Seitan Borscht Recipe: A Hearty Vegan Twist on the Classic Soup
Borscht is a beloved Eastern European soup traditionally made with beets, cabbage, and a variety of other vegetables. This Seitan Borscht recipe adds a flavorful vegan twist by incorporating seitan as a protein source, making it rich, hearty, and satisfying. Ideal for those seeking a nourishing plant-based dish, this soup is packed with nutrients, color, and flavor. With the addition of fresh herbs like dill and a touch of sour cream, this borscht is sure to warm you up on a chilly day.
Category: Soups
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked Beets | 500g |
| Canned Peeled Tomatoes | 400g |
| Carrots | 2 |
| White Onion | 1 |
| Tomato Paste | 1 tsp |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 40g + q.b. |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ground Black Pepper | To taste |
| Vegetable Broth | 5 liters |
| Savoy Cabbage | ½ head |
| Potatoes | 500g |
| Fresh Dill | 10g |
| Seitan | 200g |
| Rye Bread | 8 slices |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Sour Cream | 4 tbsp |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Start by peeling and grating the carrots using a coarse grater.
- Peel and finely chop the onion.
- In a large pot, heat 40g of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
-
Cook the Root Vegetables:
- Once the onion is ready, add the grated carrots and chopped beets (you can use precooked beets for convenience). Stir the mixture and cook for a minute, allowing the vegetables to soften.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Add the canned peeled tomatoes and crush them with a fork to break them down. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Simmer the Soup:
- Add the vegetable broth to the pot and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Prepare the Cabbage:
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the cabbage. Remove any tough outer leaves and cut the cabbage in half. Trim out the central core and then slice the cabbage into strips. Chop into smaller pieces, about 1 cm wide.
-
Cook the Potatoes:
- In a separate pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil and add the peeled and diced potatoes. Let them cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
-
Toast the Rye Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (about 400°F). Arrange the rye bread slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the bread with olive oil and toast in the oven for about 8 minutes, until crispy and golden.
- While the bread is still warm, rub each slice with a peeled garlic clove to infuse it with a delicious garlic aroma.
-
Combine the Ingredients:
- Once the soup ingredients have cooked for about 25 minutes, add the cooked potatoes and cabbage to the pot with the beets and carrots. Stir well and allow the flavors to combine for an additional 10 minutes.
-
Prepare the Seitan:
- Slice the seitan into thin strips. Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seitan and sauté for 5 minutes, allowing it to become golden and crispy on the edges. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Final Touches:
- Once the soup has finished simmering, stir in fresh dill to add a fragrant, herby touch. Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each serving with a generous portion of seitan.
- For extra richness, add a dollop of sour cream to each bowl and garnish with a sprig of fresh dill.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Seitan Borscht is best served hot, accompanied by the crispy rye bread for dipping. The combination of the savory, earthy beets, tender potatoes, and savory cabbage makes this soup a complete meal. The addition of seitan gives it a satisfying protein boost, making it filling enough to be enjoyed as a main dish.
For a vegan twist, use plant-based sour cream or skip the sour cream altogether for a lighter option. Enjoy this warming, nutritious bowl of borscht as a comfort food on cold days, or serve it as a standout dish for a cozy family dinner.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Potassium | 900mg |
This Seitan Borscht combines the earthy flavors of root vegetables and savory seitan with the tanginess of sour cream, creating a comforting and filling dish perfect for chilly evenings or any time you’re craving a warm, flavorful meal.
