Vegetarian Borscht (Beet) Soup

Image: Serving plate containing a bowl of red-colored soup, including various garnishes and toasted bread on the side.

Description: I first tried Borscht soup a few years ago and I've been in love with it ever since. Here is the version I make that really warms me up on a cold day!

Yield: Recipe serves 3-4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil

• 1 medium-sized onion, diced

• 3 medium-sized carrots, diced

• 3 large-sized red beets, diced

• 3 large-sized potatoes, diced

• 4 stalks celery, diced

• 1/2 of a medium sized green cabbage, chopped

• 8 cups filtered water

• 2 tablespoons vegetable bouillon (can also use vegetarian beef or chicken bouillon)

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 6 cloves garlic minced

• 2 teaspoons celery seed

• 2 tablespoons smoked Paprika

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flake

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 4 tablespoons fresh dill chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

• 3 bay leaves

• 2 teaspoons black pepper

• Salt, to taste

Garnishes:

• Rye Bread, for buttered toast

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, for topping

• 1 teaspoon butter, for topping

• 1 tablespoon (vegan) sour cream, for topping

• Fresh dill, for topping

Instructions

Heat a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add a bit of the olive oil, garlic, onions, carrots, beets, and potatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often.

Add the water, spices, vegetable bouillon, lemon juice, tomato paste, and bay leaves to the pot. Put the lid on the pot and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the chopped dill, along with the salt and pepper to the pot. Cover and cook for 5 more minutes.

Remove the pot from the stove, then add the red wine vinegar. Let it rest with the lid on for 15 more minutes before serving.

Garnish with a spoonful of (vegan) sour cream, more fresh dill, butter. Drizzle with olive oil. Serve with toasted rye bread. Enjoy!

Notes

I would highly recommend that you wear gloves when chopping the beets because the red beet juice will stain your hands, your cutting board, your counter, and anything else it falls on.