Ukrainian Red Borscht Soup

Ingredients and Weight:

• Beets, peeled and diced: 1 pound
• Carrots, diced: 1 pound
• Potatoes, diced: 1 pound
• Cabbage, shredded: 1/2 head
• Onion, chopped: 1 large
• Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
• Beef broth: 8 cups
• Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
• Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon
• Salt and pepper: to taste
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving: optional

Preparation Time:

30 minutes

Cooking Time:

1 hour

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot, bring the beef broth to a boil.
2. Add the beets, carrots, potatoes, and cabbage to the pot and reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
3. In a separate pan, sauté the onion and garlic in a little olive oil until softened.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the soup along with the vinegar and sugar.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the soup is thickened.
8. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 250 per serving
• Fat: 5 grams
• Cholesterol: 15 milligrams
• Sodium: 500 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 40 grams
• Protein: 10 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Vibrant red color
• Sweet and tangy flavor
• Earthy and hearty ingredients
• Perfect for a cold winter day

User Comments:

• "This soup is incredibly delicious and comforting. The sweetness of the beets balances perfectly with the tanginess of the vinegar."
• "I love the addition of cabbage, which gives the soup a nice crunch."
• "This borscht is a great way to warm up on a chilly day."
• "I've never had borscht before, but this recipe was easy to follow and turned out great!"
• "The sour cream adds a creamy richness that takes the soup to another level."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you can't find beets at your local supermarket, you can use canned beets instead.
• Be sure to peel and dice the beets before adding them to the soup, otherwise they will take longer to cook.
• Taste the soup as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking.