Ukrainian Green Borscht

If you’re looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish that celebrates the beauty of summer, you’ve found it with this Ukrainian Green Borscht! This delightful soup bursts with flavors from healthy greens and is perfect for warm weather lunches or cozy family dinners. It’s one of those recipes I always turn to when I want something nourishing yet light, making it a staple in my kitchen.

What I love most about this Ukrainian Green Borscht is its versatility; it’s great for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, so even if you’re not an experienced cook, you can impress your friends and family with this delicious bowl of goodness!

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 meal ready in no time.
• Packed with Nutrition: Full of wholesome greens like spinach and zucchini, this soup is as healthy as it is delicious.
• Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love the vibrant flavors, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This borscht keeps well in the fridge, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Ukrainian Green Borscht are simple and wholesome. You likely have many of them in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Soup Base

• 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

For Garnish

• 4 eggs (hard-boiled and cubed)
• 1/2 c parsley or dill (chopped)
• salt, pepper to taste
• sour cream (for serving)

Variations

One of the best things about Ukrainian Green Borscht is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add More Greens: Toss in kale or Swiss chard for an extra nutrient boost.
• Switch Up the Protein: Use diced tofu or chickpeas instead of eggs if you’re looking for a plant-based option.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you fancy some heat.
• Try Different Herbs: Basil or cilantro can add unique flavors if you’re looking for a twist.

How to Make Ukrainian Green Borscht

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring your chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Once boiling, add the cubed potatoes. Reducing the heat to medium-low is key here—let those potatoes cook for about 15 minutes until tender but not mushy.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

While your potatoes are cooking, heat olive oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add minced onion and grated carrot. This step is important because sautéing these veggies helps bring out their natural sweetness. Cook for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Once your potatoes are ready, add the sautéed onion and carrot mixture to the pot along with cubed zucchini and chopped spinach. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until everything is nicely blended together. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!

Step 4: Finish It Off

Stir in lemon juice, cubed eggs, and chopped parsley. Removing it from heat at this point allows all those lovely flavors to mingle beautifully before serving.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Serve your Ukrainian Green Borscht immediately with a generous dollop of sour cream on top. This adds creaminess that balances out the bright flavors perfectly! Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful soup—it’s sure to warm your heart!

Pro Tips for Making Ukrainian Green Borscht

Making Ukrainian Green Borscht can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you elevate your dish!

• Use fresh greens: Fresh spinach and herbs like parsley or dill not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant color and essential nutrients to your borscht.

• Adjust the acidity: Adjusting the amount of lemon juice can personalize the soup’s tartness. Start with less, then add more to suit your taste.

• Prep in advance: Chopping vegetables ahead of time can save you valuable minutes when you’re ready to cook, making the process smoother and more enjoyable.

• Experiment with veggies: Feel free to swap or add other greens like Swiss chard or beet greens for a unique twist. This not only diversifies the flavor but also boosts nutritional value.

• Serve it chilled: For a refreshing summer option, try serving the borscht chilled—it’s delicious and perfect for hot days!

How to Serve Ukrainian Green Borscht

Presenting your Ukrainian Green Borscht beautifully can enhance the dining experience! Here are some ideas to make your dish shine.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of additional parsley or dill right before serving adds freshness and visual appeal.
• Lemon wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for those who enjoy an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• Sour cream dollops: Besides adding creaminess, a dollop of sour cream on top creates an inviting contrast against the vibrant green soup.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm, crusty loaf pairs perfectly with borscht, allowing you to soak up every last drop of this delicious soup.
• Grilled or roasted vegetables: Seasonal veggies like bell peppers or asparagus complement the flavors of the borscht while keeping your meal light and healthy.
• Potato pancakes (deruny): These crispy potato cakes are a traditional accompaniment that adds a delightful crunch to your meal.
• Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with vinegar dressing provides a crispy contrast that balances the warmth of the soup.

By following these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create an unforgettable dining experience centered around this delightful Ukrainian Green Borscht. Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Ukrainian Green Borscht is perfect for meal prep! Its vibrant flavors only get better with time, making it an excellent choice for making in advance.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover borscht in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 4 days.
• Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing it to avoid condensation.

Freezing

• If you want to enjoy this borscht later, freeze it in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It freezes well for up to 3 months.
• To prevent freezer burn, ensure all air is removed from the bags before sealing.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen borscht overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• You can also use a microwave; just heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Ukrainian Green Borscht.

Can I make Ukrainian Green Borscht without chicken broth?

You can easily substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to maintain a delicious flavor while keeping it vegetarian-friendly!

What greens can I use in Ukrainian Green Borscht?

Feel free to mix different greens like kale or Swiss chard with spinach. This adds variety and boosts nutrition!

How is Ukrainian Green Borscht different from traditional borscht?

Unlike traditional beet borscht, Ukrainian Green Borscht is made with vibrant greens like spinach, giving it a fresh and light taste ideal for summer.

Can I add other vegetables to my Ukrainian Green Borscht?

Absolutely! Carrots, peas, and even bell peppers can be added based on your preference. Just make sure they complement the existing flavors.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy and satisfaction in making this delightful Ukrainian Green Borscht! Filled with nutritious ingredients and bursting with fresh flavors, it’s a wonderful dish that brings warmth to your table. Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting soup, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or any variations you try. Happy cooking!