Borsch (beetroot soup) is not just a traditional Ukrainian daily meal, it’s a symbol of unity – the basis of the culinary tradition of Ukraine, which is stronger than any modern experiments and overseas borrowings. Borsch is a dish with a national character. It is primarily associated with Ukraine. This “association” smells delicious and promises warmth, comfort, fullness, and, thus, sense of peace. When Ukrainians choose to cook borsch as their everyday main dish – their express their patriotism and show their love for Ukraine.
This soup brings people together
In Ukraine, borsch has long been considered a symbol of a strong family: all the ingredients are cooked in a clay pot, transferring their flavors to each other, and as a result become one whole – a rich, hearty, and dense borsch. In days of old, borsch was eaten almost every day, served on holidays and at weddings. The peculiarity of this dish is that it becomes tastier the next day when flavors are well blended together.
The word borsch itself originated from the Old Slavonic word “b’rshch” (beet). This vegetable is an indispensable part of all borsch recipes. It gives borsch its very taste and color, while fragrant onion and garlic give emotional-to-tears piquancy, and burning pepper gives a zest reflecting Ukrainian sharp sense of humor and self-irony.
Back to old times – The very first borsch
In days of old, meat was included in borsch only on big holidays, because pigs were not slaughtered often. Borsch cooked with cabbage, beets, carrots, parsley. The potato was added from the second half of the 19th century. The borsch wasn’t boiled in a pan yet it was simmered in a ceramic pot in the Ukrainian stove. Both beet and beet kvass were added to borsch.
Ancient-old culinary tradition
A little later, Ukrainians started to add cut salo for a better taste, and Ukrainian Cossacks brought garlic and many different spices. Borsch was cooked with beans, browned flour, millet or buckwheat, and dumplings. On holidays or on Sundays borsch was cooked using a meat broth. On weekdays Ukrainians added salo fried with onions and garlic.
As most Ukrainians had a cow; they dressed the beet soup with sour cream on special days.
(Source ukrainian-recipes.com)
FAQs
It's standard for Ukrainian cooks to use pork in their Borscht and top it off with sour cream, whereas Russian cooks are more likely to use beef. Furthermore, Ukrainians will offer buns with their bortsch, and Russians will offer a native bread known as “black bread.”
Is borscht Russian or Polish? ›
Although borscht is important in Russian and Polish cuisines, Ukraine is frequently cited as its place of origin. Its name is thought to be derived from the Slavic word for the cow parsnip, or common hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), or from a fermented beverage derived from that plant.
What does borscht symbolize for Ukraine? ›
In Ukraine, borsch has long been considered a symbol of a strong family: all the ingredients are cooked in a clay pot, transferring their flavors to each other, and as a result become one whole – a rich, hearty, and dense borsch. In days of old, borsch was eaten almost every day, served on holidays and at weddings.
Is borscht healthy? ›
Borscht is healthy but should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet. No strict consumption frequency exists.
What do Russians eat with borscht? ›
It is often served with smetana or sour cream, hard-boiled eggs or potatoes, but there exists an ample choice of more involved garnishes and side dishes, such as uszka or pampushky, that can be served with the soup.
Which country has the best borscht? ›
I think the reason borscht has cemented itself as a national treasure in Ukraine is precisely because it is so multifaceted and readily adaptable. It has evolved over the centuries and made its way into every kitchen in the country without losing its essence and its roots.
Do you eat borscht hot or cold? ›
Borscht can be hot or cold, meaty or light, dairy-laden or broth-based, depending on your mood.
Why is my borscht not red? ›
Some varieties of beets have lighter flesh and may result in a more orange hue rather than a deep red color. If you used different beets than usual or if they were not as deeply pigmented, this could be the reason for the change in color.
How often do Ukrainians eat borscht? ›
Ukrainians strongly believe that Borscht soup originated in their country and declare it as their national soup. Ukrainians love borsht so much so that they will eat borscht with pork for breakfast as a morning pick me up and then again three times throughout the day!
Do Jews eat borscht? ›
Borscht is one of many examples of a dish that took on Jewish significance because of immigration. The tart and tangy, ruby-hued, beet-based soup is considered the national dish of Ukraine, and has been enjoyed by non-Jewish and Jewish Ukrainians alike for generations.
dLife - It's YOUR Diabetes Life! Borscht is a traditional beet soup recipe from Russia. Beets have a variety of health benefits that are especially important for people with diabetes. Not only do these hearty vegetables contain anti-inflammatory compounds, but they're rich in antioxidants, too.
Is borscht good for high blood pressure? ›
Borscht is typically made with red meat. For a heart-healthy version, choose ground turkey, double the beans or use tofu. Tomatoes, parsnips and potatoes add potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.
Are there different types of borscht? ›
Borscht, the traditional soup hailing from Eastern Europe, has been warming hearts and filling stomachs for centuries. This Ukraine's rich cultural heritage is reflected in the different versions, such as white borscht vs red borscht, which are popular in different regions.
What does Ukrainian borscht taste like? ›
Borscht is a beet soup that's warm, sweet, and sour all in one bowl. It has the umami and complexity of a well-developed chicken soup but the beets add a whole different flavor profile.
What is the difference between Polish and Ukrainian borscht? ›
Poland has their own Borscht version. It is kind of similar, to how Ukraine adapted the Polish traditional kapusniak soup, Poland adapted Barszcz. The big difference between Ukrainian borscht and Polish borscht is that the Polish version is usually clear, meatless, and made with both pickled and fresh beets.
What is the difference between red and green borscht? ›
Like red borscht, green borscht features those same tender potatoes, golden onions and carrots, and the obligatory dollop of sour cream at the end. But that's where the similarities stop. A mountain of greens goes in, and just when you think the soup can't possibly take any more, a good deal of herbs is added as well.
