BORSHCH (UKRAINIAN RUSSIAN BEET SOUP)

IELD: 4 to 6 servings (4 Servings)
PREP: 10 mins
COOK: 15 mins
READY IN: 25 mins

Borshch (борщ) is one of the classic soups of the Russian household. Ukrainians, however, swear that it was invented by them. Regardless, there are countless variations throughout the Slavic region of Europe, both with meat and without. Most, but not all, have a base of beets. Also spelled borsh, borsch, borsht (with the t silent). Called barszcz by the Polish

INGREDIENTS

• 2-3 Tbsp Butter or oil
• 1 Onion, minced
• 1/2 tsp Red chili powder
• 1 pound Beets, peeled and grated
• 1 cup Tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced
• 2 quarts Beef stock or water
• 3-4 Tbsp Red wine vinegar
• 1 Tbsp Sugar
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup Sour cream
• 1 bunch Fresh dill, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat the butter or oil over medium flame in a large pot. Add the onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in the beets and tomatoes and stir to heat through.
2. Pour in the stock or water, vinegar, sugar, sand and pepper.
3. Taste the broth, and adjust the amount of vinegar or sugar as needed. Broth should be lightly tart-sweet, but not overwhelmingly so.
4. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to low and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked yet retain their texture.
5. Serve hot or cold in bowls garnished with a dollop of sour cream (smetana).