Borscht (or borshch) is a traditional Ukrainian soup that has become popular in many Eastern European cuisines. There are various recipes for borscht, and the ingredients and preparation methods may vary regionally. Here’s a basic recipe for making borscht:

Ingredients:

For the broth:

– 1 pound (450g) beef or pork, preferably with bones

– 1 onion, peeled and halved

– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped

– 2 potatoes, peeled and diced

– 1/2 small cabbage, shredded

– 1 bay leaf

– Salt and pepper to taste

For the borshch:

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

– 1 onion, finely chopped

– 2 beets, peeled and grated

– 2 carrots, peeled and grated

– 2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or use canned tomatoes)

– 1 bell pepper, chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon tomato paste

– 1 tablespoon vinegar

– 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

– Salt and pepper to taste

For serving:

– Sour cream

– Fresh dill, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth:

– In a large pot, combine the meat, onion, carrots, and bay leaf.

– Add enough water to cover the ingredients, bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat to simmer.

– Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

– After about 1-1.5 hours, when the meat is tender, remove it from the broth. Strain the broth and discard the solids.

– Shred the meat and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

– In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.

– Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.

– Add grated beets, carrots, and chopped bell pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

3. Combine Ingredients:

– Add the sautéed vegetables to the strained broth.

– Add diced potatoes, shredded cabbage, tomatoes, minced garlic, tomato paste, vinegar, and sugar (if using).

– Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Simmer:

– Simmer the soup for about 20-30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.

5. Adjust Seasoning:

– Taste the borscht and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more vinegar, sugar, or salt according to your preferences.

6. Serve:

– Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and chopped fresh dill.

– Some people enjoy borscht with a slice of rye bread or a spoonful of additional sour cream on top.

Enjoy your homemade borscht! Keep in mind that borscht often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.