Chinese cuisine

Russian-style beef soup, also known as borscht, is a hearty and flavorful dish that originated from the Slavic regions of Eastern Europe. This soup is typically made with beef, beets, tomatoes, and a variety of spices and vegetables. It’s a staple in many Russian and Ukrainian households and is enjoyed for its rich, deep flavor and vibrant color. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making a delicious and authentic Russian-style beef soup at home.

Ingredients

To make this soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds of beef (preferably chuck or stew meat)
• 2 medium-sized beets (peeled and diced)
• 2 large onions (peeled and diced)
• 4 large tomatoes (peeled and diced)
• 2 large carrots (peeled and diced)
• 2 celery stalks (diced)
• 2 potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 1 cup of red cabbage (shredded)
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill (or 2 tablespoons of fresh dill)
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 cups of beef broth (or water)
• 1 cup of red wine (optional)
• Olive oil for sautéing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

First, chop all the vegetables into small, uniform pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly and infuse the soup with their flavors. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until it’s well-browned on all sides. This process will take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add a little more olive oil to the pot if necessary. Then, add the onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Sauté these vegetables for about 5 minutes or until they start to soften. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 4: Add the Spices and Tomato Paste

Add the paprika, salt, black pepper, dried dill, cumin, coriander, allspice, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir to combine. Then, add the tomato paste and stir until it’s fully incorporated with the vegetables. Cook for another minute or two to release the spices’ aroma.

Step 5: Add the Liquid and Bring to a Boil

Pour in the beef broth or water and stir to combine with the vegetables and spices. If using red wine, add it at this stage as well. Return the beef to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes or until the beef is tender.

Step 6: Add the Beets and Tomatoes

After 45 minutes, add the diced beets and tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine and let the soup simmer for another 30 minutes or until the beets are tender. The soup should be a deep red color at this point due to the beets.

Step 7: Add the Red Cabbage and Sugar (Optional)

If using red cabbage, add it to the pot at this stage. Also, add the sugar to help balance out the natural acidity of the tomatoes. Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes or until the cabbage is wilted and tender.

Step 8: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, or additional spices. The soup should be well-seasoned but not overly salty.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with a side of crusty bread or some fresh herbs like dill or parsley for garnish. Enjoy this delicious and hearty Russian-style beef soup with your family and friends!

Variations and Tips

• Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of this soup, simply omit the beef and increase the amount of vegetables. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Cabbage-Free Version: If you don’t like red cabbage, you can omit it altogether or substitute it with another vegetable like kale or spinach.
• Wine Option: Using red wine adds a layer of complexity to the soup’s flavor profile. However, it’s optional and can be skipped if you prefer a more straightforward broth-based soup.
• Thickening: If you prefer a thicker soup consistency, you can puree some of the vegetables (such as tomatoes or beets) before adding them back to the pot. Alternatively, you can use cornstarch or flour mixed with cold water to thicken the soup at the end. However, keep in mind that this may affect the soup’s nutritional content slightly.
• Storage: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Simply let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag and storing it in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.

Conclusion

Russian-style beef soup (borscht) is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for colder months or when you need a hearty meal. By following these steps and tips, you can easily make an authentic version of this classic soup at home. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, this soup is sure to become a staple in your repertoire! So give it a try today and enjoy every bite!