to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
• Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• If you’ve added sour cream, consider storing it separately to prevent it from curdling.

Freezing

• Let the borscht cool down entirely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for storage.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To maintain the best texture, avoid freezing the hard-boiled eggs; add them fresh upon reheating.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen borscht overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Heat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe container and heat in intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Ukrainian Green Borscht.

Can I make Ukrainian Green Borscht vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This will ensure your soup remains delicious and fully vegetarian.

How long does Ukrainian Green Borscht last in the fridge?

This hearty soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Perfect for meal prep or leftovers!

What can I serve with Ukrainian Green Borscht?

Consider pairing this vibrant soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It’s delightful with a dollop of sour cream on top!

Can I add other vegetables to my Ukrainian Green Borscht?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other greens or seasonal vegetables you have on hand. Just remember that each addition may alter the cooking time slightly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up this comforting bowl of Ukrainian Green Borscht! It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients that brings warmth to your table. Enjoy every spoonful and share it with loved ones — there’s nothing quite like it when you’re looking for something light yet fulfilling. Happy cooking!