Cabbage Borscht: A Hearty and Flavorful Soup Recipe
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 8
Description
This Cabbage Borscht, an adaptation of my friend Judy’s mother’s cherished recipe, has become a favorite in my household. Its delightful blend of flavors and ease of preparation make it a go-to choice for family dinners. The soup not only tastes fantastic but also holds up wonderfully in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prepping or a hearty, warming meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 2 – 3 pounds of beef roast or steak
- 3 quarts cold water
- 3 cups tomato juice
- 2 cups chopped cabbage
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or to taste)
Instructions
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Prepare the Meat: Start by placing the beef roast or steak into a large pot. Pour in the cold water, ensuring the meat is completely submerged. Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Simmer the Meat: Once the water reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the meat cook slowly until it becomes tender and shreds easily with a fork. This process will take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the cut of meat used.
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Shred the Meat: After the meat is tender, remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded meat aside.
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Add Vegetables and Seasonings: With the meat removed, leave the broth in the pot. Add the tomato juice, chopped cabbage, diced onion, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and the shredded meat. Stir to combine everything.
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Season the Soup: Season the soup with salt and black pepper. Add sugar and lemon juice to taste, adjusting as needed based on your flavor preference.
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Cook the Soup: Allow the soup to simmer on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until all the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally, and taste periodically, adding more lemon juice, sugar, or salt as necessary to suit your taste.
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Serve: Once the vegetables are fully cooked and the flavors have melded together, your Cabbage Borscht is ready to serve. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it with slices of hearty rye bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjusting Flavors: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to match your taste preferences. Some might prefer a bit more lemon juice for a tangier flavor or additional sugar for a hint of sweetness.
- Storage: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for several days. It can also be frozen for longer storage—just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
This Cabbage Borscht, with its robust flavor and comforting warmth, is sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy every hearty spoonful and the satisfaction of a meal well made! 🍲🥄
