About
Contrary to popular belief, borscht isn't just native to Russia but to all of Eastern Europe. In fact, the borscht that many in the English-speaking world are familiar with hails from Ukraine! Ukrainian Borscht Soup is as ironically red and inviting as you'd imagine, deriving a natural sweetness and color from the beets mixed into the broth. Pork sausage adds savory flavor and meatiness, potatoes and carrots add heartiness and heft, and cabbage adds substance and a little garden freshness. Add a cloud of sour cream on top for some creaminess and tang, and Ukrainian Borscht Soup is ready to comfort you.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package pork sausage
- 8 3/4 cups water, plus more as needed, divided
- 3 medium beets, peeled and shredded
- 3 carrots, peeled and shredded
- 3 medium baking potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 medium head cabbage, cored and shredded
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced and drained
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream, for topping
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
Step 1 -Crumble the sausage into a skillet set over medium-high heat and cook, while stirring, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2 -Transfer the sausage from the heat.
Step 3 -Fill a large pot with 8 cups of the water and bring it to a boil.
Step 4 -Add the sausage to the water, cover the pot, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 5 -Add the beets to the sausage mixture and cook until the beets have lost their color, about 5 minutes.
Step 6 -Add the carrots and the potatoes to the sausage mixture and simmer until they are tender, about 15 minutes.
Step 7 -Add the cabbage and the diced tomatoes to the sausage mixture.
Step 8 -In a skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil.
Step 9 -Add the onion to the hot oil and cook until it is tender, about 5 minutes.
Step 10 -Stir the tomato paste and the remaining water into the onions until they are well blended.
Step 11 -Add the onion mixture and the garlic to the soup and cover the pot.
Step 12 -Turn off the stovetop heat and let the soup stand for 5 minutes.
Step 13 -Stir the sugar, the salt, and the pepper into the soup.
Step 14 -Serve the soup with the sour cream and the parsley.
