Dishes are either mere food, or dishes that hold history, identity and memory. Borscht Ukrainian is of the second category. This rich red beet soup is not only a restaurant of daily meals but it is also a dish that is known by UNESCO as the intangible heritage of humanity. It is not just soup but it is a flavor of home to millions of Ukrainians who are spread across the world. Including in the US. 

If you have ever wondered what Ukrainian borscht is, how it differs from Russian versions, and how to cook it properly at home, this article will guide you through everything. Out of the key ingredients to the serving traditions, here is the full picture of one of the most known Eastern European dishes.

What Is Ukrainian Borscht?

Borscht, or (борщ) in Ukrainian, is a soup based on beets, which gives it its characteristic deep red color. While you can find variations across Eastern Europe, traditional Ukrainian borscht is famous for its balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.

Typically the soup is made of beets, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic and dill cooked in a hearty broth. It can be made with beef, pork, chicken or remain vegetarian depending on the region and the family. It is also part of magic that every household does it differently.

What makes Ukrainian borscht unique is the layering of flavors: All vegetables are cooked separately, and then mixed, and it is topped with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to add tartness and using fresh dill and sour cream on top.

Ukrainian Borscht Ingredients

You do not require any fancy ingredients to make borscht the way it should be. The miracle is in the ordinary vegetables and their combination. The following are the ingredients required to make a traditional Ukrainian borscht recipe: 

Borscht Ingredients (for 6–8 servings):

• Beets – 3 medium (≈400–450 g), peeled and cut into matchsticks
  
• Cabbage – ½ head green cabbage (≈500 g), finely shredded
  
• Potatoes – 3–4 medium (≈500 g), cubed
  
• Carrots – 2 medium (≈200 g), sliced into rounds or half moons
  
• Onions – 1 large (≈150 g), chopped
• Garlic – 3–4 fresh cloves, grated or pressed
• Tomato paste – 2–3 tablespoons (≈50 g)
  
• Bay leaves – 2–3 pieces
  
• Fresh dill and parsley – ¼ cup each, finely chopped
  
• Sunflower oil – 2–3 tablespoons for frying
  
• Salt – 1–1.5 teaspoons (to taste)
  
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon (freshly ground)
  
• Vinegar – 1 tablespoon (white or apple cider)
  
• Sugar – 1 teaspoon (optional, balances the flavor)
  
• Water or broth – about 3 liters (beef, chicken, or vegetable, depending on version)
  

For a Ukrainian borscht with beef, soup bones or cuts of meat such as shanks or short ribs should be added. In the case you want a vegetarian Ukrainian of borscht, take a vegetable broth and substitute meat with beans.

How to Cook Ukrainian Borscht (Step-by-Step)

The process of cooking might seem lengthy at first sight, however, in fact, it is very simple. The following is a typical Ukrainian style borscht:

Step 1 – Make the Broth

In the case of beef, pour cold water over the bones or meat, boil, then remove the foam and then simmer 1-1.5 hours. This forms a tasty, deep base. As the quick alternative, store-bought beef or vegetable broth may be used..

Step 2 – Cook the Cabbage and Potatoes

Place shredded cabbage and diced potatoes to the broth simmering. Allow them to simmer as other vegetables are being cooked.

Step 3 – Prepare the sautéed vegetable base (the zazharka) — a mix of onions, carrots, and beets sautéed with tomato paste.

The sautéed onions, carrots and beets combined with tomato paste is called zazharka in Ukrainian cooking. Onions and carrots are to be fried in sunflower oil until soft, and grated beets and tomato paste are added. This process intensifies the color and provides borscht with its traditional flavor.

Step 4 – Combine and Simmer

Sauteed vegetables can be transferred to the broth. Add a pinch of sugar, vinegar, bay leaves and garlic. Keep simmering another 20 minutes and all the flavors should combine.

Step 5 – Rest and Serve

Switch the heat off and after a minimum of 10 minutes, the soup can be served. This assists in the marrying of the flavors.

Vegetarian and Vegan Ukrainian Borscht

Most families cook borscht without meat, which makes it light and still as superb. In this instance, beans are commonly utilized to get protein and beef stock is substituted with vegetable broth.

To make a vegan version of Ukrainian borscht, leave out the sour cream on top and use vegan substitutes such as cashew cream or vegan yogurt. It remains full, spicy and very traditional.

Tips for the Best Ukrainian Borscht Recipe

• Use fresh dill generously — it defines the aroma of authentic borscht.
• Don’t skip vinegar or lemon juice — acidity balances the sweetness of beets.
• Let it rest before serving — borscht always tastes better the next day.
• Pair it with pampushky (Ukrainian garlic rolls) or dark rye bread.

Serving Ukrainian Borscht

Historically, the Ukrainian borscht soup is eaten hot with sour cream and dill on top of it. Families also take rye bread with garlic rub or pampushky fluffy with garlic oil on the side.

Cold Ukrainian red borscht is also good in summer, refreshing and tangy, it is usually accompanied by fresh herbs and boiled eggs.

Cultural Significance

Borscht is not only a dish, it is a national identity of Ukrainians. Trying to keep warm, in 2022, traditional Ukrainian borscht was officially declared by UNESCO as a cultural treasure. To Ukrainians in the diaspora, the preparation of this soup is a means of remaining in touch with their heritage and their culture with their friends.

FAQs About Ukrainian Borscht

Is borscht Ukrainian or Russian?

Borscht was first in Ukraine and then it was spread in Eastern Europe. Every part of the country has its variant, yet the original ones are Ukrainian.

What is in Ukrainian borscht?

Beets, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, dill, and broth. There are meat versions and vegetarian versions.

How do you make Ukrainian borscht soup?

Preparation of broth, cabbage and potatoes, beet and carrot saute (zazharka) and combining all ingredients followed by seasoning are all major steps.

What’s the difference between Ukrainian and Russian borscht?

Borscht in Ukraine may contain more vegetables, more garlic, and more dill whereas Russian versions are simpler and have less acidity.

Conclusion – Bringing Authentic Ukrainian Borscht to Your Table

Borscht is no other dish that could represent the spirit of Ukrainian food as much as it does. It is wholesome, in color, and very symbolic. It can be made with beef or is a vegetarian dish, but it will always unite people.

European Food Market is the place where Southern California residents can go to cook this traditional Ukrainian borscht recipe. We bring you all the original ingredients you require - fresh vegetables and herbs, sour cream, sunflower oil, rye bread.

Visit us at our main store: 

📍12222 Poway Rd. Suit #17, Poway, CA, 92064 – ➡️ Get Directions 

We also have a second store in Oceanside located at:

📍4171 Oceanside Blvd, Suit #107, Oceanside, CA, 92056 – ➡️ Get Directions

Bring the best Ukrainian borscht recipe into your kitchen and experience the Ukrainian soul in the present days.